The Volkswagen Atlas made its debut for the 2018 model year, and while it’s a midsize SUV in the U.S., it’s actually the largest such car that Volkswagen makes—European cars generally being smaller. Specifically designed for the North American market, the Atlas competes with cars such as the Honda Pilot, the Toyota Highlander, and the Kia Telluride, but what sets the Atlas apart is its vast interior, its straightforward layout, and—despite its size—nimble driving dynamics exported direct from Europe.
Built on the modular MQB platform, which underpins various other VW and Audi models, the Atlas features two engine options—a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a 3.6-liter VR6—both with an eight-speed transmission. The Atlas is front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard, but Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is also available.
The Volkswagen Atlas has carved out a niche as a family-friendly, three-row SUV with a premium feel, thanks to its handsome styling and its focus on practicality.
A second-generation VW Atlas is due for launch in 2025
Volkswagen Atlas Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Volkswagen Atlas Pros and Cons
- Volkswagen Atlas Generations
- First Generation (2018-Present)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Volkswagen Atlas years are the best?
Although an all-new model is due in 2025, there was only one generation of Volkswagen Atlas at the time of writing. That said, the 2021 facelift gave it a considerable boost in appeal, with updated styling and technology and improved reliability. We’d say that makes the later models a better buy.
What are the worst Volkswagen Atlas years?
Earlier 2018 and 2019 Volkswagen Atlases had a few teething issues, with reports of reliability problems with the transmission and electric system, as well as premature wear on some components. Many of these issues were resolved under warranty or via recalls, but it’s always worth checking to make sure they’ve been resolved. Proper maintenance and a full service history should give you peace of mind.
Is the Volkswagen Atlas a good deal?
Yes, the Volkswagen Atlas represents a great deal for buyers looking for a spacious, well-equipped SUV with European styling and impressive driving dynamics. That said, it has slightly below-average reliability scores compared to some competitors, and out-of-warranty repair costs can be high. It might be worth considering certified pre-owned (CPO) models, with extended warranty coverage, if you want extra reassurance.
Volkswagen Atlas Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Spacious interior with three rows of seats
- Smooth, refined driving dynamics
- High-quality interior with modern tech
Cons
- Some reliability issues in early models
- Below-average fuel economy
- High maintenance costs compared to some rivals
Volkswagen Atlas Generations
First Generation (2018-Present)
Volkswagen introduced the Atlas for the 2018 model year, five years after it was previewed in the form of the CrossBlue concept car. A three-row midsize SUV, it immediately stood out thanks to its impressive interior space (the second row and third row of seats are very roomy), and critics and customers alike praised its refined driving dynamics and clean design. Volkswagen offered two engines, a range of trim levels and various configurations to meet different budgets and requirements.
The exterior styling is bold and boxy, its clean lines and upright proportions giving the Atlas North American market appeal while still keeping Volkswagen’s European look so it stands out against the opposition. The front end showcases the signature Volkswagen design with a barred chrome grille and angular headlights, LED daytime running lights, and full LED headlights. Standard 18-inch alloy wheels give it a purposeful stance, while higher trims feature 20-inch or option 21-inch rims. The dimensions of the Atlas measure 198.3 inches in length, 78.3 inches wide, and 70 inches tall, making it the largest Volkswagen on sale in the U.S..
Inside, the Atlas embraces a practical, no-nonsense design that nevertheless feels sophisticated, thanks to some premium quality materials and top-quality infotainment options. Entry-level VW Atlas models feature a 6.5-inch touchscreen that’s upgraded to an eight-inch unit on higher trims, which also sports VW’s Digital Cockpit replacing traditional dials. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity is standard. Three rows of seats can carry up to seven with plenty of headroom and legroom, and there are multiple storage bins, cupholders and a big centre console for stashing assorted family belongings. Base-spec Volkswagen Atlas models feature cloth upholstery, while higher-end models, such as the SEL and the SEL Premium, have their seats clad in leatherette or genuine leather.
Power on early models came from a choice of two engines. The 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder unit had 235 horsepower and 25 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.6-liter VR6 produced 276hp and 266 lb-ft. Both drove the front wheels as standard, through an eight-speed automatic transmission, although the VR6 model is available with 4Motion AWD.
