Why do all reviewers complain about hard plastic? Nobody sits in their car and rubs it. Plus hard plastic is easier to keep clean then plush interior trim.
Not sure why he's talking down on the 4 cylinder engine. It has great power when you need it; I averaged 27mpg driving from Irvine California to OKC. Love my 2018 Volkswagon Atlas 2.0t SE!!!
I’ve had my SE with Tech 4Motion Atlas since July of last year. Yes 2017. What he failed to tell you was. The Atlas has a sport mode. And when you slap the shifter down. It kicks into sport mode and when you stomp the gas pedal. The vehicle will take off. I’ve drove it from Texas to Virginia twice. Full of luggage and 2 adults and 3 kids. Power wasn’t a problem at all. Even going up the mountains.
power to weight ratio is not usually on the reviewers mind, for the big size is not heavy at all. since power only translates to acceleration if the car is not heavy, they tend to mistakenly just stick to simply comparing power with the competition
Was in same shoes. Highlander was boring and the 3rd row was useless. Pilot definitely a good choice, better fuel economy and roomier but also somewhat boring drive behavior. Went with Atlas for its auto-parking, better off-road capabilities and hi-end stereo system. Definitely hard to choose between Pilot and Atlas. (If both are top of the line model)
Don't forget about Volkswagen's warranty on most of their 2018 models - 6-years or 72,000 miles. In addition to peace of mind for the original buyer, it should help resale values since it's transferable to the next owner. I wonder if other manufacturers will start to increase their warranties?
Glen M. I bought the 2019 atlas premium. 1 recall and 3 times engine light on within 9 months after I bought it, how can you trust their reliability, even with 72,000 miles warranty, you have to go to their service center over again and again, Terrible experience. I will never buy VW again
We always have affirmation of German Volkswagen technologic rigor , in July 2018 my father was very happy to buy a flagship version of the new Volkswagen (Teramont) 530V6 (2.5T) in Shenzhen, But driving to 4000 kilometers we found oil leakage problem of engine, my father ask the seller to a new car replacement but this request was unreasonably refused by the seller that made my father very depressed. I would like to ask how Volkswagen Germany can get a reasonable solution to Volkswagen China?
No it doesn't need a V8 🤦🏾♂️🙄. A V8 would just make it even thirstier on gas. As it is the 2021 V6 SEL Premium with 4Motion AWD gets 16 city & 22 MPG highway. And that's with its power defiict the reviewer mentioned. It just needs a newer turbo inline-6 or turbo V6 that can make more HP like 290-300 HP & more torque like 280-300 lb-ft of torque while gaining a boost in fuel economy. Other midsize crossovers & SUVs in this segment get closer to 20 MPG city even with AWD & up to 25 or more MPG highway depending on their drivetrain configuration
Hahahaha...Bold statement saying GMC is superior than a VW. GMC exterior and interior is rubbish, out dated and always playing catch up. I'd much rather drive a Hyundai Excel than be caught in a GMC.
The 2.0 turbo feels much more peppy with my family when compared to the VR6. It gets full torque at a very low Ron and feels great. Later on with a tune it'll easily outclass much more powerful SUVs. The 8 speed DSG is also smooth and quick shifting which makes that turbo feel even better.
I don't like this review. The guy is pretty negative about the car when Infact they did a far better job then he said they did. Who needs a stronger engine??? That's not what the car is for.... Dumb commentary from whoever thinks the engine is week, buy a sports car if you are looking for power duh.
VW really need to improve their quality control not only the long warranty. Their designer should get the reward, but their quality control head should step down for so many recalls and parts issues
The “character” (contour) lines are laughably bad. One of my biggest sticking points. But my other option (Explorer) isn’t much better looking, if any.
Almost everyone saying on HP which seems way low fir the size of the SUV.i wouldn’t be looking for sport but at least some power for regular use. This is the lack make me not go for it. Other thing you didn’t mentioned this has Fake look of Dual Exhaust,they are underneath.
As a Golf owner who’d like more space for hauling boat stuff around, I’m seriously considering the Atlas. No transition on the dash and controls because they’re virtually identical. Going to book a test in January when Ontario winters tend to be at their worst. That said, I think piano black elements in any car are dopey; they show every speck of dust in my Golf. A neutral grey or even an extension of that faux wood from the passenger side would be better from an esthetics viewpoint as well as more practical. Good review, thanks.
v6 has plenty of power, was gonna get cut off by a Suburban on the freeway, floored it and did't let him in, yes we did go over 90 doing so, all of the power is in the bottom end.
