2017 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium 4Motion Car Review

It's been awhile since Volkswagen had a three row vehicle in its U.S. lineup. Atlas is the vehicle American families (and VW dealers) have been wanting. Tom Voelk reviews the top-shelf Atlas SEL Premium model with AWD.
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About Tom:
Tom Voelk is an award-winning automotive contributor to The New York Times. His podcast was the first to win an Emmy Award. He also married way out of his league. Now, stop reading this promotional copy bragging about Tom's photography and editing skills and watch a couple episodes. It's much more interesting.

[@ivanlowjones]

I think VW should've positioned this a little closer to the Audi Q7 in terms of luxury and technology. 300hp wouldn't have hurt either. A fully loaded Honda Pilot Elite trim level is a notch or two below the Acura MDX. VW should've made this an entry level near premium SUV and a stepping stone to an Audi or Porsche eventually.

[@kc5077]

I had to grab my compass and passport to navigate the armada of Atlas puns as you took us on this journey. Thanks for being a trooper I'm going to rendezvous with a fox and rabbit to play some golf.

[@evlifestyle1001]

😂 Truly underrated comment!

[@NMS350]

Love this! We bought it in early August and love it, it's like our Tiguan just so much larger and a little less sporty.

[@sunofegypt7]

Nathan Stice hows it on gas and the suspension

[@TheHelghast1138]

I am strongly considering this as a fleet vehicle for my company. Thank you so much for such an excellent quality video Tom!!

[@dominiclugo]

did you get it?

[@respect411]

tom you're great every time

[@groundfloor711]

Nice review as always, and nice variety of designs of the new swag! Might have to pick something out!

[@davidrussell5570]

Its HUGE, but looks pretty nice!

[@AnsrMax]

I am gonna check out that hoodie. Tom, what do you think about VWs choice of the Orange atlas in the reveal. It looks so much better in every other color.

[@sutherland559]

best car reviews around, as always. Thanks!

[@1guyin10]

The designers did a good job of playing on the "large" theme. It looks even bigger in person. Almost like it could have a Tahoe for a snack. I found the front seats to be a bit of a disappointment, but otherwise it is quite well done.

[@gumerdominguez4091]

1guyin10 yep it’s 2 square in bigger than Tahoe and 20000 dll less🤨

[@王瑾-v3d]

In July 2018, I purchased a VW flagship version of Teramont 530V6 (2.5T) in Shenzhen, China. While I driving to 4000 kilometers, a brake failure was found. At the same time, I found that the engine was seriously leaking oil. The whole vehicle suddenly stopped running two times so far, You have to restart before you can drive. The problem has not been completely solved by looking for manufacturers and distributors many times. This problem brings a lot of troubles to my life, and I lose my confidence in Volkswagen. This case can be used for your reference when you want to buy a SAIC Volkswagen.

[@11nolaboi]

Like the video Tom, I will be sure to pick up one of those t-shirts and sweatshirts too!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Not to blatantly plug the swag but I really like the sweatshirt. Soft and just the right weight. I wear it all the time. The guy who makes them up did a very nice job.

[@Aliakbar.m]

What a beautiful monster!

[@KsanaKsini]

Digging the TV logo shirt Mr. Tom. Pretty sure leather jacket coming up in the future!!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Glad to hear it. Wanted to get good quality stuff. I wear my hoodie all the time.

[@py1211]

ATLAST....that's funny!

[@NeutralGenericUser]

Hey Tom, just wanted to let you know that the Twitter link in the description of this video (and possibly other videos) links to the incorrect profile. Great review as usual! :)

[@jacques2007smith]

Hmmmmm I feel like I have seen this guy before. Great review. I shall subscribe now!

[@jaredmethuselah5813]

Very good presentation. I'm going to subscribe to your channel.

[@SSS-mp8th]

Seems a tad under powered, not horribly so but the competition (including some mini-vans) offer more.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I'm curious about driving the turbo four loaded up with people and gear..

[@MatrixDiscovery]

Honda Odyssey will leave this thing for dead.

[@kylerobinson8913]

People don't understand the minivan. But to cruise at 80 mph comfortably with a half ton of fat Americans and all their belongings. Empty they are fast!

[@bosse641]

Nice.

[@K03sport]

Love this and the cx-9 and ironically I'd get both in fwd...crucify me later but I have my reasons. If only the 3rd row was easily ditchable...

[@몬트-e8q]

I can't make dicission between VW Altas and Subaru Ascent... Any suggestions? From Montreal, CA

[@Canetinhao]

Nice

[@BeryJensen]

I would like a diesel 2.0 TDI please!

