The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas
Although the midsize SUV segment is crowded and highly competitive, that has not deterred Volkswagen, which introduced its largest vehicle yet for the 2018 model year. This vehicle, called the Atlas, sports three rows of seats (a first for the German automaker), as well as a robust list of standard and available features. The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas is available in three trim levels: Launch, SE, and SEL. An elevated version of the SEL named "SEL Premium" functions as the nameplate's top-of-the-line configuration.
Specs | 2018 Volkswagen | 2017 Toyota | 2017 Honda |
Starting MSRP | $33,500* | $30,630* | $30,745* |
Highway MPG | 25mpg** | 24mpg** | 27mpg** |
Cargo Volume (Cu ft) | 98.3 | 83.2 | 83.9 |
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty | 6 years/72,000 miles*** | 3 years/ 36,000 miles | 3 years/ 36,000 miles |
Emergency S.O.S. | 911 Assist | Available | N/A |
Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS) | Standard | N/A | N/A |
Roadside Assistance | 3 year/ 36,000 miles | 2 year | 3 year/ 36,000 miles |
VW Car-Net & App Connect | Standard | N/A | N/A |
The Performance
The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 that churns out 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. The engine comes with a start-stop system, which shuts it down when coming to a stop and turns it back on when you stop pressing the brake pedal. Consequently, there's no engine idling and less energy is consumed. With the engine combined with an 8-speed automatic transmission (which has the Volkswagen Tiptronic shifter and Sport mode for a more exciting, gear-shifting driving feel), the fuel economy on the Atlas is measured at up to 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway if sticking with the front-wheel drivetrain. You do have the option, however, of going with Volkswagen 4MOTION® all-wheel drivetrain for enhanced traction.
Interior and Features
The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas is one of the few midsize SUVs that comes with three rows of seats, which accommodate up to seven people. Passenger volume is measured at 153.7 cubic feet. Although the trunk yields 53.5 cubic feet of cargo space, you can fold down the rear seats to expand it to 96.8 cubic feet. V-Tex leatherette upholstery, front-seat heating capability, and 10-way power adjustability and power lumbar support for the driver's seat make an appearance on the SE. On the SEL Premium, heating capability is extended to the second row, leather trim replaces leatherette at the first and second rows, 3-position memory is added on the driver's seat, and 8-way power adjustability appears on the front passenger seat. Â
At the base level, the 2018 Volkswagen comes with cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power tilting-and-sliding panoramic sunroof, HomeLink® for remote garage door opening, a three-month trial SiriusXM® satellite radio subscription, Volkswagen Car-Net App-Connect® for infotainment integration, Bluetooth® connectivity, a rearview camera, and a six-speaker stereo system that includes an 8-inch touchscreen and voice recognition. Two speakers and three more USB ports (bringing the grand total to four) are added on the SE; and if you get the tech package, you'll also get three-zone automatic climate control and remote power liftgate with closing assist. On the SEL, the cruise control is automatic. And on the SEL Premium, the rearview camera is upgraded to 360-degree viewing ability, the audio setup is the nine-speaker 400-watt Fender® Premium Audio System, and infotainment gets a boost with navigation and accompanying four-year SiriusXM® Traffic and three-month SiriusXM® Travel Link trial subscriptions.
Vehicle Safety
On the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, the standard safety features include a crash response system; all-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with brake override; a rollover sensor system; electronic vehicle stability; engine and hydraulic brake assist; and front impact, side impact, and side curtain airbags. On the SE, Volkswagen adds a blind spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert. If you go with the tech package, the SE joins the SEL Premium in getting a front assist alert system for preventing front crashes. Front assist includes pedestrian monitoring, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and autonomous emergency braking.
Take a Test Drive
Ready for your new adventure in the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas? We welcome you to Team VW, where we offer a plethora of configuration choices. One of our sales specialists will be more than happy to help you choose the right Atlas. Give us a call to set up an appointment.Â
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*MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title and registration fees. Starting at price refers to the base model, optional equipment not included. A more expensive model may be shown. Pricing and offers may change at any time without notification. To get full pricing details, see your dealer.
**EPA estimated MPG may vary by transmission, trim and individual driving behavior.
***MY2018 Atlas 6 years/72,000 miles (whichever occurs first) New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Based on manufacturers' published data on transferable Bumper-to-bumper/Basic warranty only. Not based on other separate warranties. See owner's literature or dealer for warranty limitations.