no matter what anyone says about the car, I work at the plant and about half the people who work there want this car. It's comfortable and really a solid ride. Admittedly a little low on power, but a terrific people mover
I'm relatively close to the plant myself, so I love that it's built in a neighboring city. During my test drive, this thing was lovely. Felt smaller than it is, handling is agile without being rough, and it can move my family and all of our stuff.
Honestly as loaded as this one is for $48,000 and some change, that's not bad. Most Chrysler, Ford, and GM crossovers are well over $50,000 for all these options. My wife's 2013 Jeep GC new, without all the options, was $44,000 and no third row seating...Money talks and I think that will be enough to make the Atlas competitive, if not relevant to the crossover market.
I shopped there once, it was a lot of over-prices clothes (styles) from europe and didn't really take off in the states, well at least where I grew up in TX...on the flip side, they gave Schumacher his first F1 ride and the rest is history
Absolutely! And this will be the norm from now on as we become even more of a global market. All the old die hards out there that still cry "buy American" or "that foreign crap" just don't understand this. As some realize it, they then say (pertaining to foreign cars built in the US) "well, the money goes to the overseas companies". These people need to learn to come to grips with today's world. I would rather buy a car built here as it employs Americans, vs the GM car built in Canada.
We couldn't own a minivan due to our small fishing boat but we needed minivan capability. This thing ticks all the right boxes for us! It was this or the Subaru Ascent. Unfortunately, as I type this, the Ascent isn't out yet and our test drive of the Atlas went super well and the car seat friendly second row really helped seal the deal for us. None of the other mid sized SUV manufacturers offer the practicality of the Atlas. I'll take a minor hit in MPG for the ability to load 4 adults and 3 children in car seats comfortably AND still have decent cargo space. :)
I didn't like the looks at first but it's certainly growing on me. It actually looks pretty damn good. As for the MPG you really shouldn't complain because 20mpg is what you should expect for a huge car with a VR6. The turbo 4 cylinder is probably better with that.
Cannot do it in the US. The US has tailored the diesel emissions specifically to kill European diesel cars. If you think that I am joking think about the 15 million diesel trucks in the US that are regulated completely differently: they do not need to protect that market from a better solution. It is the same atmosphere so don't tell me it is an environmental regulation. The Cummings engine in American pickups is fine it is only VW that gets slammed.
Reading the comments.., the hate is real. I personally like the SUVs conservative and "macho" look, which I think will age well. The only issue I have is the gas mileage. The next iteration should at least focus on getting better mpg without losing any more power.
I was actually paid $150 to give my impressions of the 2018 VW lineup. I liked this car quite a bit. When we saw it, it was called the CrossBlue. Very nice styling, but it does look too much like a Jeep.
VW actually does make a truck already, forgot what it's called, and it's exclusive to the European market, they have no interest in bringing it over due to the chicken tax
Hmm, the Germans have been known to have an engineering edge. Rumor has it they have a history utilizing *alien technology*. What is the REAL cost to that fancy tech? If that IS so, then, why are German engines so hard to work on and reach bolts? Pro's, the roof glass is awesome, lots of room, those electric goodies seem of some value too. Why do it have a cop light function?
Is it just me, or does that look like a Ford product? In person, but in a different color, it looked nice. For that top price, I lean towards a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse.
300hp would've made this a worthwhile competitor in this class. 276hp.....not so much. VW should've considered a more premium interior perhaps a notch or two below an Audi Q7, similar to a top trim Honda Pilot Elite being a notch below the Acura MDX.
I don't get everyone saying it looks dated or ripped the look off of jeep or explorer. I think the look is simple but nice better then these crossovers that look like they just landed from outer space and most cars all copy from each other anyway I cam name so many that look similar every car has pros n cons I think this is a decent car.
Love the look of the new Atlas, but I wish VW would loose the glossy plastic. It looks so cheap new and will only get worse with time. I prefer higher quality materials. We have a 2007 Touareg V8 with air suspension that we still love but the number of issues is getting too large now. Leaks, squeaks, keyless dead, oil leaks, etc, your typical VW issues that come with age. We are thinking about getting a lower maintenance, more dependable Toyota Highlader but we still love VW so will consider the Atlas this summer.
