2022 Volkswagen Atlas

If size matters to you, but you aren't willing to invest in a full-size SUV, then the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas may be the ideal midsize for you. As the largest vehicle in the classification, it boasts loads of interior space, but it also presents buyers with the option of a capable V6 engine that develops 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, improving the towing capacity to 5,000 pounds. The capacious cabin is well-appointed, especially since the SE replaces the outgoing S as the base model. The higher base tech specs of the Volkswagen Atlas mean that it stacks up well against rivals like the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Subaru Ascent. A choice between a fuel-efficient and more performance-focused engine, easy access to all-wheel drive, and seating for up to seven passengers combine to make the 2022 Atlas very compelling in one of the most popular car market segments.

As one of the biggest midsize SUVs on the roads, the Atlas is naturally bold and chunky. While there are a few smoothed over edges, it's about as blocky as an SUV can be and shows off extended wheel arches and power bulges on the hood. The front three-bar grille extends the full width of the front fascia, and there are large LED headlights and daytime running lights. The lower bumper is particularly aggressive with its air intakes, which may make the VW SUV look more performance-focused than it is. The SE is equipped with 18-inch alloys, which grow to 20s on middle trims and 21s on the SEL Premium R-Line. Roof rails are standard on every model but differ in color, starting black and changing to silver on upper trims. From the SEL and above, a panoramic sunroof becomes standard.

The dimensions of the Volkswagen Atlas are truly monstrous. It measures 200.7 inches in length and stands 70.1 inches tall, although both V6 variants are a little taller at 70.4 inches. The wheelbase is 117.3 inches long, while the overall width of the SUV is 78.3 inches. But, despite its rugged appearance, the Atlas isn't a particularly great off-roader, with just 7.1 inches of ground clearance or 7.5 inches for the V6. Then again, the Atlas was never intended for following Jeep Wranglers along muddy trails.

Of course, something this big is bound to weigh in on the heavy side. The lightest trim starts things off at 4,262 pounds and maxes out at 4,605 lbs.

The exterior of the Atlas is available in a choice of eight colors, depending on the trim. The base SE is presented in White or Deep Black Pearl, or one of three metallic options: Platinum Gray, Pyrite Silver, and Tourmaline Blue. The SE Tech adds Racing Green Metallic as a no-cost option, while Aurora Red Metallic will cost you $395. From the SEL up, Oryx White rounds out the palette as the final $395 option.

Neither of the Volkswagen Altas' two engine options even come close to making the hefty SUV feel lively. The base four-cylinder relies on turbocharging to get the job done, but 235 hp and 258 lb-ft still mean you'll need a lot of time to plan to overtake on the highway. The V6 with 276 hp and 266 lb-ft could probably have done with some turbocharging, too, but it does a decent enough job as a naturally aspirated unit. There are no official performance figures, but independent testers have claimed that the V6 can launch the Volkswagen Atlas from 0-60 mph in around seven seconds.

Front-wheel drive is standard on the lower trims levels, but AWD can be had on any of the models that don't get already have it. Surprisingly, the extra weight has no impact on the towing capacity of the Volkswagen Atlas, which maxes out at 5,000 lbs with the V6 engine. The four-pot can only manage 2,000 lbs.

Starting things on the lower trim levels is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that develops 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. It comes mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and sends power to your choice of front or all four wheels. The former setup is probably the better option, since the AWD adds more weight to a vehicle that already lacks sprightly performance.

If you want access to 276 hp, a Volkswagen Atlas with the naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V6 engine is the way to go. Torque only increases marginally to 266 lb-ft, but the combination does bestow the VW with a decent towing rating. The V6 also uses an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and outputs can be directed to a front-wheel drivetrain on the SE Tech, while the remaining V6 trims are AWD only.

If you're looking for a fun-to-drive car, then the VW Atlas is not the SUV for you. However, this is not was it was designed for. The steering is light, so maneuvering into those relatively tight parking spots is easy, but feedback is non-existent. This makes the large vehicle easy to handle, but there is no athleticism or dexterity. So while this may not impress those who have test-driven a Mazda CX-9, it's a whole other story once you start considering ride comfort.

