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Way’s Comprehensive Review of The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas

  • Car Insights
  • Xavier Sabastian
  • 12 minutes

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Large, strong, and trustworthy – The right descriptions of Volkswagen Atlas. Most people are familiar with the legendary figure of Atlas, who is recognized for bearing the heavens on his shoulders and personifying strength and endurance. The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas is similar to the Greek god. Please read our detailed Volkswagen Atlas review to know more!

Volkswagen’s choice of the term ‘Atlas’ for its entry into the three-row, midsize crossover SUV market is no surprise and is a clever marketing gimmick.

To keep up with the apparent “T-trend” in the names of Volkswagen SUV vehicles, the VW Atlas was originally going to be called the Teramont. The available models include the Volkswagen Tarek, Tiguan, Touran, Touareg, Tharu, and Tayron. The Teramont name ended up being solely promoted outside of North America, and the Atlas name was adopted for use in the United States and Canada because American dealers who first saw the vehicle rejected the Teramont name. Volkswagen allows allowing for regionally-based marketing decisions.

The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas has a reasonable starting price and provides roomy seats, a sizable load capacity, and refined driving dynamics.

The Atlas was well received from the start. According to their expert assessment, the VW Atlas is “a great compromise between precise handling and everyday comfort.”

An Outlook of 2023 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas has a reasonable starting price and provides roomy seats, a sizable load capacity, and refined driving dynamics. However, the Atlas’ appeal as a family vehicle is marred by poor cabin materials and a sluggish engine lineup.

The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas has a reasonable starting price and provides roomy seats, a sizable load capacity, and refined driving dynamics.

Is the Volkswagen Atlas a good SUV?

If you’re looking for a midsize SUV, the 2023 Atlas is the right choice. Volkswagen sells the Atlas in two- and three-row configurations. Both models stand out for their roomy interiors, large cargo spaces, and user-friendly technology. Driving the Atlas is pleasant and relaxed, and it seems very maneuverable for an SUV of its size. However, the Atlas’ weak engines, low-quality interior furnishings, and brief guarantees are less noteworthy.

If you're looking for a midsize SUV, the 2023 Atlas is the right choice. Volkswagen sells the Atlas in two- and three-row configurations. Both models stand out for their roomy interiors, large cargo spaces, and user-friendly technology.

Are there options?

Although the Atlas is worth considering, we advise first putting other family-friendly SUVs like the Kia Telluride, Toyota Highlander, Nissan Pathfinder, and Jeep Grand Cherokee L. The four all feature more luxurious interiors than the Atlas and a little more oomph.

2023 Volkswagen Atlas price

The basic MSRP of the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas is $33910, which is less than the current average. The cost increases to $43680 for the middle SEL trim, starting at almost $51000 for fully loaded SEL Premium R-Line versions. Volkswagen’s lineup of SUVs also includes the all-electric ID, compact Tiguan, and tiny Taos.

2023 Volkswagen Atlas Interiors

The interior of the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas is surprisingly low-end despite its posture and body lines. Although everything is reasonably neatly put together, the dashboard is staid and dreary, and numerous cabin surfaces are finished with harsh and cheap-looking plastics. You’ll also hear an experienced amount of wind and traffic noise in the cabin. Competitors like the Mazda CX-9 and Hyundai Palisade are much more luxurious for the money.

Bluetooth, Navigation, and Infotainment

The Atlas’ infotainment system may not be the most cutting-edge on the market, but it is simple to operate. Both the 6.5-inch regular touch screen and the optional 8-inch touch screen provide simple menus, rapid responses, and clear images. The dashboard also has easy-to-use buttons and knobs for the music and climate controls, so you don’t have to rely solely on tapping or swiping to change every setting.

Additionally on the show is Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit system. This digital gauge cluster is located behind the steering wheel in 8-inch- and 10.2-inch sizes. It can be customized to display as much or as little information as you’d like, including a useful navigation view with map and driving route details.

A 6.5-inch touchscreen connected to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a six-speaker radio, Bluetooth, and two USB connections is included in the infotainment system as standard.

An 8-inch touch screen, GPS, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, satellite radio, 12-speaker audio, wireless device charging, and three more USB ports are all available infotainment options.

A push-button start, proximity keyless entry system, and 8-inch digital gauge cluster are standard features.

Additional amenities include a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster, automated climate control with dual and three zones, remote start, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof.

The interior of the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas is surprisingly low-end despite its posture and body lines. Although everything is reasonably neatly put together, the dashboard is staid and dreary, and numerous cabin surfaces are finished with harsh and cheap-looking plastics.