Im not agree with you on the lack of power with this motor if you never drive a audi q7 or q5 you probably never noticed the lack of powa! The vr6 do a real good job pair with the 8 speed automatic. Perfect match for the price.
For being a brand new platform it already looks dated whether interior or exterior. I’m a Volkswagen guy at heart but unless they do something to wow me in the future I will be sticking to only air cooled. The interior still resembles the update from the mk5 generation and that was more than 10 years ago now.
I have an Atlas SE 2.0T and it's not lacking any power, I'm actually surprised how fast a 4cyl SUV picks up speed without any sport modes or downshifting. Go test drive one, it's free.
Do it again when the base 4cyl comes out and try to say the same things; I bet you won't be able to... Anything less than a golfR/TTRS motor isn't going to work all that well even if it is only spinning the front wheels... How slow is too slow?
Quit whining that its underpowered. Just because it doesn't accelerate like a sports car in all situations doesn't make it bad. You cannot demand that kind of action of a huge family oriented vehicle. Get with it.
I know tuning is not for everyone. But that 2.0t with a simple tune already produces more power than the vr6. Sadly when equipped with the 2.0t the trims are super basic. Imagine slapping an is38 turbo on this thing
tranceformers What do you expect? This is an American made VW. (I'm pretty sure they aren't sold in Europe too) it's way too big to be electrically powered without it shooting up the cost to insane prices. A hybrid would be interesting though.
Pretty much every VW is a reliability disaster. It's probably more reliable than a Land Rover, but that's about the best that you can hope for. If you want an SUV that will spend more time in your garage than the dealer's, then buy a Toyota.
Have a VW Jetta 2010 (120K miles) , and a Toyota RAV4 2009 (81k miles). I spent ~$1000 in Repairs on the Toyota already. VW Jetta? just maintenance . Anecdotal, but reliability of VW is actually not as bad as people make them to be, probably much better than their early 2000s models.
geoffk777 ??? The car has a 6 year/75k mile warranty (is transferable to other people if you sell it). The warranty is bumper to bumper too. Toyotas have shorter and case sensitive warranties. Our previous sienna had 200k miles and was having problems. Our classic golf GTI has 300k miles (we still have it because of memories with the car) and has only had problems with air conditioning which was fixable with spending less than $500.
Alan Bowers because cars really don’t change in 3 years plus the Infiniti would be more luxurious, more powerful, and still carry prestige since not many go for its polarizing styling ( that’s probably why he mentioned it ). The thing is smooth and powerful..
aayonce4 Many publications didnt even think the QX60 (JX35) was all that great back then. Lots of complaints about how it wasnt a big enough step over Nissan's own Pathfinder and such. And infotainment, again couldnt even hold its own back then. There are some compelling cases to be made from comparing new to used, but still, your comparing new to used. That argument can go every which way and usually devolves into random nitpicking.
Very VW in terms of styling...meaning it's boring and despite a brand new model it looks dated already. Looks functional though with all that space but likely a minivan disguised as an SUV and looks like it drives/handles that way too (big, floaty and uninspiring). With VW's track record on reliability I wouldn't touch a VW vehicle despite their better warranty and only reason they improved their warranty was partly to make up for their dieselgate scandal for "cheating"...can never trust a company like that.
Ed D.L.C. automakers are looking for just that emotion. No one wants a car that is simply or generally pleasant to look at by all, that is boring and bland. They want a polarizing design that may revolt, but also may inspire people depending on their preferences or tastes.
OMG Look at the dash at 4:21!!!! The Check Engine light is already on! HAHAHAHA VW just can't win, no thanks. You always hear the check engine light jokes about VW and here a brand new car already has it on......junk.
Acc0rd79 the check engine light comes on in every car when it's on but the engine isn't running. And he's not gonna have the engine on in a closed in room
a complete shit brand does not light the check engine light when first rotating the key. it shows if the light is working, otherwise the fkn lamp needs to be changed, its indicating that you have a serious problem on the engine, and its not working and you have no idea
Why do all reviewers complain about hard plastic? Nobody sits in their car and rubs it. Plus hard plastic is easier to keep clean then plush interior trim.
Good informative review. Wouldn't mind owning one myself. Just a side note, Atlas not a Greek god but a Titan forced to hold up the sky.
Thanks... *face palm*
Jonathan Elfalan easy mistake to make. Did it myself before seeing it somewhere.