[@RicardoRoams]

The Atlas is nice but it's V6 engine is a negative. The EPA rates the fuel economy lower than it should for a V6. If I'm going to give up V8 power, I want better gas mileage

[@vwmatt33]

It's been growing on me. Tom did you notice the horrible exterior lighting mistake? The Atlas has LED headlights and DRL but halogen fog light. To me that a huge mistake on VW part. I would most certainly have to order LED replacements for sure.

[@ormand3000]

vwmatt33 buy an Acura mdx instead

[@chestnutbluff]

There are 46 inches between the wheel wells in back. If they could shave an inch off each side you'd be able to haul 4-foot wide sheets of plywood or Sheetrock, making the Atlas a truly viable minivan alternative for those who need that capability.

[@greglahue9728]

This is done on purpose. Fog lights are intended to be a "warm" color light in order to not pick up more of the fog. This is for the same reason high beams allow you to see less when it's foggy. Some cars even use yellow lense covers for fog lights, but I agree those look terrible.

[@jorgeu111]

leaving a warning here. Base S trim don't come with fog lights at all. Hope it helps someone

[@jovy1218]

Dolphins101 some people don’t like cheap plastic cars that come from the ugly factory known as Honda or Toyota!

[@jamalchoudhry3499]

Can you do a "2017 Nissan Pathfinder SL" review? Please?

[@andreww913]

The 3.5 petrol engine should be turbo charge. Or put VAG 3.0 or 4.2 turbo diesel in it. Would be a winner. I think it would do well in Europe to go head to head with the new BMW x7.

[@njack1994]

How cool would an Atlas be with a v10 diesel?

[@venom5809]

That literally happened to me last year, car blew through a stop light, hit another car then bounced off that car and ran into the side of my car. Tech like that would have been great to stop the car of the idiot that ran through the light after it hit the first car.

[@chrisbrowder9184]

We are trying to decide between an atlas and a Durango with a v6, based on your test drives, which one would you recommend?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Sorry Chris, I don't give that kind of advice. Buy the car that works best for you. That said, have you looked at the Kia Telluride or new Ford Explorer (the video will drop next Tuesday)?

[@chrisbrowder9184]

@@DrivenCarReviews thank you for responding...the Kia is too new for our price point...we are looking at "mildly used" 2018 models....and I am not a fan of the explorer because it looks like I would own a gussied up police cruiser

[@elliottmanning4116]

I just noticed the "At Last" at 0:52. Couldn't help yourself huh?

[@ARB0204]

I wonder if the Subaru ascent is bigger or not.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Eyeballing it from the concept at NY Auto Show it looks like Ascent will be a bit smaller. Just an educated guess.

[@fonzierello3424]

Smaller since its based on a toyota highlander.

[@ARB0204]

Fonzie Rello No it’s not The Ascent rides on the new global architecture that underpins the new Impreza and Crosstrek, The Highlander rides on the Avalon, old Camry, ES, RX platform that came out in 2009

[@Tonythetiger2101]

Will you be doing a review on the new Hyundai Palisade? Thanks!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Planning on it.

[@goergeibrahim6417]

At least we have a tiguan allspace

[@swanblake]

Good vehicle for Americans that just want a box on wheels. Without the virtual cockpit the interior is awful compared to the CX9. If only you could take the cx9, give it the interior dimensions of the Atlas and virtual cockpit you would have the ultimate vehicle. I guess that's the Q7

[@exes1010]

Depends on the interior you want. Using third-row legroom as the metric Atlas is bigger than all three. Q7 third row legroom - 29.2". CX-9 third row - 29.7". Atlas third row - 33.7".

[@gumerdominguez4091]

Blake Swan you nailed right on the money

[@geigerzoola6642]

Is the left fog lamp already broken?

[@navigill8811]

Yep.

[@gmman010983]

Royhan I think it has something to do with which direction you're turning and it comes on according.

[@bmwmsport11]

Royhan It's a turning light or whatever they're called. Supposed to turn on to illuminate the curb so you don't run into it. Low beams don't always give you 180 degrees of lighting, and adaptive headlights cost more to make than wiring up a fog light to the turn signal. Originally a feature of Cadillacs and Lincolns back in the 90s and early 2000s. Used to be a luxury feature but now it's more of a safety trend. Besides a blown bulb is nothing. Replacement halogens are like $7 from the store, not expensive to fix even without warranty.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Nope

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Yes, cornering lights.

[@crumdoggy]

Wish they put that powerplant in the new Tiguan.

[@schxn]

They should’ve called it Teramont (like what they call this in China) so they keep consistent with the “T” SUV lineup. Also Teramont sounds better than Atlas imo.

[@76carmel]

The new Tiguan has been redesigned, and the Touraeg could be discontinued in North America.