Sorry about your maintenance issues bud! You have to remember though, comparing the Touareg to the Atlas is an apples to oranges comparison. Each seeks to capture a different segment of the market. The Touareg for an affordable "luxury" vehicle and the Atlas for a capable family hauler.
5,000 lbs towing is garbage! My 2008 V6 gas Tuareg pulls 7,700 lbs. The Atlas has some great features, put it feels like VW built this vehicle for the European market (you don’t see many campers on the Autobahn). It would be nice to have an SUV that could pull a medium/large sized camper with room to carry family and friends in style and comfort. The Tuareg’s short wheel base prevented it from pulling higher weights. AND worst of all it looks like a Ford from the side. Looking forward to the mid-production refresh...
I don't think it looks terrible, it just looks bland. VW lost its cachet in the US. Back in 1998 they were on fire with the New Beetle, Jetta and Passat. That Passat had a turbo 4 with manual transmission, those awesome blue/red lighting on the tach/speedometer and Audi like interior fit and finish that changed the mainstream family sedan forever. They were trend setters. Now? They are followers. Back in 2011 the Jetta went back to a live-axle, the Tennessee Passat became large, boring and lost its Audi like interior. This Atlas SUV lacks character and powerful engines. VW completely misunderstood the US market. Toyota can get away with boring appliances because they have bullet proof reliability reputation and that's what most car buyers want. All VW had to do was to fix their reliability issues. In the US, VW became boring, still has some fun to drive factor, lost their attention to detail that Euro Passats have and do not bring the best drivetrains and models Europeans have. Instead of bringing only the Arteon, they should bring the Scirocco, the Amarok and build in TN and exact replica of the Euro Passat. Oh! and redesign the Jetta already. It's been the same since 2011 and not a single spy shot of a MQB Jetta mule has been seen.
Nice to see VW finally produce the Atlas, I have seen concept art and so forth since 2012-13. The Atlas though is basically a large Passat based station wagon with third row. As for its styling, its just like the Honda CrossTour to were its nothing more than a lifted and slightly reshaped version of its sedan counterpart. Overall though, its not bad, but far from anything impressive or outstanding.
We should be able to set the speedometer to real-world speeds, like 0 to 85, not the laughably stupid 0 to 160 and 0 to 140 speedometers we see in most cars today.
I will say it's one thing if it's a car actually meant to go fast, like a Camaro ZL1, though as for the high speedometer readings, i think that's to do for if you put it into Kilometers for if you go into canada. For example my car struggles to crack 80 MPH though the speedo goes up to 140, it does make more sense when you try to drive down a Canadian highway though where it wouldn't be unrealistic to see a 120kph limit.
You need that speedometer if you live in Montana. Their legal speed is faster then any of my cars will drive, borders NASCAR. Plus you get to dodge moose, elk and deer while doing it, and until very recently could have an open container.... Maybe thats why I drive a truck that says DODGE on the front, gives them warning.
It is certainly a handsome vehicle but I can't get over VW retiring the Toureg, an actual SUV, and replacing it with a Crossover. Same issue I have with Ford doing the same thing to the Explorer.
I just can't comprehend what VW changed. When I pull up exterior photos of cross blue concept I'm like wow it's attractive then I look at this and it meh design wise at best.
More likely we'll see a plug-in hybrid. VW is mandated after D-gate to offer more EV type cars and plug-ins are closer to a pure EV than a regular hybrid. The V4 will also take up less space for the hybrid parts. Will be interesting to see if there is a cut in boot space for the battery.
Nice review and clear videos, thanks to your Sony Action camera. I like the self parking feature. Now all those morons that have a drivers license, but do not know how to drive or park their cars, can actually have their cars parked automatically as long as they can figure out when to put the transmission in drive or reverse. I wonder how the reliability of this car will be and can VW be trusted after "Dieselgate".