Not sure why he's talking down on the 4 cylinder engine. It has great power when you need it; I averaged 27mpg driving from Irvine California to OKC. Love my 2018 Volkswagon Atlas 2.0t SE!!!
lots of electronics = Many points of failures
no electronics = cars from the 70s
I’ve had my SE with Tech 4Motion Atlas since July of last year. Yes 2017. What he failed to tell you was. The Atlas has a sport mode. And when you slap the shifter down. It kicks into sport mode and when you stomp the gas pedal. The vehicle will take off. I’ve drove it from Texas to Virginia twice. Full of luggage and 2 adults and 3 kids. Power wasn’t a problem at all. Even going up the mountains.
power to weight ratio is not usually on the reviewers mind, for the big size is not heavy at all. since power only translates to acceleration if the car is not heavy, they tend to mistakenly just stick to simply comparing power with the competition
How do you find it now - 4 months later? Im torn between this, Pilot and Highlander.
Beachcomber Which one did you get?
Was in same shoes. Highlander was boring and the 3rd row was useless. Pilot definitely a good choice, better fuel economy and roomier but also somewhat boring drive behavior. Went with Atlas for its auto-parking, better off-road capabilities and hi-end stereo system. Definitely hard to choose between Pilot and Atlas. (If both are top of the line model)
@@uwsinned How about the explorer?
Don't forget about Volkswagen's warranty on most of their 2018 models - 6-years or 72,000 miles. In addition to peace of mind for the original buyer, it should help resale values since it's transferable to the next owner. I wonder if other manufacturers will start to increase their warranties?
If Others Want To Compete.. They Better Step Their Game Up!
Glen M. I bought the 2019 atlas premium. 1 recall and 3 times engine light on within 9 months after I bought it, how can you trust their reliability, even with 72,000 miles warranty, you have to go to their service center over again and again, Terrible experience. I will never buy VW again
The Volkswagen atlas looks kinda like a Range Rover.
Jayson Sumner I think it looks like a grand Cherokee and Range Rover had a German baby
I have been driving one for the past three months the acceleration picks up when you put it into sport.
SPORT Mode is The BEST!!
But it eats gas, I have the RLine model , a bit slow but Sport Mode does kicks in
We always have affirmation of German Volkswagen technologic rigor , in July 2018 my father was very happy to buy a flagship version of the new Volkswagen (Teramont) 530V6 (2.5T) in Shenzhen, But driving to 4000 kilometers we found oil leakage problem of engine, my father ask the seller to a new car replacement but this request was unreasonably refused by the seller that made my father very depressed. I would like to ask how Volkswagen Germany can get a reasonable solution to Volkswagen China?
Much better than the Pilot, Telluride, Palisade and Explorer
Great job on the review. The VW needs a V8. The garage is squeeky clean.
No it doesn't need a V8 🤦🏾♂️🙄. A V8 would just make it even thirstier on gas. As it is the 2021 V6 SEL Premium with 4Motion AWD gets 16 city & 22 MPG highway. And that's with its power defiict the reviewer mentioned. It just needs a newer turbo inline-6 or turbo V6 that can make more HP like 290-300 HP & more torque like 280-300 lb-ft of torque while gaining a boost in fuel economy. Other midsize crossovers & SUVs in this segment get closer to 20 MPG city even with AWD & up to 25 or more MPG highway depending on their drivetrain configuration
I have the 2017 GMC Acadia Denali. Not as big as the Atlas, but it has what I believe is a better, more modern and efficient V6 engine.
Hahahaha...Bold statement saying GMC is superior than a VW. GMC exterior and interior is rubbish, out dated and always playing catch up. I'd much rather drive a Hyundai Excel than be caught in a GMC.
I Create OP is technically correct. The VR6 used in the Atlas is old technology compared to GM’s new V6s.
Pete Romano I like GMC but they have been known not to be super reliable.
GMC rocks!
@@icreate5529 that's problem ... Hyundai & KIA are garbage. Yet u proudly proclaim to respect it over an iconic American Brand. U must be a foreigner.
Great job as always, Jonathan! 👍
I like it, would have to get the V6 but 50k is steep!
You don't need 50k. You can get SEL with most of the goodies for 42k at most dealerships.
Kju Njels and if you are good at negotiating you can get the SEL with 4motion for 40K at some dealerships.
You floor the gas pedal...and the Atlas shrugged.
The 2.0 turbo feels much more peppy with my family when compared to the VR6. It gets full torque at a very low Ron and feels great.
Later on with a tune it'll easily outclass much more powerful SUVs. The 8 speed DSG is also smooth and quick shifting which makes that turbo feel even better.