[@housepianist]

Billy Sou yeah I really like the look of the new Tiguan. It's basically a mini version of the Atlas but it's way better than the previous Hello Kitty design.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Yes, thought I made it clear this was a historical reference. Maybe not.

[@76carmel]

Driven Car Reviews Tom, I chimed in before you mention the Tiguan redesign at the end of the review. Sorry.

[@76carmel]

Driven Car Reviews Ironically, when will test the new Tiguan?

[@denislokator]

Is it better than Ford Explorer?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Define "better".

[@denislokator]

Is it quieter than Explorer, better to drive, has more comfort?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Atlas is not as fast as Explorer but the VW probably handles better. The Ford, from what I remember, has a softer suspension. While the Explorer can be ordered with luxe materials, the VW looks much the same across al trim levels. I highly suggest test driving both since only you can make these calls.

[@gumerdominguez4091]

denislokator it’s way better than any Ford warranty wise space and economy I got one and I like it

[@gumerdominguez4091]

denislokator remember ppl explorer it’s based on a truck platform so it’s a pick up chase overpriced for the suv Customers willing to pay 15000 dlls more for a covered pickup handles terrible quality wise it’s all fuck up it’s a Ford

[@jamalchoudhry3499]

Can you do a Dodge Grandcaravan, trim level GT?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Nope

[@jamalchoudhry3499]

Driven Car Reviews ok, I love your reviews though so I am still subscribed with both of my accounts. I still don't understand why you can't review it, but whatever. Thanks

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Because it's old and out of date. I have trouble keeping up with the modern stuff. I suggest looking on line for other reviews.

[@NavneetMultani]

One of the fog light is not working in this car you’re driving!!! @ 00.32

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I suggest reading the other comments

[@NavneetMultani]

Driven Car Reviews Doesn't harm once more...

[@ostreds]

@3:46...no turning signal. Fire the driver.

[@tripple.G]

Volkswagen Atlas ❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉

[@exes1010]

How about some hats for the store?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Working on that...

[@rudyfrxnk]

Title says 2017... its a 2018!

[@Big_Black_Dick]

Secret society, lol 😉

[@ivanlowjones]

Richard Thomas Illuminati......hmmmm?

[@Big_Black_Dick]

J High yeah, that was my joke, but im sure this guy is serious tho, he's always dropping luciferian subliminals & free mason illuminati symbolisms

[@aspzafar]

Why does the badge say "ATLAST"? 0:52

[@elai3147]

Dan Zafar simple editing trick to emphasize how clever the name atlas is

[@BeryJensen]

Wind noise on pillars.C'mon in 2018?

[@ericalbertson6621]

Explorer does 0-60 in 5.5 seconds should've mentioned that lol

[@gumerdominguez4091]

Eric Albertson yes it’s got a v6 turbo 50000 mill to be on shop rebuilding the heads on it worst in suv

[@AugustGreen_]

4:30 Ahead of his time.

[@BullishGarage]

What do you do with the toilet paper after the videos?

[@jamespatrick6939]

he has opened his own toilet paper online store on eBay

[@uos64]

He throws it down the nearby river to test the durability of the toilet paper

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I don't. Evil Twin does.

[@uos64]

Driven Car Reviews Will we ever see the evil twin again ? I know he is hard to get a hold off but maybe on some special edition episodes ?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Let's just say you don't want to get on my bad side...

[@headcas620]

This needs a V8 or turbo V6 asap. It'd get better mpg too since it wouldn't be working as hard. A honda odyssey is better in every way though.

[@jody024]

There is a V6 option....

[@exes1010]

Odyssey can't tow as much and no AWD option. It's definitely a better people carrier though.

[@headcas620]

You're not towing anything with this. It'll be even slower than it already is and most buyers don't need to tow. If they do need to tow chances are they already have a pickup truck since this is for the woman of the household. AWD doesn't matter unless you live on a mountain. Snow tires are all 90% of people need.

[@aa134368]

headcas620 this was basically made for the US market. Even if they keep the current engine lineup they need to have a halo trim level with a beefier engine. Think ecoboost v6, Durango srt, Cherokee trackhawk, etc. not many people may buy those trims but it ups the model profile. I’d buy this now but I’m holding out until they put in more power.

[@MatrixDiscovery]

Yeah right....this thing will be slow if you fill it with people and stuff

[@robertsn6584]

For a littl e fyi. The ford explorer is a pos. A ford explorer loaded with the 3.5 eco boost v6 is like 55 grand

[@gumerdominguez4091]

Robert Snyder yes sir way to much money for a 50000 mill last car

[@RBBBBBBBBB533]

What happened to VW? They used to do nice elegant interiors. This looks like a cheap Honda from years past.

