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2023 Volkswagen Atlas review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Volkswagen Atlas highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

(data not available)

Pros

  • Roomy cabin
  • Tons of cargo space
  • Easy-to-use infotainment system

Cons

  • Subpar acceleration with either engine
  • Unimpressive fuel economy
  • Touchscreen controls can be distracting

Mileage (EPA estimate)

17 city, 23 highway, 19 combined

Pricing for current inventory

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Price
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The Volkswagen Atlas is a spacious and comfortable midsize three-row SUV

The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas is great if you value lots of passenger space and oodles of cargo volume. Even with its third-row seats occupied, the Atlas has more than 20 cubic feet of trunk space and 55.5 cubic feet with the third row folded. Available with a choice of a 235-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder or a 276-hp V6, the Atlas comes standard with front-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive is optional.

The front-wheel-drive four-cylinder is the one to choose if you want better fuel economy, though neither engine delivers much to brag about in EPA testing. Acceleration is also fine but on the lower side, outpacing only pokier rivals like the Mazda CX-90 and Chevrolet Traverse.

A few distracting touchscreen controls aside, the Atlas’ infotainment system is generally easy to use and comes standard with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. A six-inch screen is fitted to the base Atlas, and an eight-inch screen and 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster are available on higher trims.

All Volkswagen Atlas years

What is new for the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas?

  • The SEL R-Line trim has been discontinued for 2023.
  • Atlas trims have been upgraded with Fender Audio as standard equipment this year.
  • Running Boards features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The SE w/Tech trim now comes with Automated Cruise Control as standard equipment.
  • The SEL Premium R-Line trim now comes with Memory Seat(s), Automated Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, 20 Inch Plus Wheels, and Navigation System as standard equipment.

2023 Volkswagen Atlas trims

Curious how Volkswagen Atlas trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

SE w/Tech:

SEL R-Line Black:

Volkswagen Atlas photos

5 reasons to buy the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas

What We Like

Cargo volume: The Atlas is a great pick if you need to carry lots of stuff. Fold down the third row and there’s a massive 55.5 cubic feet of cargo space. With the second-row seats folded, too, it expands to more than 96 cubic feet.

Straightforward cabin layout: It’s not supremely stylish, but the Atlas’ interior has straightforward controls and an infotainment system that mostly pushes all the right buttons (pun intended).

Seating versatility: Thanks to its sliding second row and reasonably roomy third row, the Atlas offers a lot of seating versatility. Equipped with the second-row bench seat, there’s room for seven people.

What Needs Improvement

Mediocre performance: Neither the standard turbo four-cylinder nor the optional V6 delivers the degree of acceleration offered by many rivals. Worse still, fuel economy estimates with either powertrain are only so-so for a three-row SUV. Even the four-cylinder’s EPA-estimated 22 mpg combined is about the same as the figures for more powerful V6 competitors.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

Volkswagen Atlas features and specs

SE 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cruise Control
  • Fold-Away Third Row
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Sunshade
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Third Row Seat
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

235

Torque (ft-lbs)

258

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

18.6

Wheelbase

117.3"

Overall length

200.7"

Width

78.3"

Height

70.1"

Leg room

F 41.7"/M 37.6"/R 33.7"

Head room

F 41.3"/M 40.4"/R 38.3"

Front tires

P245/60HR18

Rear tires

P245/60HR18

Seating capacity

7

Max towing capacity

200/2000 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2023 Volkswagen Atlas FAQ

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