This is where the Atlas really shines, as it eats up bumps in the road without breaking its stride and cosets occupants in a quiet and cozy cabin that never feels claustrophobic. This is why we feel the Sport Mode is really just there as a gimmick. The VW Atlas is a solid and pragmatic cruiser that families will love to be inside during those long vacation trips.

While most midsize SUVs are relatively frugal in terms of their gas mileage, the Volkswagen Atlas bucks the trend. This is primarily because it is larger and heavier than the average vehicle in this segment. Equipped with the base 2.0L four-pot, the Atlas will return just 21/25/23 mpg across the city/highway/combined cycles with FWD, while opting for AWD drops these figures down to 20/24/22 mpg. You'll get even worse mpg from a Volkswagen Atlas using the 3.6L V6. With FWD, this configuration manages 18/24/20 mpg. Meanwhile, AWD models hit rock bottom at 17/23/19 mpg. To make up for this mediocre fuel economy, the VW Atlas has a large gas tank size. With a full 18.6 gallons, it can travel for up to 427 miles in its most frugal guise.

The Honda Pilot with its V6 engine gets 3 mpg more on the combined cycle than the Atlas V6. Kia's class-leading Telluride has a larger 3.8-liter V6 but also uses less gas than the equivalent Atlas.

The interior of the 7-seater Volkswagen Atlas is expectedly spacious. And, if you know the brand well enough, the high quality of the materials and build won't come as a surprise. This is a cabin meant to be enjoyed. Sure, the lower trims levels get more basic accouterments and the design is a bit humdrum, but the materials used are of a high standard. The 3rd row is also genuinely usable, which is a comment we usually reserve for much larger full-size SUVs. That being said, you wouldn't want to seat an adult in the back for a cross-country trip. In terms of technology, the Atlas is well-outfitted with modern conveniences and even a few comforts. A panoramic sunroof is added at SEL level to make the cabin feel more open and a bit more premium.

Depending on whether you opt for a second-row bench or captain seats, the Volkswagen Atlas can accommodate between six and seven passengers. The interior dimensions are generous, but even so, 3rd-row legroom is only just enough at 33.7 inches. The second row is somewhat better at 37.6 inches, while those in the front can enjoy a full 41.7 inches. Headroom is significantly better throughout, thanks to the blocky design of the Altas. From front to back, it measures 41.3, 40.4, and 38.3 inches. A power-adjustable driver's seat is standard, and both front seats are heated. Ventilation for the front seats and heating for the second-row seats are available.

Since the SE is the new base model for the Atlas, the starting upholstery is now leatherette, presented in Titan Black and Shetland Beige. The SE with Technology and SEL trims add Mauro Brown to the mix. Genuine leather only becomes standard from the SEL Premium. The colors remain the same, but the Shetland Beige and Titan Black get Quartz accents, while the Mauro Brown is paired with Titan Black. A leatherette-wrapped steering wheel makes way for a leather-wrapped item higher up in the range. All R-Line models also have stainless steel pedal caps. Overall build quality is great, and the interior both looks and feels quite premium.

Three-row SUVs don't usually have a lot of cargo space with all the seats in place. In this configuration, the trunk space in the Volkswagen Atlas measures 20.6 cubic feet. This is still fairly decent and enough for mild errand-running. To compete with the two-row SUVs, you'll need to fold down the third row, which gives you access to 55.5 cubic feet. This is more than enough for a month's worth of groceries, as well as all the kids' sports bags. Maximum capacity is accessed by folding down all the seats. This maxes capacity out at 96.8 cu ft.

There are plenty of nooks around the cabin to store smaller items. These include cupholders in the first and second rows, large door pockets in all four doors, a standard glove compartment, and a sizeable cubby under the center armrest.

The VW Atlas is one of the most generous midsize SUVs when it comes to the list of standard features. These include dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, keyless entry and start, a digital cockpit, heated front seats, and a ten-way power driver's seat. The basic safety systems comprise a rearview camera, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The SE with Technology naturally adds a few features, namely a hands-free power liftgate, a 115-volt power outlet, tri-zone climate control, park distance control, remote start, and wireless phone charger. From the SEL upwards, a panoramic sunroof, side mirror memory, driver-seat memory, and interior ambient lighting are added to the list. New safety features include dynamic road sign display, travel assist, lane assist, emergency assist, and VW Digital Cockpit Pro. The top-tier SEL Premium enjoys heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a surround-view camera, and park assist.

