2018 Volkswagen Atlas: Test Drive

[@cizzlen07]

I test drove this thing and he’s spot on. Don’t understand these comments. If you care about good handling and supreme comfort but need a larger suv with ground clearance the Atlas is perfect. I know it’s already better than my 4 Runner 🤷‍♂️

[@WDavid-bm9jd]

PunjabiM8 definitely Agree with your opinion, I got one , back seat is really comfortable..

[@ayo30s]

Better than a 4Runner or better than ur 4Runner? 👊🏾🇳🇬🇺🇸

[@Transit_my-way]

I've seen this in person. I've never seen any other suv whose seats fold as flat like this one according to my knowledge. Incredible.

[@mitch7850]

Very impressed by the Atlas. Nothing against VW, but this is the first time I’ve considered them as an option. After going to the auto show yesterday, and not even knowing about the vehicle I was quite pleased after stumbling upon it; especially after looking at most of the other three row SUVs first. I took a tape measure with me and measured the room with all seats up and third row down and the Atlas had more length than the Expedition. Nice job VW, definitely going to try and purchase one soon.

[@emerymiguel9922]

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[@malcolmlucas1130]

@Emery Miguel Instablaster =)

[@emerymiguel9922]

@Malcolm Lucas I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site thru google and im in the hacking process atm. Seems to take a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@emerymiguel9922]

@Malcolm Lucas it worked and I now got access to my account again. I am so happy:D Thank you so much you saved my ass!

[@malcolmlucas1130]

@Emery Miguel glad I could help =)

[@williamegler8771]

Bought one when they first came out.... Long story short is a litany of quality foibles that the dealer was powerless to fix. In the first eighteen months it was in the shop for almost eleven weeks.

[@jacobreed47]

When did Chuck Liddell start doing car reviews?

[@Moisi547]

The more I look at this thing, the more I like it. Best in class infotainment system in my opinion, I've used the other ones and their graphics either look outdated or jumbled up.

[@NewCarReview]

This does not replace the Touareg, it is a much larger 3 row SUV for families. Touareg is a luxury 2 row SUV designed to compete with the Grand Cherokee and x5, and will be updated soon.

[@IamGroot786]

I thought the placement of the push start button was weird at first, but I could get use to it actually. I really love that flat floor once the seats are folded. Why doesn't everyone do that?

[@edwinaragon8469]

I appreciate the review. I hate watching other video's that claim to do a "Test Drive", but only drive it around town,m where the roads and nice a smooth. I've test this Atlas around my town and took it down a shady road that isn't really maintained by the city as much, because I wanted to know how it would handle and absorb pot holes and bumps, my final thought's on this type of road condition is true as you stated, it's rough. If you imagine having kids and drinks in the back, they will get tossed around. This is not made for roads that are not well maintained, like most roads in America. Highway, will do just fine, but on hard roads with pot holes, you both hear the tunk and feel it as well.

[@Rokurō03]

I love how this thing has 14 less horse power than my 2013 Ford Explorer and can tow 5,000lbs but my Explorer can only tow 2,000lbs not counting the possible differences in suspension.

[@stoicllc2352]

Being able to actually use the third row and tilt the second with child seats left is a selling point from a family perspective. In a vehicle that I like the looks of and actually has a historically reliable engine and transmission from vw. It’s a front runner for the next family vehicle.

[@MikemoRides]

Following up on this even though your comment is 11 months old; we bought this vehicle due to the fact that we could easily have 3 car seats in the back. One forward facing in the third row, one forward facing behind the drivers seat, and a rear facing in the middle of the second row. Our son who sits in the back can get in and out easily from the rear passenger side door with the seat sliding forward. My grandmother who lives with us has plenty of room in the second row next to the middle car seat and my wife and I (6'3") fit comfortably in the front. VW hit it out of the park on the interior layout of this vehicle. I will agree with others that the V6 leaves a lot to be desired but it's no slouch and can hold it's own when it needs to. We were afraid to leave our minivan for a SUV but the reality of the Atlas is that it fits our family better than our Routan ever did.

[@ninerdoublezero]

Nice review. You look tiny in that cockpit, the thing must be enormous!