Connor Plaksin not really in the grand scheme of things but when you're paying anywhere from 33,000-43,000 dollars for a brand new car do you really want a key fob that looks straight out of the early 90's?
The MQB platform is actually extremely adaptable to different sized chassis. It's meant to be stretched and widened. The Golf just is one of the smallest versions.
![[Full] 4 ต่อ 4 Celebrity EP.922 | 10 พ.ย. 67 | one31](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/zmV5HRIxIBI/mqdefault.jpg)
no matter what anyone says about the car, I work at the plant and about half the people who work there want this car. It's comfortable and really a solid ride. Admittedly a little low on power, but a terrific people mover
I'm relatively close to the plant myself, so I love that it's built in a neighboring city. During my test drive, this thing was lovely. Felt smaller than it is, handling is agile without being rough, and it can move my family and all of our stuff.
Your reviews keep getting better and better. Well done, Andre & TFL.
+alexplore11 Thanks!
I love the look, I don't know what everyone is talking about.
I dont know about everyone, but I personally like the looks of the car. it's quite handsome
NOFATCHICK1 Me too, I personally don't mind the design
Me too, I didn't at first but it is growing on me that is for sure
The front and rear looks great!
It's one of the nicer VWs. But I'm not too fond of their styling in general.
I love off road vehicles and roomy too! big thumbs up for this car
The Atlas looks and feels badass.. can't wait to get mine soon!
Honestly as loaded as this one is for $48,000 and some change, that's not bad. Most Chrysler, Ford, and GM crossovers are well over $50,000 for all these options. My wife's 2013 Jeep GC new, without all the options, was $44,000 and no third row seating...Money talks and I think that will be enough to make the Atlas competitive, if not relevant to the crossover market.
As an old school sedan and coupe car guy, this is an SUV I would definitely buy. Elegant looks in a world of goofy over styled SUVs.
Gotta love a Russian reviewer interviewing a Vietnamese engineer in a German designed and American built vehicle. We are the world!
J High
And a guy with a pic of a Swedish designed but Chinese owned car. xD
CyberpunkShadow
United Colors of Benetton........ (an old school reference for the millenials).
I shopped there once, it was a lot of over-prices clothes (styles) from europe and didn't really take off in the states, well at least where I grew up in TX...on the flip side, they gave Schumacher his first F1 ride and the rest is history
Absolutely! And this will be the norm from now on as we become even more of a global market. All the old die hards out there that still cry "buy American" or "that foreign crap" just don't understand this. As some realize it, they then say (pertaining to foreign cars built in the US) "well, the money goes to the overseas companies". These people need to learn to come to grips with today's world. I would rather buy a car built here as it employs Americans, vs the GM car built in Canada.
Exactly what VW needed. This SUV will compete with any SUV in. anywhere
Very well presented. A very serious and professional person. Goes into all the details very carefully. Keep it up! Good job!
Due to how large it is, I can definitely see families replacing their minivans with this, even with it being less cargo practical.
We couldn't own a minivan due to our small fishing boat but we needed minivan capability. This thing ticks all the right boxes for us! It was this or the Subaru Ascent. Unfortunately, as I type this, the Ascent isn't out yet and our test drive of the Atlas went super well and the car seat friendly second row really helped seal the deal for us. None of the other mid sized SUV manufacturers offer the practicality of the Atlas. I'll take a minor hit in MPG for the ability to load 4 adults and 3 children in car seats comfortably AND still have decent cargo space. :)
this is a nice
looking suv
Dude at 6:00 needs his own radio show. Nice pipes!
Andre, I like your reviews the best. Reminds me of when TFL first started. Very in depth, no bs, informative, clear and good pacing. Keep it up!
+dzeng Thank you
I didn't like the looks at first but it's certainly growing on me. It actually looks pretty damn good. As for the MPG you really shouldn't complain because 20mpg is what you should expect for a huge car with a VR6. The turbo 4 cylinder is probably better with that.
Very handsome looking suv, I love the color
This car is Amazing ! 😍
Love the way it looks, taken 2 test drives and I'm trading in my Jetta for this bad boy!