Most models in the Atlas range enjoy a modern and comprehensive infotainment suite. Sadly, the SE inherits the 6.5-inch touchscreen with the old MIB2 software from the outgoing S. Standard capabilities include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability, all paired to a six-speaker sound system. The SE Tech upgrades to the eight-inch touchscreen and adds HD Radio, wireless app connect, additional USB-C ports in the front and back, and SiriusXM with 360L. To get the 12-speaker Fender sound system, you have to upgrade all the way to the top-tier SEL Premium. Luckily, even the base system is easy to use, with intuitive menus. But, the larger eight-inch screen is far superior and crisper.

When it comes to reliability, the Volkswagen Atlas doesn't exactly inspire confidence. It only scores a 70 out of 100 in J.D. Power's consumer satisfaction survey for the quality and reliability category. This could be accredited to a large number of recalls over the years. In 2021, it was recalled a worrying 13 times, while another two issues came to light in 2022. The 2021 model's recalls included a few issues related to the airbags, more than one steering-related malady, and a driver's side headlight that was aimed too low. The 2022 recalls were, so far, for delayed deployment of the front side airbag and a missing fuel injector filter that could result in a fuel leak.

The Volkswagen Atlas' warranty is also quite average, covering bumper-to-bumper and powertrain issues for four years/50,000 miles. However, complimentary maintenance is provided for two years/20,000 miles.

Both the NHTSA and IIHS reviews of the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas returned impressive results. The former awarded the SUV an overall rating of five stars, while the latter gave it a score of Good in every category, so long as the best headlights are equipped.

The standard safety suite on the VW Atlas covers all the basics. There is stability and traction control, ABS, and a total of six airbags: dual front, front side, and side curtain. The more advanced driver assists include forward collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a rearview camera, and pedestrian detection. These can be further bolstered by the available park distance control, travel assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and surround-view camera. VW's semi-autonomous hands-on system called IQ.Drive is standard on SEL models and above. This system uses front/rear radar, a front camera, and numerous sensors to assist the driver on highways and around town.

Three-row SUVs are becoming more commonplace as American families want more space and decent levels of comfort in their daily drivers. And within this classification, the Volkswagen Atlas is one of the better products. Despite falling into the midsize category, it delivers oodles of space and a usable third row of seating. The cabin is well put together, and there are plenty of standard features to enjoy. On top of all this, the trunk space behind the third row is very competitive. However, there are some downsides we feel obliged to point out. The most obvious is the lackluster engines on offer. Sure, they get the job done, but this is a huge and heavy vehicle, and neither powerplant has enough oomph to move it with gusto. The driving dynamics are also rather dull and uninspired, so while it is easy to handle, it won't ever be fun behind the wheel. And while the interior is actually pretty good, it looks kind of plain. Nevertheless, none of this is enough to detract from the fact that the Atlas is a comfortable and composed family cruiser that can even be made to feel like a true premium vehicle if you are willing to pay for one of the upper trim levels.

The old S trim has been cut from the Atlas lineup, so you have to pay a little more to get things started. However, at $34,355, the SE is cheaper than it used to be, so it makes for a great entry point. The SE with Technology adds a few desirable features and only costs $38,505. From there, it's a sizeable leap up in price to the SEL, which will cost you $44,105. Adding some R-Line styling will also add just over $3,000 to the bill for the SEL R-Line V6 at $47,255.

The SEL R-Line Black costs $47,805, and at the top of the range, and the only model to break the $50k barrier, is the SEL Premium R-Line, which goes for $51,505. Adding the V6 engine to the SE Tech or SEL will cost you $1,750, while opting for the AWD system on the SE or SE Tech will set you back between $1,880 and $1,900. These prices for the Volkswagen Atlas are MSRP and do not include the $1,295 destination charge or any other fees.

