2020 Volkswagen Atlas Review

Is the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Right for You?

What Is It and Who Is It For?

The Volkswagen Atlas is a midsize SUV that seats up to seven people. It’s a solid choice for growing families who want a three-row vehicle with more engaging driving dynamics than the typical SUV or minivan.

What Makes It Unique?

The Volkswagen Atlas is the automaker’s largest vehicle. Like VW’s other offerings, the Atlas is cleanly styled inside and out, with an upscale look and feel. It features a wealth of technology and is more engaging to drive than is the norm in its class. Buyers can choose between front-wheel drive or the automaker’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, paired with either a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine or a V6. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

Volkswagen Atlas vs. Other Volkswagens

The Atlas sits atop Volkswagen’s line of crossover SUVs, above the compact Tiguan and new-for-2020 midsize Atlas Cross Sport.

Atlas vs. Competition

• Chevrolet Traverse: Packs a powerful engine, but its advanced safety systems aren’t standard.
• Honda Pilot: The Pilot performs well with the smooth V6 under its hood, but it’s boxy-looking.
• Kia Telluride: New for 2020, it’s wrapped in burly styling and affords excellent driving dynamics, with intuitive technology.
• Toyota Highlander: Expressively styled, with lots of driver-assist systems and a V6 engine.

Is the 2020 Model Year Right for You?

What’s New for 2020?

• All versions are now equipped with the latest generation of Volkswagen’s Car-Net telematics system and have in-car Wi-Fi capability.
• SE w/Technology R-Line trim features standard front and rear park distance control warnings and an easy-open liftgate.
• SE w/Technology and higher trims get standard 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.
• SEL Premium now comes with 21-inch wheels.

2020 Volkswagen Atlas vs. Older Atlases

The Atlas was introduced for the 2018 model year and has continued with only nominal changes; it’s scheduled to receive a mid-cycle update for the 2021 model year. You can save money buying a used Atlas.

You can find used Volkswagen Atlases with Carfax’s used car listings. Each used car comes with a free Carfax vehicle history report.

Research the Volkswagen Atlas from other model years

Which 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Trim Is the Best Value?

Original starting price, including destination charge:

• S: $32,565
• SE: $35,715
• SE w/Technology: $37,915
• SE w/Technology R-Line: $40,715
• SEL: $41,815
• SEL R-Line: $45,315
• SEL Premium: $50,215

We recommend the V6 SE w/Technology. It gets you a decent assortment of convenience and safety features, along with added horsepower that comes in handy when transporting a full load of people.

Find a used Volkswagen Atlas SE

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas features a complex trim structure with seven levels and 16 variations when you factor in driveline and engine choices. Top trims come standard with a full range of features, including the automaker’s clever Digital Cockpit electronic instrumentation, but they command luxury-brand pricing.

2020 Volkswagen Atlas Performance

Engine Options

The Volkswagen Atlas has two engine options:

• 235-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission and front- or all-wheel drive
• 276-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 with an 8-speed automatic and front- or all-wheel drive

Compared with the class? The base engine produces above-average power for a 4-cylinder in the midsize class, but other three-row midsize SUVs come with more-powerful V6s.

Fuel Economy

• 2.0-liter FWD/AWD: 22/20 EPA-estimated combined mpg*
• 3.6-liter: 19 mpg

*The EPA uses a mixture of highway and city driving for its combined estimate.

Compared with the class? Fuel economy is below-average for the class with either engine.

2020 Volkswagen Atlas Safety Ratings & Features

The Volkswagen Atlas has excellent crash-test ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Key Standard Features

• Forward collision warning: Warns drivers of a potential front-end collision.
• Automatic emergency braking: Helps vehicle avoid a collision or reduce the severity of a crash if the driver doesn’t respond in time; system also recognizes pedestrians in the vehicle’s path.
• Blind spot warning: Alerts drivers when a vehicle is located next to them on either side, just out of view.
• Rear cross-traffic alert: Warns drivers if the system detects a vehicle, pedestrian or object in the way, or approaching from either side.

Key Optional Features

• Automatic high beams: Switches from high beams to low to avoid blinding oncoming motorists.
• Lane keeping assist: Uses the car’s own steering system to help keep vehicle between lane lines.
• Traffic jam assist: The car can automatically help steer, brake, and accelerate at speeds up to 37 mph.

2020 Volkswagen Atlas Interior

Features and Storage

• Cupholders: 2 front, 2 rear
• Cabin storage areas: Locking cooled glovebox, center console bin under armrest, overhead console with storage, covered bin in instrument panel, driver and passenger door-panel bins, front row under-seat storage, front seatback storage pockets

Compared with the class? All exceed expectations for the class.

Cargo Space

• 20.6 cubic feet behind third row
• 55.5 cubic feet with third row folded
• 96.8 cubic feet with both rows folded

Compared with the class? The Atlas’ cargo capacity is excellent for the class.

Seating Space

Compared with the class? The first two rows of seats are sufficiently roomy, with captain’s chairs available in place of the standard middle row bench. The third row is a bit tight for adults.

2020 Volkswagen Atlas Warranty

• 4 years / 50,000 miles bumper-to-bumper. Covers many parts and systems but doesn’t include consumables such as brakes, tires, wiper blades, shocks, or struts.
• Coverage is measured from the date the first owner purchases the car and transfers to used-car buyers.

Compared with the class? Basic coverage is a year better than most mainstream automakers offer, but there is no extended powertrain warranty. In prior model years, coverage was for 6 years/72,000 miles, but Volkswagen has added two years of free maintenance for 2020.