Had VW surprised us and put a turbo diesel in the Atlas, they would have had a winner.
I'm pretty sure the issue with that is how would they reduce the emissions without making it have only 100 horsepower?
Cannot do it in the US. The US has tailored the diesel emissions specifically to kill European diesel cars. If you think that I am joking think about the 15 million diesel trucks in the US that are regulated completely differently: they do not need to protect that market from a better solution. It is the same atmosphere so don't tell me it is an environmental regulation. The Cummings engine in American pickups is fine it is only VW that gets slammed.
A well done review Andre. Good Job.
Beautiful Car 😍😎
Good review Andre.
+Nigel Naughton Thanks.
The name VR6 comes from a combination of V engine (German: V-Motor), and the German word "Reihenmotor" (meaning "inline engine" or "straight engine")
Thanks for your review Mr. Gru
Would love VW to bring back diesels
It looks handsome in every way OMG.
Just a bit of info the 2018 VW Tiguan can come with a third row seat if you want.
Very informative and helpful review.
Bought a new rline atlas in black and it is amazing! Looks just like and Audi
Reading the comments.., the hate is real. I personally like the SUVs conservative and "macho" look, which I think will age well. The only issue I have is the gas mileage. The next iteration should at least focus on getting better mpg without losing any more power.
Not sold on the looks yet, but that forward parking assist is interesting.
I totally like this SUV !
It's huge in person. It makes others in the segment look small.
Andre, very well done
I wonder the noise inside of the cabin even through recording you can hear he have to raise the voice to be heard
I heard a 2.5L turbo is available, just not in the U.S. I hope the US gets that option here to help the mpg.
BEAUTIFUL
I was actually paid $150 to give my impressions of the 2018 VW lineup. I liked this car quite a bit. When we saw it, it was called the CrossBlue. Very nice styling, but it does look too much like a Jeep.
I wish VW would make a USA pick up too with W8 and TDI V10
VW actually does make a truck already, forgot what it's called, and it's exclusive to the European market, they have no interest in bringing it over due to the chicken tax
Good review buddy! Молодец. :)
I'd love to have one.
Hmm, the Germans have been known to have an engineering edge. Rumor has it they have a history utilizing *alien technology*. What is the REAL cost to that fancy tech? If that IS so, then, why are German engines so hard to work on and reach bolts?
Pro's, the roof glass is awesome, lots of room, those electric goodies seem of some value too. Why do it have a cop light function?
..you mentioned the "R" line edition. What would it include exactly?
Why does this car remind me of the old Dodge Pacifica SUV (without the sun roof)?
I'm wondering if the TFL crew could review the Atlas towing, like they did the new Honda pilot?
VW needs a 4 door Beetle.. Fiat 500 and Jeep Wranglers succeeded with the 4 door idea. I'm sure they would too
looks like if a jeep and an explore were mixed
I wonder if this will come to Australia....
Is it just me, or does that look like a Ford product? In person, but in a different color, it looked nice. For that top price, I lean towards a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse.
Exactly, Traverse is a much better choice
It's basically a boxy version of the Pathfinder.
Will second row seats recline? you showed fore and aft movement only...
andre, how would you compare the ride to a first gen Volvo xc90?
+Ryan Wilson Hmm. Have not driven the 1st gen XC90 in years. The Atlas drives smaller than it looks.
300hp would've made this a worthwhile competitor in this class. 276hp.....not so much. VW should've considered a more premium interior perhaps a notch or two below an Audi Q7, similar to a top trim Honda Pilot Elite being a notch below the Acura MDX.
I don't get everyone saying it looks dated or ripped the look off of jeep or explorer. I think the look is simple but nice better then these crossovers that look like they just landed from outer space and most cars all copy from each other anyway I cam name so many that look similar every car has pros n cons I think this is a decent car.
Love the look of the new Atlas, but I wish VW would loose the glossy plastic. It looks so cheap new and will only get worse with time. I prefer higher quality materials. We have a 2007 Touareg V8 with air suspension that we still love but the number of issues is getting too large now. Leaks, squeaks, keyless dead, oil leaks, etc, your typical VW issues that come with age. We are thinking about getting a lower maintenance, more dependable Toyota Highlader but we still love VW so will consider the Atlas this summer.
