2018 Volkswagen Atlas Review and Road Test in 4K UHD!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ก.ย. 2017
- Everywhere I went folks told me "wow, that's a big Volkswagen" and they are right, but it's more than just a big VW. The new 2018 Atlas was designed specifically for North America and China (where it will be called the Volkswagen Teramont) with a strong focus on cargo capacity, passenger comfort and family friendliness. Thanks to a large third row, second row seats that tilt and slide when child seats are latched into place and the second largest cargo area in the segment, the Atlas is our top family pick. However because of middling fuel economy and some expensive options is narrowly missed being our top overall pick in the large 3-row CUV segment.
0-30 : 2.8 Seconds
0-60 : 7.4 Seconds
1/4 Mile : 15.9 Sec @ 90 MPH
60-0 Braking : 124 Feet
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Best remark ever referring to the gauge cluster and head-up display, "Me being me, I want both... " LoL
I really appreciate this review. We currently own a CX-9 but accessing the 3rd is nearly impossible for a child. Since adding a 3rd child we need something that is AWD (snows 6 months of the year), can tow a small camper, and is child friendly. Your thoroughness is aiding our decision.
Your reviews is outstanding, no other channel is organized or costumer focused more than yours. You put lots of effort in these videos and we appreciate it.
Great job Alex.
Thanks again for such a comprehensive review Alex!
Alex, thank you very much for a detailed review. I always look forward to your reviews and find yours to be the most informative and valuable! Thank you sir for all your efforts to provide consumers with comparisons to other models... this segment of your analysis is ESPECIALLY valuable! Keep 'em coming!.
Aaannnd now Alex knows more about Atlas than VW engineers. You are an amazing reviewer. Subbed.
The depth of information and style of your video are excellent.
thanks a lot Alex...excellent review
as always.
Thank you Alex for another informative video with texts on screen so easy to make comparison before we buy new car... love it Alex!
Saw one of these the other day - I like it!
One of the very best reviewer on TH-cam.
great video!_ very informative! Thanks for posting!
As a Volkswagen fan: This is the one Alex.
Thanks for the review, got a good overview! :)
Great review Alex. You point out everything about a car. You are the top car reviewer
Waiting for his video in order to buy the atlas . Great review like always.
Another excellent review Alex.
My first car was a 1979 VW Scirocco, and our first "married" car was a 2004 Passat GLS 1.8T 4motion. Both were nightmares: the Scirocco would strand me places, and the Passat was so cheaply made, stuff just disintegrated on it. The Atlas does little to overcome my extreme hesitance to ever own any VW product again. In this segment, I would go CX-9 Grand Touring all day long.
My first was a 75 VW bus. Broke down every 3rd block and caught fire in front of a VW dealership. Drove out that same day before the fire trucks left with an 83 Rabbit L. That broke down in Trenton NJ, Flatbush NY, Harlem, The North end of Hartford and finally I abandoned it in the South end of Boston, never to be heard from or seen again, EVER. Still having not been bitten badly enough yet, I purchased a 2012 Tiguan. I loved that car but the dealers still seem to hate their customers more then I hated finding out that my first wife was a lesbian but never let me in on any of it while we were still married. That said, I was debating between a CX-9 and perhaps this Atlas or Tiguan but suddenly decided after reading your response that I can finally put my fist down and decide once and for all, I am no longer going to allow myself to be masochist. I'm done with this gestapo car company that was invented by Hitler over 70 years ago, and just a few short years ago tried to trick customers with their lying emissions scam. They can take their hideously gorgeous yellowish , green, thing and drive them all off a cliff for all I care.
Back in January at the Houston Auto Show, I was able to drive a Honda Pilot and a new CX-9. Was very impressed with the CX-9. Don't think you can go wrong with the Mazda.
Well done...like the size comparison info graphic.
Notes worth taking when comparing the Atlas to the CX-9. The Atlas has heated 2nd row seats, panoramic sunroof, higher tow ratings than the CX-9. Not to mention fun stuff like remote car start and a lot more USB ports for charging. Maxed out, both the Atlas and CX-9 are priced only about $500 apart. The Atlas gives you a lot more for your money IMO.
+Digital Trends where are you seeing ventilated second row seats? There is no mention of that in any VW literature.