Crappy audio & ummm those "dual exhaust pipes" are fake Mr. Road Test Manager.
NICE VIDEO!! The ATLAS Continues To Impress Us!
Going to be in the market for a bigger crossover, I am definitely thinking in test driving this new Atlas. 👍
This thing desperately needs a diesel. Damn you, VW...thank god I got a TDI when I did.
We Wish It Had One too. At Least The 3.6 Has Plenty Of Power.. Just Not The MPGs
Jake Root cause
U r the only guy complaining about vr6 engine in all you tube😒😒
The new trend is to make cars look ugly
Very nice review. Third row shots should be standard of the vehicle has it.
8:07 but can you do this
What’s going on with the audio quality?
Fix that check engine light guy
since when did 6' become a monster? people 5'9 and under are fucken short.
I don't like this review. The guy is pretty negative about the car when Infact they did a far better job then he said they did. Who needs a stronger engine??? That's not what the car is for.... Dumb commentary from whoever thinks the engine is week, buy a sports car if you are looking for power duh.
VW really need to improve their quality control not only the long warranty. Their designer should get the reward, but their quality control head should step down for so many recalls and parts issues
The “character” (contour) lines are laughably bad. One of my biggest sticking points. But my other option (Explorer) isn’t much better looking, if any.
A very practical and comfortable car I would buy a car like this . It is also a very reliable car well don V W Atlas
Almost everyone saying on HP which seems way low fir the size of the SUV.i wouldn’t be looking for sport but at least some power for regular use. This is the lack make me not go for it. Other thing you didn’t mentioned this has Fake look of Dual Exhaust,they are underneath.
As a Golf owner who’d like more space for hauling boat stuff around, I’m seriously considering the Atlas. No transition on the dash and controls because they’re virtually identical. Going to book a test in January when Ontario winters tend to be at their worst. That said, I think piano black elements in any car are dopey; they show every speck of dust in my Golf. A neutral grey or even an extension of that faux wood from the passenger side would be better from an esthetics viewpoint as well as more practical. Good review, thanks.
v6 has plenty of power, was gonna get cut off by a Suburban on the freeway, floored it and did't let him in, yes we did go over 90 doing so, all of the power is in the bottom end.
Surprisingly because of the torque the 2.0t accelerates better. Can’t tow nearly as much tho:/
Im not agree with you on the lack of power with this motor if you never drive a audi q7 or q5 you probably never noticed the lack of powa! The vr6 do a real good job pair with the 8 speed automatic. Perfect match for the price.
For being a brand new platform it already looks dated whether interior or exterior. I’m a Volkswagen guy at heart but unless they do something to wow me in the future I will be sticking to only air cooled. The interior still resembles the update from the mk5 generation and that was more than 10 years ago now.
he average adult like myself...the guy is like 4'10...average for a hobbit.
The Pilot drives exactly like my Sienna. I was shocked.
Is that a good thing?
The Atlas is a minivan in size - just that in manly USA it would sell better making buyers think they are getting an SUV.
Honestly I'm not digging the front. It's very odd and quit ugly
I have an Atlas SE 2.0T and it's not lacking any power, I'm actually surprised how fast a 4cyl SUV picks up speed without any sport modes or downshifting. Go test drive one, it's free.
Dorin, look into a stage 1 APR software upgrade. It will transform your Atlas. You will have the hp of the V6 and more torque than the V6 makes.
Wouldn`t give Volkswagen house room.
am i the only one who thinks the back looks like a grand cherokee?
Awesome Job an I love those Volkswagen Atlas
It looks fugly. Can't believe VW made such a terrible looking car.
To each his own. I think it looks fantastic compared to generic Japanese and Korean cars out there. Has a classic European look to it.
It could have the same V6 as the Macan S
Or the same V8 as in the Touareg/Cayenne.
and same price trollol
nice informative review ty for posting it
Do it again when the base 4cyl comes out and try to say the same things; I bet you won't be able to... Anything less than a golfR/TTRS motor isn't going to work all that well even if it is only spinning the front wheels... How slow is too slow?
Actually the 2.0T feels much faster than the V6, and I think the numbers support that too if you google acceleration times.
Quit whining that its underpowered. Just because it doesn't accelerate like a sports car in all situations doesn't make it bad. You cannot demand that kind of action of a huge family oriented vehicle. Get with it.
I know tuning is not for everyone. But that 2.0t with a simple tune already produces more power than the vr6. Sadly when equipped with the 2.0t the trims are super basic. Imagine slapping an is38 turbo on this thing
I am getting a 2.0T SEL. You can order them, and rarely find them on sale too.