Five Volkswagen Atlas trim levels were available at launch: the Volkswagen Atlas S, which was only available with the 2.0-liter engine; the Volkswagen Atlas SE, with a larger touchscreen and keyless access; Volkswagen Atlas SE with Technology, which added features such as a hands-free power liftgate, remote start, “Climatronic” three-zone climate control, push-button start, park distance control, and eight USB-C ports; the Volkswagen Atlas SEL with leatherette seats; and the Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium, which comes with LED taillights, ambient lighting, Digital Cockpit and upgraded infotainment system, as well as leather seating surfaces, heated outer rear seats and a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system. An R-Line package was available with the SE with Technology and SEL models, giving them a sportier look with redesigned wheels and bumpers. A large panoramic sunroof was offered on SEL and SEL Premium models.
Standard features in the safety department include an automatic post-collision braking system, a rear-view camera and six airbags. At launch, a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert was optional, as was Forward Collision Warning and Lane Keeping Assist, as well as adaptive cruise control and the Park Pilot assisted parking system.
The 2019 model year saw driver assistance features such as blind-spot monitoring, Front Assist and Rear Traffic Alert included as standard, with the Digital Cockpit included on the SEL trim, while 2020 saw the introduction of the five-seat Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, which also features sportier styling. The R-Line package was merged into full trims, taking the total line-up to seven with the addition of SE with Technology R-Line and the SEL R-Line.
In 2021, Volkswagen gave the Atlas a facelift with a refreshed grille, bumper and LED headlights. The interior materials were revised, too, and the infotainment system upgraded with larger touchscreen options. The 2.0-liter engine was made available on higher trim levels, and more safety systems were bundled in as standard. The R-Line treatment was also doled out to the SEL Premium trim, meaning a separate Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium R-Line model was available for the first time.
Having expanded the trim levels in 2021, Volkswagen chopped them back to six in 2022, with a new line up comprising SE, SE with Technology, SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL R-Line Black (with black styling elements and black wheels) and SEL Premium R-Line. Digital Cockpit was now standard across the range, VR6 models had a trailer hitch as standard and SEL models came with 4Motion AWD as standard.
The 2023 model year saw the SEL R-Line model dropped (but the SEL R-Line Black retained), and an upgraded 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro system included on SE with Technology models and above.
There was another big refresh in 2024, with various upgrades including a new four-bar grille and new adaptive LED headlights, while inside there were design tweaks and revised materials, with leatherette upholstery as standard. Under the hood, a new 269hp, 2.0-liter turbo engine replaced both the earlier options, with better fuel economy and more torque. It had a towing capacity of 5,000lbs, matching the old VR6 and bettering the 2,000lbs offered by the previous 2.0-liter engine.
A new Volkswagen Atlas Peak Edition model was added to the range, with underbody cladding, all-terrain tyres and exclusive color choices. SEL models came with a head-up display as standard and the SEL Premium R-Line featured a Harman Kardon audio system.
An all-new Atlas is due to be revealed in 2025, but for the 2025 model year the existing model was given some new paint options, a 15W wireless charger as standard and new massage front seats on the SEL Premium R-Line model.
Early Volkswagen Atlas customers had a few complaints about reliability, with transmission hesitations and failures on the VR6 models high on the list of gripes, along with electrical faults and premature wear of interior components. There were various recalls and service campaigns, with issues with the braking system and the airbags, so ensure this remedial work has been completed on any used model you’re considering and keep an eye out for it during the test drive.
The earliest Atlases also experienced occasional software glitches in the infotainment system, although cars built from 2021 have been relatively trouble free.
Average prices for a used Volkswagen Atlas start at around $18,000 for a 2018 model in reasonable condition, rising to just north of $40,000 for a 2024 car, although the exact price will depend on trim, mileage and condition. A high-mileage 2020 Volkswagen Atlas S will cost around $15,500, while a low-mileage 2024 Atlas SE with Technology will cost around $37,000.
At the time of writing, the MSRP for a new 2025 Atlas started at $38,200 for the SE and rose to $53,205 for the SEL Premium R-Line.