Sorry, meant heated 2nd row seats, not ventilated. My mistake! (The CX9 still doesn't have heated 2nd row seats though)
Very detailed review. Thanks.
Just bought the yellow atlas today 4 /5/21 lovd it
Drives so much nicer then most other 3rd row SUVs on the market
i bought the Rline and i love it
Another great review +1
CX-9 is mentioned everywhere as the fuel economy leader in its class but what's rarely mentioned is that it requires premium gas which negates the savings made on lower consumption.
We pulled up next to a new VW Atlas today and was surprised at how nice it looked, very beefy and wide.
Alex, really appreciate another excellent review! This vehicle definitely makes already crowded segment even more competitive. How would you compare Altas SEL premium and Volve XC90 momentum? Obvious XC90, as a luxury rand, has much nicer interior and feels more premium (comparable powertrains though), but Altas SEL premium offers pretty much everything that XC90 offers plus a much larger third row with $5000+ lower price tag. In addition, I feel XC90's cabin is more noisy after one week's drive. What's your opinion? Thanks in advanced!
Alex, how, if at all, would the VW Atlas compare to the Subaru Ascent? Thx and great informational videos on your part !!
Great review as always Alex. I really like the Atlas, but I think one more thing to consider when talking about value would be resale. Based on other VWs, one would have to estimate a pretty crappy resale value on these. That's one thing I'm looking at when doing my shopping, comparing this to Toyota or a pre-owned Lexus.
Great review Alex however what about the Buick Enclave or Chevy Treverse.
I love your reviews, especially how you compare specific details to other models. Unfortunately this video isn’t comparing the Atlas to the other models I am shopping it against: the Q7, Sequoia, and maybe XC90. We are about to have 4 boys ages 4 and under with 4 car seats and a dog with a dog crate, strollers and all kinds of STUFF! I want something with capacity for our life but my husband loves performance, handling, sportiness, etc. how do these compare? We have owned both generations of TDI Touareg’s (recent one was recalled) and currently driving an older gen Sequoia, as a temporary vehicle before we pick what we really want
I love that you used the phrase, "butched things up." This SUV is totes masc, bro.
This is one of the best reviews I've seen. Although I was torn because this vehicle does not have the aesthetics or the gas mileage I 'want'. For my family it has everything we 'need'. I am purchasing this vehicle but these are my main cons: Gas Mileage, Poor Aesthetics, Fake mufflers, Unable to close the vents. Pros: Huge Storage, Easy access to 3rd row, You don't have to take out the car seat for 3rd row access, trailer hitch, 3 car seats fit on second row, good AWD system, Safety package is awesome, Android Auto.
I wish it looked like the Audi Q7, but had all the same functionality of the Atlas. But sometimes you have to cut your losses. I'm looking forward to having this vehicle for family road trips
What are your thoughts now, 4 years later? I'm int he same boat as you were then.... Upgrading from a Tiguan.....torn between an Atlas and a Pilot...both used. I like the styling of the Atlas, the spaciousness and the tech (the one we're looking at is an execline), but I'm quite concerned about the fuel economy!
1000% agreeing with you at 19m10s!!! That's one of my major turnoffs of VW and now Mazda & Toyota with their Softex. Can't stand vinyl seats either, especially here in Florida! It's seems like a very nice vehicle for someone who wouldn't have to drive it much. With a less than 370 mile fuel autonomy of the 18 gal tank (20mpg). My 2010 Flex with EcoBoost was super nice and comfy, but I was lucky to get 300 miles out it per 18 gal tank! I'm getting 440 miles with my 16 Tacoma 4X4 with a 21 gal tank (21mpg). Automakers have to stop shrinking the fuel tank, we want fuel economy with fuel autonomy! Less trips to the gas station!
These are great videos. Will you do one on the 2018 Chevy Traverse?
Would love to see the review on that...
Excellent Wolkswagen Atlas!!!!!
Nice size, simple finish
I wonder how many of you guys actually sat in and drove the Atlas before writing the negative comments.
Last year I extensively researched and test drove the CX9, Durango, Santa Fe and Highlander.
I skipped the Pilot (vanilla ugly), Pathfinder (CVT, old and ugly), Traverse (old), Explorer (never will buy a Ford product after previous experiences with their quality).
As a result I ordered and just got my SEL 4motion kurkuma yellow Atlas.