[@newlifegoalsllc.mcknight3129]

Great review and I agree with you 100%. I bought it a week ago and my sole gripe is the power

[@jgs1564]

Like always, I really enjoyed your video review. Great job!

[@TAEbot]

Nice looking SUV, I definitely prefer the boxy vs spacey curved design. 50k is a bit steep though.

[@gardenst4398]

Very True Honest review which is not seen elsewhere. Nobody said the truth on Atlas suspension except him. It is harsh and not comfortable on offroad& bumps..terrible for a $40k suv.

[@romanopeterj]

I purchased a 2017 GMC Acadia Denali a year ago. I live in Manhattan, so the smaller size works for me. I was tempted to wait for this vehicle, but when I learned the specs and how much larger it was I decided to pass. The mileage I get in my GMC has been in the 19-20 range with combined driving, on the highway I have gotten upwards of 25 miles per gallon. The Atlas looks nice, and the space will be great for many families, I would be concerned at the poor mileage based on the age of that VR6 engine. It may be reliable, but I would expect better mileage from a modern day engine.

[@cphipps79]

My favorite reviewer of auto's! Hey Sam!!

[@patrickheide9697]

Good video. I like the Atlas a lot. Currently drive a 2017 Passat . And wife has a Jetta. They have a unique Vw feel. What’s with the new look?

[@benhaze1010]

Sam I like your reviews very much but sometimes I am a bit baffled by your evaluations. Good example here: engine & transmission working a bit hard, under-performing (slow reaction time and sluggish when taking off) and pretty dismal fuel economy considering lighter curb weight/HP/torque ratings & 8-speed auto yet it gets 4 stars? What would it take to get 3 or 2 stars?

[@max-grey]

Wait, 15mpg? Was this straight out of the showroom or a press car? I know driving style can change a lot but this is unbelievable, I've watched so many reviews (even with passengers) and frankly, mpg wasn't this bad. 🤔4runner

[@uos64]

Excellent review. Sam , which would you say is the sportiest in class Atlas or CX-9 or Sorento ??

[@jpmackin]

Thank you for another great video, Sam. What did you think of the start/Stop system?

[@mrmm7322]

Nice 👍 I like it. But what about the most important thing. Quality quality quality how reliable this suv Is it worth almost 60 thousand dollars Thanks

[@Greenplants69]

Great review. Looking for a used one now.

[@lmn222002]

Great and fair review...engine power seems low maybe for 2nd gen it will be on my radar

[@daliumangx]

is this jeep?

[@nbowling10trio]

They really should've went with a unique powertrain on this one. Smaller turbo VR6, inline 5 or 6 or maybe even a small V8. Whatever one produced 20 or more combined mpg and had over 300 hp and tq. They may have had turbo diesel plans for the atlas but then screwed it up but VW definitely could've done better

[@brianwinkler8183]

Interesting how both the Tiguan and Atlas have a slightly degraded version of Audi's virtual cockpit. It's a nice feature. Also, like Audi, the designs are not too emotional, but I think the linear look works. Like the new Tiguan, the lack of power seems to leave one wanting. Too bad, because the packaging is quite good otherwise.

[@gavinpowell8538]

Waiting for your review on the kia stinger 😉

[@sunsharon1538]

Very fair and good review. And the Atlas is a really nice car for family.

[@sunofegypt7]

Sun Sharon be ware its clingy in the video people say the suspension is horrible and the fake exhaust scares me to what else is fake. this bran is unreliable

[@The_Notorious_CRG]

Great review Sam...in this video you look like a cross between Road Warrior Animal and Chuck Liddell.

[@khanartist1]

There were moments that this guy reminded me of chuck liddell

[@ggolds5]

Ive asked some others but want to clarify. The dealer says the NAV is on the SEL. However the literature says you only get NAV with the SEL Premium. This would be outrageous as you would have to pay 15K more just to get Nav IE getting the premium just for NAV. Rarely would you have to go to the top to get nav these days. IE the Mazda CX9. or Durango, or any other SUV's. Am I overreacting or correct about this on the Atlas. Thank you!!