Sorry about your maintenance issues bud! You have to remember though, comparing the Touareg to the Atlas is an apples to oranges comparison. Each seeks to capture a different segment of the market. The Touareg for an affordable "luxury" vehicle and the Atlas for a capable family hauler.
5,000 lbs towing is garbage! My 2008 V6 gas Tuareg pulls 7,700 lbs. The Atlas has some great features, put it feels like VW built this vehicle for the European market (you don’t see many campers on the Autobahn). It would be nice to have an SUV that could pull a medium/large sized camper with room to carry family and friends in style and comfort. The Tuareg’s short wheel base prevented it from pulling higher weights. AND worst of all it looks like a Ford from the side. Looking forward to the mid-production refresh...
I don't think it looks terrible, it just looks bland. VW lost its cachet in the US. Back in 1998 they were on fire with the New Beetle, Jetta and Passat. That Passat had a turbo 4 with manual transmission, those awesome blue/red lighting on the tach/speedometer and Audi like interior fit and finish that changed the mainstream family sedan forever. They were trend setters. Now? They are followers. Back in 2011 the Jetta went back to a live-axle, the Tennessee Passat became large, boring and lost its Audi like interior. This Atlas SUV lacks character and powerful engines. VW completely misunderstood the US market. Toyota can get away with boring appliances because they have bullet proof reliability reputation and that's what most car buyers want. All VW had to do was to fix their reliability issues. In the US, VW became boring, still has some fun to drive factor, lost their attention to detail that Euro Passats have and do not bring the best drivetrains and models Europeans have. Instead of bringing only the Arteon, they should bring the Scirocco, the Amarok and build in TN and exact replica of the Euro Passat. Oh! and redesign the Jetta already. It's been the same since 2011 and not a single spy shot of a MQB Jetta mule has been seen.
Nice to see VW finally produce the Atlas, I have seen concept art and so forth since 2012-13. The Atlas though is basically a large Passat based station wagon with third row. As for its styling, its just like the Honda CrossTour to were its nothing more than a lifted and slightly reshaped version of its sedan counterpart.
Overall though, its not bad, but far from anything impressive or outstanding.
CWDTrixie it's based on the golf
The Golf and Passat run on the same platform. Its partly why the Golf R32 existed, as that platform could hold that engine in that size of a car.
Atlas has nothing to do with the Passat, except for they're both built in the same plant. Atlas is a MQB vehicle.
As is the Passat or Audi A4 for that matter. MQB = Modularer-Quer-Baukasten
We should be able to set the speedometer to real-world speeds, like 0 to 85, not the laughably stupid 0 to 160 and 0 to 140 speedometers we see in most cars today.
I will say it's one thing if it's a car actually meant to go fast, like a Camaro ZL1, though as for the high speedometer readings, i think that's to do for if you put it into Kilometers for if you go into canada. For example my car struggles to crack 80 MPH though the speedo goes up to 140, it does make more sense when you try to drive down a Canadian highway though where it wouldn't be unrealistic to see a 120kph limit.
You need that speedometer if you live in Montana. Their legal speed is faster then any of my cars will drive, borders NASCAR. Plus you get to dodge moose, elk and deer while doing it, and until very recently could have an open container.... Maybe thats why I drive a truck that says DODGE on the front, gives them warning.
Most modern cars can make it to 120, Atlas goes to 137 from what I read
Why does Andre seem so tired. Are you okay bro. You sound sick. Take some meds and take rest.
The vr6 engine doesn't have v angle, this engine has flat surface who has 6 cylinders in two rows.
This car freaking has more space than the chevy tahoe and its called a mid size!! Common man, this thing is freaking huge for a mid size suv!
I don't know why, but I really like this car?
All I wanted was for someone to climb in the third row so I can have a more realistic idea of height & leg room. Thank You!
Is this a 2018 or 2008?
