How Capable Is The Volkswagen Atlas?
The Volkswagen Atlas caught our attention for having an interesting name. The term ‘Atlas’ makes it seem like this SUV can go anywhere. But with options like the Kia Sorento and Nissan Murano available, how does the Atlas compare?
How Capable Is The Volkswagen Atlas?
The Volkswagen Atlas has a higher price tag than it’s competitors and starts around $31k. But we have to remember this is an option that seats seven passengers, not five, liker smaller SUVs.
The Kia Sorento starts around $26k, making it much more affordable, but the Nissan Murano is also up there around $31k.
A Volkswagen Atlas | Bilgin S. Sasmaz/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
Also, the Volkswagen Atlas is terrible on gas. It only gets an average of up to 20 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. This fuel economy is worse than what modern large trucks are getting.
For some substance to these numbers, the Ram 1500 gets 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. The Kia Sorento gets up to 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. So why is the VW Atlas so far behind?
Volkswagen Atlas Power
Let’s take a peek under the hood, where you’ll find two different VW Atlas engine options. The first option is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
The next option is a 3.6-liter V6 engine that pumps out 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. Also, the Atlas has a maximum towing compacity of 5,000 lb, which is excellent. It was a pleasant surprise to discover that amount of towing power.
The Kia Sorrento can also tow up to 5,000 lb while the Nissan Murano can only tow up to 1,500 pounds,
Plus, the VW Atlas has a moderate acceleration. It can go from 0 to 60 in 7.6 seconds, which isn’t the best, but it’s also not terrible. The Atlas is getting good reviews for its pep and sporty handling that feels like a car.
Volkswagen Atlas Features
If needed, you can get the Atlas with all-wheel drive to better handle slippery conditions such as snow. The Atlas can also go up windy mountain roads and gravel paths.
The Volkswagen Atlas may have a higher price tag because it’s marketed as a luxury SUV with more than enough comfort and cabin space. Along with the ability to seat seven adults comfortably, you can also access up to 98.6 feet of cargo space.
That is a ton of cargo space. For example, the massive Chevy Tahoe has up to 125 cubic feet of cargo space.
The VW Atlas also has advanced technology with the ability to charge your smartphones wirelessly.
A new 2020 Volkswagen Atlas | Erik Voake/Getty Images for Volkswagen
We were impressed by the Traffic Jam Assistance feature, which helps you navigate around heavy traffic while remaining hands-free.
But other than that, the VW Atlas is equipped with the standard safety features found across the board, such as pedestrian detection, blind-spot assistance, and more.
The VW Atlas can haul your family and boat to a campsite just fine, but its higher price is for a luxurious cabin instead of off-roading capabilities. We feel as if other options such as the Kia Sorento and Nissan Murano are more capable.