There are six models in the Volkswagen Atlas lineup for 2022: the SE, SE with Technology, SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL R-Line Black, and SEL Premium R-Line. The SE trims and the base SEL come equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine as standard, though the SE Tech can be had with the V6 that is standard from the SEL R-Line up. An eight-speed automatic transmission is equipped across the line, and both FWD and AWD are readily available.

Outfitted with full LED exterior lighting and riding on 18-inch wheels, the SE is a great value proposition in the three-row SUV segment. It gets loads of standard features like keyless entry with push-button start, a digital cockpit, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats with a power-adjustable driver seat, and a decent selection of safety tech such as forward collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. It is only let down by the small 6.5-inch infotainment display running on the old MIB2 software. It does still get access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. A six-speaker sound system is standard.

The SE with Technology naturally adds a few noticeable improvements on the feature front. These include a hands-free power-operated tailgate, tri-zone automatic climate control, remote engine start, park distance control, wireless phone charging, and a 115-volt power outlet. It also gets a larger eight-inch touchscreen display with HD Radio and SiriusXM, as well as 20-inch alloy wheels.

A panoramic sunroof is added when you upgrade to the SEL, along with memory settings for the driver seat and side mirrors, as well as interior ambient lighting. It is available with the R-Line appearance package, which adds 20-inch alloy wheels, black exterior accents, stainless steel pedal caps, and a few other sporty interior accents. Similarly, the SEL R-Line Black simply swaps out the standard exterior accents with blacked-out ones, which includes black alloy wheels.

The top-of-the-line SEL Premium R-Line already has the aesthetic elements associated with the R-Line badge, but it adds several features over the standard SEL. These include 21-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a surround-view camera, and park assist. Rounding out the tech is a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system.

Most of the so-called packages appear as separate trim levels, such as the SE with Technology, or the SEL R-Line Black. This means that there aren't really any other packages available for the VW Atlas. There are, however, some standalone options you can choose. These include larger wheels at varying prices, a bike holder for $190, a heavy-duty trunk liner for $149, or a security console safe for $265. One option that must be mentioned is the captain's chairs, available from the SE Tech upwards. These cost $695 and reduce passenger capacity by one, but they add much-improved comfort and accessibility. Also for the SE Tech is the optional panoramic sunroof at $1,200.

While the SE may be the new base model and boast some features over the outgoing S, we would still recommend going for the SE with Technology. This is because the new SE actually downgrades some of its features to be more in line with the old entry model and keep the price down. For just a little more, the SE Tech gives you the larger infotainment touchscreen with updated software. Tri-zone climate control and a few extra conveniences like a hands-free tailgate seal the deal, in our opinion. Also, you can upgrade to the V6, and you aren't forced to pair this with AWD if you don't want to, which is not a choice on the upper trims. We'd option the captain's chairs to make the cabin feel roomier, but you can stick with the bench if you regularly need to move seven people.

While Volkswagen presents buyers with a lot of choices, with multiple trims, engine, and drivetrain configurations, Honda keeps things simple with the Pilot. The only engine is a V6, which supplies a heartier 280 horsepower that somehow manages to deliver better mpg than the Volkswagen Atlas. Both are spacious SUVs that can conceivably seat seven in comfort (and up to eight in the Honda). However, the VW boasts better quality materials and construction, as well as more standard tech. That said, you get access to more premium features in the Pilot at a lower price point when looking at the upper trims. Unless you can afford the top-tier Honda Pilot, we'd suggest sticking with an Atlas at SE Tech level for the extra passenger and cargo space and comparable tech and safety specs.

When it comes to three-row SUVs, the Kia Telluride is a tough competitor to beat. The V6 under the hood is far more capable than the one presented in the Atlas, but power isn't what matters here. It's the incredible standard safety suite and unbeatable passenger and cargo space that place the Kia so far ahead of the pack. It's cheaper than the Volkswagen when comparing base models, and the value you get for your money is undeniable. Worth mentioning is that the Telluride boasts great reliability expectations, and Kia covers it with an industry-leading warranty, both categories where the Atlas simply can't match it. Finally, the Telluride is proof that a practical three-row SUV need not be dull to look at or to drive.