First Impressions

The long expected, 3-row 2018 Volkswagen Atlas utility is the biggest Volkswagen ever built in the United States. The idea started with the CrossBlue concept first displayed in 2013… but this is larger…near full-size…designed for growing American families.

At 16-and-a-half feet long…its 13-inches longer than the new long wheelbase Tiguan.

The Atlas draws its strength from two powertrains, a 235 horsepower turbo-4, or a 276-horsepower VR6, each with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Front wheel drive is standard… 4 motion all-wheel drive is an option with the 6-cylinder. When those wheels were rolling… there were 8 inches between us and the road near San Antonio, Texas… 

GARICK ZIKAN: “Volkswagen spent 2 years crafting the Atlas. Underneath is the MQB architecture. They think most of their customers will choose the 6 cylinder engine that’s what we’re driving. Clearly this is designed for a family… but it’s still pretty responsive… especially in sport mode.”

JOHN DAVIS: Atlas peers down the road with LED front lighting. From there, muscular character lines work their way to the rear, where a power tailgate is available. The functional design theme continues inside with generous room for seven, and a long, broad, and flat load floor for gear.

The list of driver assistance features grows with trim lines… including automatic emergency braking. The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas goes on sale in May, staring just under $31,000.