Is38 would make that thing a beast. Too bad it isn’t a day so you could flash the tcu as well.
Exhaust stacks are fake
Seriously good vehicle
Great review
Looks good
Gasoline car in 2018 by VW? Not interesting.
You more of an e-Golf fan?
Whatever E VW has to offer.
tranceformers What do you expect? This is an American made VW. (I'm pretty sure they aren't sold in Europe too) it's way too big to be electrically powered without it shooting up the cost to insane prices. A hybrid would be interesting though.
Looks like grand Cherokee from the rear
Great review, Jonathan.
According to the IIHS, the headlights are POOR.
Marginal* Dumbass.
Hideous looking barge. The front end looks like a tiger. The interior is phenomenal however
Arslan Khalid I actually think the opposite.
Pretty much every VW is a reliability disaster. It's probably more reliable than a Land Rover, but that's about the best that you can hope for. If you want an SUV that will spend more time in your garage than the dealer's, then buy a Toyota.
Have a VW Jetta 2010 (120K miles) , and a Toyota RAV4 2009 (81k miles). I spent ~$1000 in Repairs on the Toyota already. VW Jetta? just maintenance . Anecdotal, but reliability of VW is actually not as bad as people make them to be, probably much better than their early 2000s models.
geoffk777 ??? The car has a 6 year/75k mile warranty (is transferable to other people if you sell it). The warranty is bumper to bumper too. Toyotas have shorter and case sensitive warranties. Our previous sienna had 200k miles and was having problems. Our classic golf GTI has 300k miles (we still have it because of memories with the car) and has only had problems with air conditioning which was fixable with spending less than $500.
Doesnt the Atlas had very poor reliability issues?
Third row seat plus cargo space rivals Infinity QX60? But u can get 2015 qx60 fully loaded at under $33k
Did I travel back in time? Why did you reference a 3 year old car?
Alan Bowers because cars really don’t change in 3 years plus the Infiniti would be more luxurious, more powerful, and still carry prestige since not many go for its polarizing styling ( that’s probably why he mentioned it ). The thing is smooth and powerful..
aayonce4 Many publications didnt even think the QX60 (JX35) was all that great back then. Lots of complaints about how it wasnt a big enough step over Nissan's own Pathfinder and such. And infotainment, again couldnt even hold its own back then. There are some compelling cases to be made from comparing new to used, but still, your comparing new to used. That argument can go every which way and usually devolves into random nitpicking.
Alan Bowers that’s my bad I️ thought he was talking about the biggest suv Infiniti has .
Alan Bowers I️ agree about the jx35 that thing was horrible and basic
I love how roomy it is but my question is how reliable is it?
Stephen Ferris does it look like they would know rn? Be smart
Very VW in terms of styling...meaning it's boring and despite a brand new model it looks dated already. Looks functional though with all that space but likely a minivan disguised as an SUV and looks like it drives/handles that way too (big, floaty and uninspiring). With VW's track record on reliability I wouldn't touch a VW vehicle despite their better warranty and only reason they improved their warranty was partly to make up for their dieselgate scandal for "cheating"...can never trust a company like that.
Lol typical VW check engine light on with less than 5k on it
car is in ignition without being started...don't post comments about things you don't understand...
Relax man its a joke not a Dick so don't take it like one
haha...now that was a joke :D
That is a hideous looking car
How many cars have you designed like ?
jonny5777 you know, a couple of cars...lol
Ed D.L.C. automakers are looking for just that emotion. No one wants a car that is simply or generally pleasant to look at by all, that is boring and bland. They want a polarizing design that may revolt, but also may inspire people depending on their preferences or tastes.
Ed D.L.C. I get what you mean mate it is a dog but it's hard to make a beast like that look pretty I guess
OMG Look at the dash at 4:21!!!! The Check Engine light is already on! HAHAHAHA VW just can't win, no thanks. You always hear the check engine light jokes about VW and here a brand new car already has it on......junk.
Acc0rd79 the check engine light comes on in every car when it's on but the engine isn't running. And he's not gonna have the engine on in a closed in room
I’m guessing you don’t own a motor vehicle. That always comes on with any vehicle when in accessory 2 mode.
C'mon, he obviously has a Nissan GTR and an Accord. ;)
lol, he's just a fanboy kid, even though he's already old enough to have his own kid
a complete shit brand does not light the check engine light when first rotating the key. it shows if the light is working, otherwise the fkn lamp needs to be changed, its indicating that you have a serious problem on the engine, and its not working and you have no idea