As Volkswagen’s largest vehicle in the U.S., the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas is a highly anticipated third-row crossover that is expected to easily take on its toughest competitors, including the Pathfinder and Explorer. If you are interested in the 2018 Atlas, here’s everything you need to know about the newest crossover on the market.
Exterior
Available in seven color options, ranging from a classic white, silver, and black, to the more noticeable kurkuma yellow and fortana red metallic, the VW Atlas has a boxy, muscular shape. For enhanced sturdiness, certain body panels have been enforced with high-strength steel. The front end is fitted with a simple two-bar grille with square LED headlights and several creased lines on the hood and side profile, which highlight the wheel wells. The rear end is reminiscent of the 2018 VW Tiguan and includes a chrome strip with an embossed Atlas badge and dual exhaust tips integrated into the lower bumper.
Interior
The VW Atlas offers a pretty upscale interior with a variety of trims to choose from, including cloth, leatherette, and leather. The 12.3” VW Digital Cockpit allows the driver to easily view all pertinent information in digitally displayed high resolution, while the 6.5” touchscreen sound system makes it easy to change the radio station or use your smartphone apps on the road. Comfortable seating with an abundance of leg and elbow room ensure up to 7 passengers are comfy. Both the second and third row can be folded down for transporting large items.
Features
Offers 9 driver assistance features, including Remote Start, Hands-free Easy Open Power Tailgate, an Overhead View Camera and Rearview Camera System, VW Car-Net® Security & Service, Pedestrian Monitoring, Blind Spot Monitoring, Park Assist, Park Pilot, and an Automatic Post-Collison Braking System
Equipped with the latest VW infotainment system featuring a 6.5” color touchscreen sound system with the Fender® Premium Audio System, an SD card reader, and Volkswagen Car-Net® App-Connect, allowing you to plug in your smartphone and see your apps
Features Intelligent Crash Response System, which automatically turns off the fuel pump, activates the hazard lights, and unlocks the doors if the airbags are deployed
Includes Climatronic® 3-zone automatic climate control, which allows the different temperatures for the driver/ front passenger, second row, and third row
Equipped with 4MOTION® with Active Control, allowing you to switch between 4 all-wheel-drive modes (Snow, On-road, Custom Off-road, and Off-road)
Stores up to 4 driver profile selections for various settings and systems.
Has a 5,000-pound towing capacity.
Has 17 cup holders, multiple USB ports, and additional console storage.
Performance
Base Price: The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas starts at $31,425.
Vehicle Layout: Up front, both the driver and passenger have large seats with a range of adjustments, while the second and third-row benches can comfortably accommodate three people or car seats with more than enough legroom and a soft backrest.
Engine: The Atlas offers two engine options. The standard engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, while the upgraded engine is a 3.6-liter VR6.
Horsepower: The 4-cylinder engine has 238-hp, while the VR6 has 280-hp.
Torque: The 4-cylinder has between 258 and 273 pound-foot of torque. The VR6 has 258 pound-foot of torque.
Top Speed: 115 mph
Transmission: 8-speed shiftable automatic
Curb Weight: The Atlas claims to have a curb weight of 4,502 pounds, making it a heavyweight.
How Fast from 0-60: 7.9 seconds
When Will It Hit the Market? The Atlas has been on the market since May 2017.