Cargo Space of 2023 Volkswagen Atlas

The Atlas boasts a generous 96.8 cubic feet of cargo space after folding all of the rear seats, in addition to 20.6 cubic feet behind the third-row seats and 55.5 cubic feet with them up. This is one of the midsize SUV class’s greatest load capacity, and it can hold anything from carry-on luggage and camping gear to timber and moving boxes. 

With 40.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind its back seats and 77.8 cubic feet with these seats folded, the Atlas Cross Sport is also rather large. Both a hands-free motorized liftgate and a manual liftgate are options.

2023 Volkswagen Atlas Seating Capacity

There are two and three-row options for the Atlas. There are five seats in the two-row Atlas Cross Sport. The three-row Atlas has seven seats as standard, but second-row captain’s chairs are an option, reducing the number of seats to six.

No matter how the seats are arranged, they are comfortable and supportive, and there is enough room for taller drivers and passengers to stretch out. The SUV’s front, sides, and back are visible from the outside. Similar to the first row, the second-row seats are roomy and comfy. Although the third row is conspicuously smaller, it is spacious enough for shorter adults to fit comfortably, which is unusual in this market. Kids will have plenty of space.

Front heated seats and synthetic leather upholstery are included. There are options for a heated steering wheel, second-row, heated front, and ventilated front seats.

The VW Atlas has tether anchors for the third-row seats and three full sets of LATCH connectors for the seats in the second row. 

Performance of 2023 Volkswagen Atlas

A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower or a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 276 horsepower are the two powertrain choices for the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas. A front-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission are both standard on both; all-wheel drive is an option.

2023 Volkswagen Atlas Engine 

Neither engine is likely to blow you away. The four-cylinder propels the Atlas off the line and around town with a fair amount of comfort. However, its power quickly wanes at higher speeds, and it can exhaust the SUV when attempting to pass another car. Pushing it hard also produces a rather gravelly sound. Although the V6 is smoother and feels a little more powerful on the highway, it requires high revs to reach its maximum power, and that high-rpm thrum can be just as annoying. The slow crawl from 0 to 60 mph with either engine lasts around 8.5 seconds.

The eight-speed automatic transmission generally offers smooth gear changes. However, it can occasionally be reluctant to downshift, which only worsens the Atlas’ power problems.

2023 Volkswagen Atlas Gas Mileage

For a midsize SUV, the Atlas’s fuel efficiency is below average. EPA-rated fuel economy for models with a four-cylinder engine is 21 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway (20/24 mpg with all-wheel drive), while the best fuel economy for a V6 is 18/24 mpg in the city and highway.

2023 Volkswagen Atlas Handling

Although the VW Atlas is a large SUV, it does a great job hiding its weight on the road. Through turns, the Atlas feels steady and sure-footed with little side-to-side body lean. The brakes smoothly bring the SUV to a stop, and the steering is swift and lightly weighted. Maneuvering on city streets is reasonably simple, but parking can be challenging.

Particularly on models with 18- or 20-inch wheels, the Atlas’ suspension absorbs rough terrain with amazing calmness, producing a smooth and comfortable ride. For models with 21-inch wheels, the ride becomes a bit busier, but it still needs to be severe.

2023 Volkswagen Atlas towing capacity

The Atlas’s V6 engine and tow package let it tow up to 5,000 pounds. All four-cylinder vehicles and V6 models without this equipment have a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.

Is the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas a reliable car?

The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas gets a 72 out of 100 expected reliability rating. A predicted reliability score from J.D. Power of 91 to 100 is regarded as the best, 81 to 90 as great, 70 to 80 as medium, and 0-69 as fair and below average.

Volkswagen Atlas Warranty 2023

Volkswagen offers a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty on the 2023 Atlas.

2023 VW Atlas safety rating

The 2023 Atlas received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with four stars in the frontal collision and rollover tests and five stars in the side crash tests.

2023 Volkswagen Atlas Safety Features

Standard features for driver assistance – 

  • Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
  • Rearview camera 
  • Forward collision warning
  • Automatic emergency braking when moving forward

Feature options for driver assistance:

  • Sensors for rear and front parking
  • System of surround-view parking cameras
  • Parallel and perpendicular park assistance with no-hands operation
  • Autonomous cruise control
  • Lane-keeping aid
  • Headlights that can rotate and automatically turn on the high beams
  • recognition of traffic signs
  • Travel Assist (lane-centering adaptive cruise control)

Dimensions and Weight of 2023 Volkswagen Atlas

The three-row Atlas is 16.7 feet long, while the two-row Atlas Cross Sport is 16.3 feet long. The curb weight of the Atlas ranges from 4,123 to 4,594 lbs.

