VW’s Atlas has the goods to be a hit in North America
Road Test: 2018 Volkswagen Atlas
It was designed in North America and aimed at satisfying the mania surrounding the crossover segment. In simple terms, the new Volkswagen Atlas takes the Tiguan’s basics, including an upsized version of its MQB platform, and pumps everything up big time. It has been upsized to the point where it is larger and has more seats than the Touareg. While not official, this news means the Atlas effectively spells the end for its larger sibling.
While the starting point is VW’s 235- horsepower, 2.0- litre turbocharged four- cylinder, the smart money is going to opt for the narrow-angle 3.6- L V6 engine, which bumps the output to 276 hp and 266 pound- feet of torque. This brings a stronger mid- range and, more importantly, it bumps the tow capacity from 909 kg for the turbofour to a more realistic 2,273 kg for the V6. The caveat here is fuel economy; the brawny V6 can get pretty thirsty if it is pushed to the maximum on a regular basis.
The power reaches the road through a slick eight- speed automatic transmission and VW’s 4Motion all- wheel- drive system. The transmission is smooth on the way up the gears and it’s willing to drop a cog to pass a slower vehicle. If sharper response times and delayed upshifts are required there is a sport mode and a manual gate. The 4Motion system sends the power to the front wheels under normal driving conditions, but it is quick to react to a traction loss by engaging the fifth- gen Haldex’s clutch pack. It can send up to 50 per cent of torque to the rear wheels.
The system’s drive characteristics can be tweaked through the Drive Mode selector. The outer ring has Snow, Dry ( everyday setting), Offroad and Custom off- road profiles, each of which changes how the Atlas hooks up. In an off- road environment pick the off- road setting and be done with it; during the test, it made the most of a slippery trail, maintaining forward momentum even as one or more of the wheels lost grip. Here, the electronic differential lock transferred the power across the axles as needed. No, the Atlas is not an off- road pro, but it has enough ability to allow the owner to venture off- road with a degree of confidence.
When on- road ( Dry) mode is selected, the centre button gives access to Eco, Normal, Sport and Custom profiles. Custom allows the driver to pick between Normal and Sport modes for each facet. In simple terms, use Custom and put everything in Normal with the exception of the steering; it felt ( and is) too light in anything but the Sport setting. This setup brings a balanced approach to the drive. The throttle response is snappy without being aggressive and the shifts are smooth with an emphasis on fuel economy. Of course, hit a twisty back road and the Sport mode is the only way to go.
Remarkably, and in spite of its outward dimensions, the Atlas felt lighter on its 20- inch wheels than expected. The suspension did a good job of dialing out unwanted body roll and it only began to push when liberties were taken. Hitting the highway saw it waft along without jostling the riders over a rougher section.
Inside, the story is all about space. The middle- row seating is comfortable with enough space for three taller adults to sit comfortably; the third row not so much. Now, given the choice of riding back there or walking home in the rain well, I’m staying dry. Then there’s the flexibility and space for seven and cargo. With all seats occupied, there’s 583 L of cargo space. Dropping the third row opens it up to 1,571 L, and with the lot flat, there’s 2,741 L. That, by any measure, is roomy.
The cabin is very nicely finished. When you get to the top- line Execline trim, you pretty much get everything VW has to offer, including a 12.3- inch screen for the configurable instrumentation. Naturally, all the desirable power options are in place, including a panoramic moonroof and a 10- way poweradjustable driver’s seat. To the right, the centre stack is dominated by the eight- inch touch screen that looks after all the entertainment, phone, vehicle and navigation functions, as well as giving access to a number of apps, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Rounding things out was the 13- speaker Fender sound system, a soulful setup with a dynamic range. Finally, lest I forget, there are 17 cup holders for seven riders. Why?
The good news is the Atlas is available with all the right safety equipment. What’s included depends upon the model; the Execline gets the lot: a 360- degree camera, adaptive cruise control with stop/ go ability, blind- spot monitoring with rear cross- traffic alert, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane- keep assist, automatic high beams and park assist.
The Touareg’s eventual departure is going to leave some pretty big tires to fill, but the new Atlas is more than up to the task. Another 20 hp would not go amiss, but that aside, there is very little to dislike with the overall execution. It has substance, style and seating for seven along with the ability to tackle an off- road trail as well as it deals with a twisty section of tarmac.