2023 Volkswagen Atlas review
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
(no current inventory)
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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
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Volkswagen Atlas generation from 2018 to 2026
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 similaritiesSE w/Tech:
- 235-hp, 258-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
- 276-hp, 266-lb-ft of torque 3.6L
- Parking Sensors
- Rear View Camera
- Smart Key
- Cruise Control
- Rear Sunshade
- Power Mirrors
- Overhead Airbags
- Remote Start
- View our Volkswagen Atlas SE w/Tech inventory
SEL R-Line Black:
- Includes all features available on the SE w/Tech
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Navigation System
- View our Volkswagen Atlas SEL R-Line Black inventory
Volkswagen Atlas photos
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
Volkswagen Atlas features and specs
Curious how Volkswagen Atlas trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
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
- Heated Mirrors
- 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
The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- SEL R-Line Black: 18 MPG City and 23 MPG Highway
- SE: 21 MPG City and 25 MPG Highway
- SE w/Tech: 21 MPG City and 25 MPG Highway
- SEL: 20 MPG City and 24 MPG Highway
- SEL Premium R-Line: 17 MPG City and 23 MPG Highway
The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas has received an average 5.0 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2023 Volkswagen Atlas, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Reviews.
The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas has a maximum towing capacity of between 2000 and 5000 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas:
- Running Boards
- Blind Spot Monitor
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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