Where Was the Volkswagen Atlas Made in 2023?

The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas is produced in Tennessee.

Which Volkswagen Atlas model from 2023 is best for me?

There are several variations of the Volkswagen Atlas. First, decide between the three-row Atlas and the two-row Atlas Cross Sport. After that, choose one of the five trim levels available: SE, SE with Technology, SEL, SEL R-Line Black, and SEL Premium R-Line. 

If your family is expanding, we advise going with the three-row Atlas. It costs not much more than the five-seat Atlas Cross Sport and has a bigger cargo room and seating for up to seven people.

Volkswagen Atlas SE

The starting price for the base SE is $33,910 for two rows and $34,600 for three rows. Front-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine are all standard; an all-wheel drive is an option.

Eight-inch digital gauges, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, two USB ports, heated front seats, a 10-way power driver’s seat, a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, LED headlights, a manual liftgate, and 18-inch wheels are all included as standard features.

Volkswagen Atlas SE with Technology

The SE with Technology trim costs $38080 for two-row cars, and for three-row versions, it costs $38770. With this trim, you get a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster, an 8-inch touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless device charging, three extra USB ports, HD Radio, satellite radio, tri-zone automatic climate control, remote start, a hands-free power liftgate, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, and 20-inch wheels.

A V6 engine, all-wheel drive, second-row captain’s seats (available on three-row variants only), and a panoramic sunroof are available extras.

SEL Volkswagen Atlas

The intermediate SEL costs $43680 for two-row cars, while three-row versions cost $44390. The all-wheel drive, lane-keep assistance, adaptive cruise control with lane centering, adaptive headlights with automatic high beams, an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, a heated steering wheel, GPS, a panoramic sunroof, and ambient lighting are all included with this specification.

The V6 engine and captain’s seats are options.

Black Atlas SEL R-Line

The SEL R-Line Black costs $45630 for two rows and $48090 for three. This trim shares its usual features with the SEL trim but adds black exterior elements. Notably, the V6 engine is optional for vehicles with two rows but standard for those with three. Once more, there are second-row captain’s chairs available.

Atlas SEL Premium R-Line

Last but not least, the SEL Premium R-Line costs $51075 for vehicles with two rows and $51790 for those with three rows. This trim includes genuine leather upholstery, heated second-row seats, ventilated front seats, 12-speaker audio, a surround-view parking camera system, hands-free parking assist, 21-inch wheels, and the V6 engine. Again, captain’s chairs are not required.

Affordable Volkswagen Atlas insurance via Way

Whether you get the Atlas with a V6 engine or not, the Way.com app can help you save a lot on car insurance, no matter which engine you choose. 

Download the Way.com app and enter some basic information about yourself. We at Way.com will get all the information from your current insurance company in seconds. Choose from reasonable quotes from more than 130 of the best insurance companies. We at Way.com will take care of the rest. 

No long paperwork. Don’t ask around—no hard work. Just saves! The average user of Way.com saves $971 on car insurance every year.

Bottomline

Yes! Critics and drivers have said the Volkswagen Atlas is a good SUV. It has a roomy cabin, great power, and an above-average towing capacity. 

Even if the reviews are good, the only thing that counts is what you think, so trust your gut. Speaking of trust, if you buy the Atlas, download the Way.com app today to compare car insurance quotes and keep your Volkswagen Atlas insurance costs low.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Volkswagen Atlas a good SUV?

If you’re looking for a midsize SUV, the 2023 Atlas is the right choice. Volkswagen sells the Atlas in two- and three-row configurations. Both models stand out for their roomy interiors, large cargo spaces, and user-friendly technology. Driving the Atlas is pleasant and relaxed, and it seems very maneuverable for an SUV of its size. However, the Atlas’ weak engines, low-quality interior furnishings, and brief guarantees are less noteworthy.

Which Volkswagen Atlas model from 2023 is best for me?

There are several variations of the Volkswagen Atlas. First, decide between the three-row Atlas and the two-row Atlas Cross Sport. After that, choose one of the five trim levels available: SE, SE with Technology, SEL, SEL R-Line Black, and SEL Premium R-Line. 

Is the Volkswagen Atlas a reliable car?

The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas gets a 72 out of 100 expected reliability rating.

 


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