It is certainly a handsome vehicle but I can't get over VW retiring the Toureg, an actual SUV, and replacing it with a Crossover. Same issue I have with Ford doing the same thing to the Explorer.
Interesting VAG uses Google car play on VW's but won't use it on Porsche's as Google wants to mine too much info when you're using it.
The current American Passat does not ride on MQB.
Now that's a manly car. Bring in the edges!
To me the main strength of the car is the passenger and cargo room like Andrea said. I'm not to interested in to many electronic gadgets.
Love it !!
exterior looks good, interior, especially seats, could be better.
Car looks great. No diesel no VW for me. ill keep my q7 tdi for now.
Andre? You got cough due to cold?
Why is it ugly? I think it looks like a reserved family vehicle
That's precisely what my family loves about it. We aren't looking to make a statement and value practicality. :)
I like the design. and a like cats
does this mean no vw mini bus?
Wasn't that electric bus meant for the 2020's?
Is the atlas only for the North American market?
+iVlog No. It is also going to China, South Korea, Russia, Middle East, and other countries later on.
The Fast Lane Car
Awesome, Except the Touareg, it's about the first VW I've liked in a long time!
The launch price is cheap as chips!
If this is only the top 10 of Most Unexpected surprises, how many regular surprises are there? Hundreds?
Definitely not going to be on my list for my next car
As a current owner of two Touaregs I happen to think the Atlas looks terrible.
Michael Goldstein I happen to think the Touareg is dated and a waste of money just buy the Porsche Cayenne
I thought that ... but it started to dig on me
Michael Goldstein Gosh 2? You must be at the shop constantly. You must have your mechanic on speed dial.
touareg is an over engineered piece of art. This is a 7-seater golf.
I have an 05 v8 touareg, was going to buy a 2012 but wanted the v8 and air suspension. Truly an amazing suv
I like it
Why not just get a Suburban at that mpg and size and cost. Plus you get a better tow rating.
I love it
I want this in Germany?
I just can't comprehend what VW changed. When I pull up exterior photos of cross blue concept I'm like wow it's attractive then I look at this and it meh design wise at best.
Bring back Nathan!
when is vw going to make a hybrid?
wasn't vw going to make a tourag with twin motors, diesel hyrbid??? come on!!
More likely we'll see a plug-in hybrid. VW is mandated after D-gate to offer more EV type cars and plug-ins are closer to a pure EV than a regular hybrid. The V4 will also take up less space for the hybrid parts. Will be interesting to see if there is a cut in boot space for the battery.
I'd love to see this car in any other color. It just makes me think I need to drink more water.
i only trust TFL,
Is it still made in Mexico?
+WQQKIE No, it's made in Tennessee
Just wait until all of the electronics start breaking.
Andre sounds a little sick):
Nice review and clear videos, thanks to your Sony Action camera. I like the self parking feature. Now all those morons that have a drivers license, but do not know how to drive or park their cars, can actually have their cars parked automatically as long as they can figure out when to put the transmission in drive or reverse. I wonder how the reliability of this car will be and can VW be trusted after "Dieselgate".
That key fob is hideous, looks like a remote from a Ford back in the 90s. Also, that mpg is terrible, come on Vdub get your game face on!
Rene G. Solis I can understand milage, but is a key fob a big deal?
Connor Plaksin not really in the grand scheme of things but when you're paying anywhere from 33,000-43,000 dollars for a brand new car do you really want a key fob that looks straight out of the early 90's?
I was thinking the same thing I'm like My 2004 Jetta jey looks way better
Rene G. Solis fully agree specifically for the key fob
You won't be taking the fob out of your pocket unless you're popping the liftgate, so to me, it's not a deal breaker.
Why would you put a large 7 seat SUV on the chassis of a small sub-compact Golf? Seems like cost savings at the cost of durability.
The MQB platform is actually extremely adaptable to different sized chassis. It's meant to be stretched and widened. The Golf just is one of the smallest versions.
What happened to Nathan?
smart parking car!
Seems like a promotion video.
It doesn't look 2018, it looks 2005.
2005 with aftermarket headlights seems more accurate