These are my thoughts regarding the competition:
1. CX9: was my initial choice, but I felt it was lacking the utility factor. The longest of the bunch was the smallest inside. Did not felt family friendly. Could not find a perfect driving position as the seat angle was not adjustable.
2. Durango: excessive body roll, drives like a bigger vehicle, I felt like sitting on rather then in it. Interior old and cheesy.
3. Santa Fe: not enough space especially in and behind the 3rd row. Difficult access to 3rd row. Dashboard with lots of cheap/cheesy plastics. Driving position was mediocre due to poor range of telescoping steering wheel.
4. Highlander: almost bought it this spring, the best of the bunch although lacking space in the third row/trunk and.. there was the Atlas.
The reasons to get the VW were:
1. Best utility, for me the most important factor to buy a CUV. It has the most space (including trunk size) that is very easy to access, the best third row that can really accommodate adults.
2. Very good handling for the class: drives smaller, very controllable, not to much body roll. Feels solid.
3. Smooth powertrain.
4. Not pretty but looks rugged and solid. Appropriate for an CUV. Definitely not vanilla like some others. Looks like a right vehicle to drive on potholed muddy forest roads and to throw our dirty, muddy pants and boots in it.
5. Best warranty: 6yrs/72K.
6. Overall I found there is no perfect vehicle, but Atlas is the most balanced vehicle of the bunch.
We are trying to choose between an Atlas and a Durango. Based on your time with these vehicles, which would you recommend?
Could use a more aggressive styling, but that 's VW!
Was the Chevy Traverse not out or available for comparison when this review was made?
Russia is the 3rd market where VW will sell the Atlas under the name of Teramont (just like in China). Thanks for your perfect reviews. Greetings from Moscow!
I'll but it for the warranty...6yrs 72k miles...that's standing behind your product!
Way do most all auto makes have the automatic manual mode shift patern backwards? Push shifter forward to shift up, and pull back to shift down. Most all racing trans one pulls back to up shift, and push shifter to down shift.
Hi,Alex. Can you do the 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander review? I just saw the sales in front of Costco, 7 seats SE trim with AA and Apple Carplay for just 19K after discounts. It comes with the 10 yrs /100 K warranty as well. Do you think it is worthy to purchase? Thanks!
6:26 -- the angle of the car and the building is confusing me. Are you filming this near the Santa Cruz Mystery Spot? hahahaha
do we have 2019 version of Atlas available now ?
2018 Durango with the hemi review please Alex
Lot of people cry about Atlas, the way its design etc. I have one in SE+Tech trim, and I love it! It's great car so far, drives great, feels great looks beautiful with those LED lights. Inside design is classic and elegant. It's really big inside ande VERY comfortable. If You are in the market for three row SUV this is something that You guys should try out, don't base Your decision on TH-cam only its a BIG mistake!
Michał Kiecka I'm looking into this for sure... we have 3 kids, bought a suburban... it's so janky. We have a Touareg we love, but our family outgrew it. The suburban is cosmetic garbage, door handles popping off, trim glue failing on doors. Rides smooth down the road, bit that's about all.
Navigation only on SEL Premium
Who needs Nav when you have Apple Car Play and Android Auto?
There is a typo for the rpm at max hp. It should be 276hp@6200rpm, instead of 2600rpm shown
Great review. This is shorter than the cx9 and explorer, but is more practical and more cargo space!how come?! It’s also close in practicality as a Tahoe. VW has to work on their Mpg’s to really stand the competition; because most SUV’s in this segment have more power and better mpg.
You are the best
I'm 6'4" 300 pounds and really want a large entry and spacious cockpit. I just finished 5,000 miles on an Explorer. Easy in and out and I never hit my head. It performed flawlessly. Coming out of a '09 Kia Sedona with 200k, it's performed great with no major problems. So I'm really looking for excellent reliability. How do all these stack up in reliability? As I age, I also want a comfortable cabin with the 8" infotainment with lots of speakers, easy to use, intuitive, apple play. But a also want Blind spot and maybe even 360 cam. Power lift. Strong AC. Good power. combined mileage better than the Kia 25. Would like leather too. Any suggestions. Maybe I should see if I can sit in the Mazda. Anyone know if Kia or Subaru are coming out with a big SUV?