[@jeffroberts6006]

ggolds5 That appears to be the case that to get the factory Nav you need to get the Premium. However if you have a smart phone you don’t need it, as Apple Car Play and Android Auto both allow you to use Google Maps, Waze, or Apple Maps on the touch screen. It’s been my experience that Each of these are better and are always updated compared to any factory Garmin or Tom Tom Nav.

[@NigelNaughton]

Great review..but..I took my 1963 Deluxe bus off-road all the time ;-)

[@boomshaker27]

Guy looks like Chuck Lidel. Awesome

[@Dougie085]

Were you racing this or something? Most other people's reviews are averaging like 21 or so combined lol.

[@ThePanamanianMike]

I have toddlers so I like the vehicle mainly for it's space. The ability to not have to take out the child's seat to go in the third row is a big deal to me. But I really don't like the interior or the gas mileage. Not sure how u gave it 5 stars. A clean car would have been nice for the review as well

[@pabloarvelo5969]

2017?

[@jasonsmith1143]

only thing I like are the SEATS

[@sunofegypt7]

Jason Gee it reminds me of audi

[@radiogreenblue]

I sell VWs, very accurate review and consistent with what our customers are saying.

[@K03sport]

It's been long enough...do the 2.0t S/SE (🦄) and see if your initial thoughts match up

[@TestDrivenTV]

The odds of VW ever putting an Atlas 2.0T in the press fleet are as likely as a new Bugatti showing up in our email inbox.

[@daytona4406]

Wow the exhaust is something else on this. Honestly a new low for cars its 2017 and for that price wtf.

[@mariowhyte2816]

daytona4406 That's what I'm taaaaalkinnnnng bout right there!!!! It's not just VW here, Mercedes Benz, Audi, BMW, so many high end automakers are doing this and it's the worst thing ever.

[@pedrofernandez3893]

If they can manage to make it semi-reliable, it should do well (good luck with that)

[@PashaDefragzor]

I was a fan of VW until 2016-2018... What have they done...

[@AlexsrAlexjr]

Just picked Atlas last week, and was happy until, all the electrical became disable including power steering wheel, and I almost crashed. Just terrible experience. I don’t know how I’ll drive this car for the next 3 years((((((

[@Mega_Trond]

No, you did not. You look like a child, so stop lying...

[@edinmujkic6110]

Drove it here in Colorado Springs at 6,800ft. Ridiculously underpowered (I know, altitude does not help). I think video is a bit biased because of that, since torque is non existent. Atlas check all boxes except engine. For China VW offered this vehicle with 2.5 V6 Turbo and DSG transmission. I think DSG in SUV like this is not necessary, but VW needs to do something about engine choices. They need V6 turbo in this car. I was thinking actually to buy this car, but no way until they offer V6 turbo.

[@allroadsawesome]

This probably will not sell well for vw simply due to the unimpressive mpg

[@MFaraz-eb2pv]

Good review.

[@joseacevedo400]

No way this thing only averages 15 mpg no way

[@louislopez55]

At least the fake, shiny exhaust tips will never get dirty from soot. Probably important for people who only use drive-thru car washes. Must look funny in the winter to see cold-engine exhaust coming from underneath the car instead of out the fake tips. I still wonder who would even consider a VW after what they pulled.

[@sunofegypt7]

Louis Miller lol that's gona be awkward. imagine the mpg with 7 passengers. I feel so bad for people who gona buy this

[@djayt1215]

The only people that care is the big gov EPA. Diesel owners were happy with the high fuel economy. Just wait until they start charging you for your unnecessary and unsafe bike

[@leehancock2782]

3rd row seating??

[@technom3598]

R u blind

[@stevecastrillo8400]

What about testing a new toyota prado! I like your videos and i would like to see your conclusions about the new prado?

[@TestDrivenTV]

We do not get the Toyota Prado in the US

[@cexotic-man5289]

It wasn't a 2017 the first model yr was 2018!

[@elliottmanning4116]

The only vehicles that don't have hard-touch plastic in the interior are Bentley and Rolls-Royce vehicles, and maybe some expensive BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz models. Mostly everything has hard plastic somewhere on the inside. And I know car companies like to market these CUVs as off-road capable, no one takes them off-road.

[@darylljackson1968]

Every car has plastic here or there! It's how the car manufacturer makes it looks to the consumer eye!