[@MarioDallaRiva]

Tom, is the Atlas manufactured in the US? To quote Duece Bigalow: "That's HUGE Bitch!" Also, I was wondering if your evil twin is involved with your new website?

[@chrgav1286]

Mario Dalla Riva It's "That's a HUGE B***h!" not "That's HUGE B***h!"

[@MarioDallaRiva]

Chr Gav S'om B&@*h, you're right! 👍🏻

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Yes, TN

[@oliverzink6370]

Yes it is manufactured in the US! Volkswagen Chattanooga, 8001 Volkswagen Dr, Chattanooga, TN 37416, USA Greetings from Germany!

[@kenoash]

I'm seriously comparing this with Mazda CX-9. It's got bigger space but less luxurious. Wonder which one will last longer and cheaper to maintain, thought?

[@exes1010]

I think you also need to consider how much you'll use the third row. I am 6' and sat in the third row of an Atlas and it's decent. I've not sat in a CX9 but most reviewers mention the third row is pretty tight. Probably a consequence of its swoopier style.

[@gumerdominguez4091]

kenoash atlas better warranty more into space it vr6 engine is old but good I got one

[@rodherscher7155]

Do your homework before to buy a VW Atlas........check reviews from former owners, problems and warranty.....poor gas mileage’s....poor quality materials....I had this car for one week, rattling crazy, wind noise at 60 mph....front suspension problems and I lost 12k dollars with this car.......horrible experience....sel Premium 4 motion 3.6.......

[@crownwong190]

Did anyone notice the notwokring fog light at 0：30？Really? A new car, the fog light its already broken...

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I suggest reading the other posts to find out what you're missing here

[@gumerdominguez4091]

Shawn Wang it’s called directional turn signal. Plz look around

[@pyrolusite]

Atlas shrugged, clever man.

[@mlee6136]

The Color doesn't work with your demo car, too drab

[@Agent77X]

0-60 V6, 8 seconds, that slow!

[@gumerdominguez4091]

HW2800 wring Igor mone not wad does 0 to 60 in 7.5 seconds I think is good for a big suv it’s not a race car and the warranty is better than most 72 mill or 72 mo fully transferable bumper to bumper I think is good

[@jorgeu111]

in "real life" it have been fast enough. I mean, if you follow speed limit laws and drive safely you wouldn't need to accelerate that fast. More like 10--11 seconds 0-60.

[@gudalawrence2028]

I noticed a broken drivers side fog light 😋

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Did you not read the other posts?

[@franks.5935]

How can I get my shit

[@motrs1206]

Fake exhaust tips

[@richardbadi68]

Ummmm Ford Edge WTF

[@waltherppx6314]

No such animal as a 2017 Atlas.

[@benchang17]

One of the fog lamp is busted

[@nintendoatarikiller]

Benedict Chang it does that when you steer into corners or use the turn signal.

[@benchang17]

Oh! My bad. I thought it only applies to the DRL

[@TinLeadHammer]

Plain, dull, boring, huge, not as good as a minivan.

[@exes1010]

A minivan is probably a better choice unless you want to tow. I can't think of any minivans that can tow 5000 lbs.

[@CLMDADE]

The interior looks cheap, especially for 50 grand

[@jovy1218]

CLMDADE you must own a Honda or Toyota to be used to all that plastic..... bahahahaha

[@zarbon700]

Just another unreliable, lots of plastic/cheap parts, high maintenance cost VW. Dont buy it, just lease it and dump after 3 years.

[@pianopeach]

How long have you had yours? What problems have you had with it?

[@zarbon700]

pianopeach I know a few people who owned VW cars and they had lots electrical issues, cheap plastic parts breaking and power train issues. The parts for VW cars are expensive to buy and get installed. Stay away from VW cars.

[@yellowhammer3]

My former leased 2014 VW Tiguan had the gas door lock break at 25000 miles. I discovered this when I was on a road trip and out of gas...on a Saturday! I was stuck in some random town in Florida until the next Monday when it could be fixed. That really sucked

[@carlosleal903]

pianopeach alot of my family owns a VW from Jettas, beetles, tiguans, and Passat. Reliability was only an issue I'm with and older Passat which I wasn't surprised since it was a salvaged title ... I know stupid. But for the most part I think VW are pretty reliable... Plastics and paint keeps up well, hardly any issues mechanicle especially compared to Nissan, which we also own. However maintenance is pricier like oils changes and stuff like that. Just take care of the car and the car will take car of you.

[@eggbirdtherooster]

zarbon700 those are just horrorstories.. the company I work has lots of modern vw cars with allready high milage.. No problems!