Can you do a review for 2018 Volvo XC60?
I like this review a lot but why you guys never test drive a basic model 2.0 🧐
I would be interested to see how the new 2018 Chevy Traverse compares to this.
2018 Volkswagen good 🚗I like it
Markets for the Atlas are: USA and Canada. For Teramont - China and Russia.
it is sold here in the middle east also
What you described as accent lights are the daytime running lamps.
Accent lights and DRLs are often the same in new car designs
I am so glad to see more comments about the looks of this thing because I was thinking I'm crazy for thinking it looks horrible when everyone is saying it looks good. It does look "premium" for my tastes but it doesn't mean it's timeless or have a reasonable look at all.
If you want 7 people plus their luggage, the only crossover that can accommodate you is the Ford Flex. 7 carry-ons will fit behind the 3rd row: 4 stacked in the well, and 3 turned 90° on top.
Congrats VW. You've learned how to make cup holders. Now give us the vechiles we want not the ones we need. For better or worse, it's a step in the right direction.
Alex, don't tell me you threw that can there :x
Wow Alex looks like a dwarf next to the suv
How about compare Subaru ascent and Lexus rx350l
I'm not getting how the Atlas beats the Explorer. In the high-end Atlas trim you get an engine that is equivalent to the base V6 in the Explorer. The Explorer Platinum does have a higher MSRP, but you can also get Ford's turbo V6 in the Sport trim. The Sport is still well appointed and priced $3K USD under the top-end Atlas. I will take 60HP over a pretty dashboard any day of the week.
Already looks like its 10 years old.
2.0L 4 Cylinder - 2WD
22 City / 26 Highway / 24 Combined
(Regular Fuel)
Hello Alex,
Can you do the car review on the all new 2018 Volvo xc40 suv. Thanks ☺
Kira Ford It hasn’t even come out yet...
Kira, I am also very excited about that beautiful new Volvo, unfortunately we have to wait until next summer for it to be available for a review (unless Alex can pull some strings...)
I am sure Alex can go to Sweden and test the new Volvo xc 40
The 2018 VW Atlas is the only 3 row SUV that earned a poor rating for headlights in all trim levels, while other competitors get a good or acceptable rating for headlights.
headlamps are like :3
Bigger inside than a Tahoe 👍🏼
i own a 2006 passat. its a love hate car...VW doesnt like to think it seems when it comes to features that deal with every day usage.
one think i noticed in this crossover...is a cupholder that doesnt pull out and it has some kind of fabric at the bottom. have fun cleaning that out every time your drink spills or is handed to you messy.
i dont see this thing being reliable long run...which will make them cheap to buy used. question is will they be impossible to repair affordably yourself or at a mechanic unlike the passat i own.
4:15 Typo probably but the VR6 peak power is made at 2,600RPM?
I caught that too. Like damn this thing prolli shoots off the line.
Atlas has more space and is for jounger families. The Highlander is much smaller and for some reason doesn't offer Apple car play or Android auto.
Let me start by saying...Alex you could not have done any better in revewing the VW Atlas. This video is by far the best review I have seen in Atlas. Given the length of the video, it was just a breeze and I really appreciate you keeping it very precise and to the point on comments and not like many other reviews we see which totally wander off to lala land 😁. Keep it up and much appreciate an excellent review video. Once a VW always a VW...cheers Alex!
6:10 spelling mistake
Is this car good for ROUGH/BAD roads???
Why not compared to Durango? ;)
My last VW was a 1995 Passat. Best handling, outstanding interior. Horrible reliability. Finally gave up and got rid of it. Shame because the handling was truly incredible.
Sounds good but i did not like the shape and styling of atlas, esp the rear. It doesnt have that new age look at athe rear end... every new car has that dynamic flow of design evident and atlas shaped like a boxy car at the rear. I am not a big fan of fake exhaust like they did in mercedes GLC... q: How about up coming subar ascent? I have a pilot and its not comfortable in third row when we do family trip with two kids iin the middle. Do you think i should sell pilot and get ascent next year. Thanks
VW atlas 2019 vs Honda pilot 2019 ? in your opinion which one is the best?
Usuario de Honda 100% atlas.
Cigarette smoke @6:22 , nice.
