The Volkswagen Atlas is offered in five trim levels: SE, SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL R-Line Black and SEL Premium R-Line all trims are available in the all-wheel drive model while the front-wheel drive model is only available in the SE trims. Drivetrain choices for Atlas include both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive while engines include an available 3.6L V6 making 276 horsepower and 266 ft pounds of torque or the standard 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine making 235 horsepower and 258 ft pounds of torque paired to a an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Standard equipment across all trims include heated mirrors, LED headlights and daytime running lights, dual-zone climate control with separate rear climate controls, Bluetooth, mobile hotspot and VW App-Connect (w/Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) smart device connectivity.
The Atlas starts with 18-inch aluminum wheels and a 6.5-inch touchscreen display while the SE with Technology trim adds front fog lights, heated bucket front seats, SiriusXM HD satellite radio and an 8-inch touchscreen display.
The SEL builds on the features from the previous trims with 20-inch wheels, a power sunroof, power liftgate, a heated steering wheel, auto-dimming rear view mirror, integrated navigation with voice activation and real-time traffic display.
The top of the line SEL Premium comes with 21-inch wheels, power folding mirrors, ventilated front seats, leather upholstery throughout, 12 Fender speakers, rear audio controls and heated rear seats.
Safety starts with VW's Intelligent Crash Response System, which cuts the fuel supply, turns all the interior lights on, unlocks the doors and turns on the hazard lights in the event of a crash. Safety features such as six airbags, a rear view camera, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, Hill Start Assist, hill hold control, an Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, a Blind Spot Monitor, Forward Collision Warning w/Autonomous Emergency Braking, Rear Traffic Alert and Pedestrian Monitoring are standard across all trims while upper level trims add Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Stop & Go and Park Distance Control parking sensors.
Elegant, Attractive Styling
Quiet Cabin Noise Levels
Roomy And Accessible Interior
Upscale Interior Materials
The Atlas carries over with minimal changes for 2022, the S trim is no longer available while an 8-inch touchscreen is now standard on all trims above the SE.
As a late addition to an already wildly popular midsize SUV class, the Atlas must work hard to distinguish itself in the company of such vehicles as the Chevrolet Equinox and the Toyota Highlander. The Volkswagen Atlas features class-leading interior space for all passengers in all rows along with unique exterior styling that resembles nothing else in the segment. All Atlases equipped with all-wheel drive come with a driving mode selection system that allows the driver to choose the ideal setup for the type of terrain and weather, while on-road modes alter throttle, transmission and steering for Eco, Normal and Sport modes.
