I'm back behind the wheel of the Volkswagen Atlas this week - a roomy three-row SUV that's proven to be well-liked since its debut in 2018. My test vehicle is the SE with Technology- second in a five trim lineup.
Note: The Atlas will be significantly updated for 2024 with a new interior and refined turbo engine, plus VW's IQ. Drive system will be standard across the lineup along with Digital Cockpit Pro.
Exterior
I've always liked the looks of the Atlas. My test vehicle stands out in a striking Aurora Red Metallic hue complimented by sharp looking contrasting wheels, thanks to a 20-inch black alloy wheel package.
VW's hallmark three bar grille is flanked by LED headlights and daytime running lights. The SE with Technology is also equipped with Poor Weather lights for better visibility in bad weather. However, you can't get VW's Adaptive Front Lighting system on this grade.
In the back, you find LED tail lights. I love the wide “Atlas” name strip below the VW badging, which gives the exterior an upscale look. On top, you'll find standard roof rails.
Powertrain
There are two available engines. This model is equipped with a 2.0L turbo four-cylinder engine that delivers 235-horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. (It's not as powerful as the VR6's 276-horsepower). Acceleration is OK but I prefer the higher number, especially for an SUV this size. Remote start is standard on the SE with Technology. However, this model is not equipped with available all-wheel drive.
The SE with the Turbo engine delivers improved fuel economy over the AWD VR6-equipped model I reviewed last year. Something else to keep in mind is that the 2.0L turbo models feature 7.1 inches of ground clearance as opposed to the VR6's 7.5 inches.
Interior
The Atlas' Titan Black leatherette interior is well-designed and quite roomy. You'll find a mix of soft-touch materials and plastic along with glossy black and other trim pieces. A 10-way power driver's seat is comfortable and supportive. Both front seats are heated and ventilated. A nicely sized perforated leather-wrapped and heated multi-function steering wheel
The center console houses your push-button start, drive mode control, a leather gear shifter, cup holders and an electric parking brake along with buttons for the surround camera and park assist. There's a lot of storage space in the nicely padded center console bin.
I do miss a sunroof in here, and I think it'd be nice if VW made a panoramic one standard across the lineup, given the size of the SUV.
My test vehicle's comfortable 2nd-row captain's chairs are optional on the SE. Second-row passengers get their own digital A/C controls and manual window sunshades. The sliding and reclining 2nd-row seats recline and fold flat.
The third-row actually fits adults. Though you lose some headroom due to slight stadium seating. I do have to say, these are also some of the most comfortable 3rd-row seats I've come across. There are no power seat options for the 2nd or 3rd row but they're easy to fold flat with a lever mechanism.
Standard cabin SE features include three-zone climate, wireless charging, charging ports in all three rows, rain sensing wipers, metal front door scuff plates, a 115 Volt outlet in the 2nd-row, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Utility
A hands-free remote kick sensor power tailgate gives you easy access to an illuminated cargo area with nice carpeting. There is plenty of cargo space in the Atlas too, with or without the 3rd-row down. There's also a 12V power outlet back there.
Technology
New for the 2023 model year, the SE w/Technology is equipped with VW's fantastic 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro with full-screen navigation (that becomes standard across the lineup in 2024). You can toggle between views easily and the full-screen navigation view looks terrific.
An 8-inch touchscreen features VW's Composition Media system and a rearview camera. Overall, the system is responsive, but I didn't love the volume knob button. It's too small and my hand kept hitting the screen, accidentally changing stations, when I tried to adjust the sound level. Also I found voice recognition hard to use. The system supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth.
I did miss the premium 12-speaker Fender audio system in the SEL Premium R Line I reviewed last year. The SE's standard 6-speaker system likely won't appeal to you if you enjoy your music or talk radio.
Ride and Drive
One of the Atlas' strong points is its ride and drive. The smooth suspension delivers an enjoyable and comfortable ride, especially over potholes and in highway driving. The ride height is fantastic with great visibility. It's a fairly quiet ride as well, though I found the engine itself to be a bit noisy at times.
Safety
The SE w/Technology lacks VW's most advanced IQ.Drive system that you can read about in my previous 2022 Atlas review here. This model is still equipped with a nice list of safety features that include Front Assist (Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control Stop & Go and Hill Hold Control.
What You’ll Pay
Options on this model include the available 2nd row Captain's Chairs ($695), and Black Wheel Package ($595). As equipped, that brings the total to $41,750.
Verdict
The Atlas SE isn't the most premium of SUV's when it comes to the cabin, but it has a lot of attributes (like its roominess and available driver digital display) that make it worth a look. However, since a refresh is due in 2024, I'd be remiss if I didn't suggest checking out the updates before making a final purchase decision.
- What I liked most: The great ride and drive. Digital cockpit. Exterior.
- What I would change: Make a panoramic sunroof standard and IMHO a standard audio system in a vehicle this size should be at least 8 speakers.
- MSRP: Base price $38,770. As equipped: $41,750.
- Fuel Economy: 21 city/25 highway/23 combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 2,357 miles.
- Weight: 4,594 pound curb weight.
- Spare Tire: Temporary Compact Spare.
- Length-Width-Height: 200.7” long/ 78.3” wide/70.1” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.6 gallons with the filler on the passenger side.
- Official Color: Aurora Red Metallic. ($395)
- Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds.
- 2023 VW Atlas SE w/Technology in a few words: The Atlas to get if you're on a budget but still want a great Digital Driver Display.
- Warranty: Volkswagen New Vehicle Limited Warranty: 4-year/50,000 miles Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty and Carefree Maintenance Program, schedule maintenance services for 2 years of 20,000 miles; 7-year/100,000 miles Corrosion Perforation/3-years/36,000 miles 24-hour roadside assistance.
- Final Assembly Location: Chattanooga, TN
- Manufacturer's website: VW