LOL, that was actually steam from the exhaust, it was really cold that day.
more power...in the VR6 please. Test drove it...its just a vehicle. a good one. No fuss, no frills.enough space without being a minivan, can tow more than a minivan, can do reasonably well off road...not a truck. Good in the city(except MPG)...passing power? C/mon VW-add a little sporty driving/handling tweak. 2.0 4cyl can be tuned but cant tow 5,000
I drove a Atlas SE w/cloth seats and V6 AWD recently. It was just O.K. In addition,I do not care for the black plastic cladding on anything! For "my" money, I'd still take the highlander over the equivalent atlas. There can be only one...
Great review, Alex! I'm shopping for one right now. Love the new Atlas!
have you read the other comments?
Keith Nelson I did. Taste is subjective. I test drove it and loved it. The warranty is superb! I have a feeling lots of negative reviews are paid ones
I’ve had one for 5 month and love it
Diesel engine and tow 7,000 LBs VW would have a WINNER.
The Explorer and Palisade both fit 25% more roller bags despite having much "smaller" cargo capacities, 10 v. 8 bags? Silly
Good choice for 22-25K range
I was eagerly watching your detailed Atlas review.
I am very interested to compare the Atlas SEL Premium with 2018 Chevy Traverse High country trims.
With overall 204.3 inch long, less weight than 2017 model, 9 speed transmission, I wonder if Traverse is better than Atlas, I realy need your unbiased professional opinion.
I did drive test both cars. Chevy traverse is better in space, trunk is hugh but not provide self parking like Atlas. I compared both with adapt cruise control, chevy performs it better with completely stop. Atlas is not, it just slows down. With high country trims, only captain chair offers for second row due to fuel economy. I really hate captain chairs. I wish Chevy adapt second rows of atlas. I am thinking waiting for chevy traverse 2019, maybe Chevy will update all that functions.
Traverse 2018 plz
I hate that you have to buy the top of the line trim just to get Navigation. Hope they fix this is the coming years.
SierraM363 who on earth still needs navigation when almost everyone has android or apple phone, and you can connect it to the car and have google maps or waze
maybe she has a Dumbphone..lol
I find how humorous how much hate the Atlas gets in the comments. However I already count more Atlas around Toronto than Touaregs, and they only started selling the Atlas starting around July. Given how popular the 3 row SUV segment is, VW is going to sell as much as the Tennessee factory can pump them out.
On another note, I can't even force my parents to walk into a Mazda dealership since 2 of cars on our street are ~2008 Mazda3...and their rear wheel wells are rusting away like a 1970s Chrysler.
Trades46 I thing the negative reviews are paid ones
Elena Podmareva couldn't agree more!
being more popular than Touareg does not mean much.
Noone is paying me to not love atlas, it is OK for its money, but cheap, rough on the road and powerless, just do a test drive yourself, then come back and lets have a discussion :).
Family people (that are focus group of the atlas) simply do not have money to upgrade to a better vehicle, that's all.
Btw touareg is hugely outdated technology vise and overall overpriced to what it has to offer.
Trades46 100% of the vehicles reviewed get massive hate in TH-cam comments.
Cars like this are why it doesn't surprise me that the Volvo XC90 only has a 4 cylinder. Because companies like VW are still using an ancient 3.6 v6 that doesn't break 300hp.
It's really hard to overcome decades of under performing reliability. Although Alex is fair and honest, he does go easy on flaws on many of the vehicles he reviews and you have to be able to interpret what he says just a little bit. (See what I did there?) But when every honest and good reviewer, of which Alex is definitely one, out there brings up your past reliability history as an issue. Add all the negative personal experiences and the fact that they speak out loudly on comments sections and to friends and family, there will be a negative financial impact for some time to come.
I really hope the bean counters at auto makers understand that. If VWs can reach average or better reliability, they would be so much more desirable to many more people, and not just the price shoppers or the euro posers.
Wait, so you're telling me that the CX-9 is larger than the Atlas??
I was really looking forward for this SUV but I am disappointed with the overall design. The back of the SUV is like 15 year old BMW X3 design which was horrendous. The insides of the SUV look so cheap. Pathfinder has more luxurious interiors.
Jaskaran Singh When I see this car, I see Kia Borrego.
This is a nice car, but I think the engines are underwhelming. Let me see one with the Audi 3.0t