[@DiwaGalvez]

Very poor fuel economy. The Explorer is still the one to beat in this segment even if it's getting old.

[@kuruvillaluke]

The sound system is good but thats about it ....rest is cheap plastic and lining.mileage sucks.the routan and taureg customers are happy.Awesome vw vehicle.

[@pedrofernandez3893]

A minivan can do the same and save you a ton on the gas bill.

[@djayt1215]

pedro fernandez minivam has no ground clearance

[@Kareem-cx4fi]

A minivan tows way less than 5K pounds, few minivans have all AWD. They all have less ground clearance, less approach, departure, and break over angles for off roading or harsh climates conditions. So no, a minivan can't do everything this can do for less.

[@piercetonmazell9402]

No power in the van

[@alecmwilliams]

They didn’t make them for 2017 it’s a 2018

[@thiagolima7344]

Best car , vw is best for brand for vw group ( vw/Audi, Porsche,Bentley...etc) many tecnologico

[@K03sport]

I’m a VW fan too, but I thought your ratings were too high/generous, especially on a vehicle that cost as much as this was just average in its execution…very sad that nearly $50k still gets you hard, slick plastics and literally fake exhaust tips; yeah, lots of cars have chrome holes back there, but this is the first I’ve seen that has a chromed pocket (thumbs-down)…I also wish the 3rd row was optional, especially if the T-reg is on its way out...the mpgs are crap, especially with a push for higher standards...and as soon as gas jumps, this Atlas will get crushed by the very globe he's supporting...maybe, just maybe VW will make a Passat based on this architecture...in the end, this vehicle is about $5K more than it should be

[@Origen17]

Exhaust tips are the deal-breaker. Shameful

[@technom3598]

Lol. No one truly cares

[@suwenli7118]

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.

[@jbarres80]

No wireless charging 😔

[@miguelsaninocencio8591]

Not worth 50 rather get a explorer platinum

[@sunofegypt7]

M S should be wpm fully loaded. this vehicle. is horrible

[@virenvs905]

My silverado gets better mpg than this. 😂

[@djayt1215]

Viren vs you mean your glorified 4 cylinder

[@robertlandry5676]

Nice palm trees, biased review, I wonder what the mpg would be with 7 passengers, gear, and uphill grades. No your head didn't hit the head rest when you punched it. Aerodynamics of a Scion. Next

[@rockford2523]

$50,000 for a vehicle that has fake exhaust tips?

[@Tallus08]

Amtrak 2523 Fake exhaust tips are all the rage these days, unfortunately.

[@PS987654321PS]

I'd rather have a microbus....

[@tekz6435]

Big boxy dated looking styling, bad fuel economy, expensive yet has a lot of cheap plastics inside, drives like a boat with a lethargic engine despite 3.6 V6 which on paper seems adequate and I really have reservations for this due to VW's poor reliability record....only good things going for it are the practicality with huge cargo and towing capacity and features like the virtual cockpit (w/c cost more btw), panoramic sunroof, ventilated/heated seats, Fender audio and 4motion AWD system

[@sunofegypt7]

Tek z its so sad. they made this poor vehicle. people are going to be at the mechanics very often. I feel sorry for the consumer

[@radiogreenblue]

Have you driven it Tek, surely does not drive like a boat but more like a car. Boxy styling increases interior room, engine is lethargic agreed, VWs have a much higher reliability currently - think Honda fitting all those cheap Takata airbags in their cars. Not for everyone, but the Atlas in US News and World Report number one out of 19 reviewed SUVs.

[@tekz6435]

radiogreenblue, don't need to drive it. I've never been a fan of VW due to it's pricing and reliability issues and can never trust a company that cheated its way (dieselgate) and if interior space is my priority then I would go for a minivan...

[@carlosleal903]

Tek z our 2014 Passat has 80k miles without any problems which is I'm guessing reliability is a thing of older models

[@djayt1215]

Tek z the high quality materials will stand the test of time. All the soft touch shit you people want cracks and dulls like crazy

[@kuruvillaluke]

The in side plastic looks cheap

[@Aurora_v_cali]

The Audi sq5 has the same fake exhaust outlets to really annoying and cheep

[@EVDroid]

Does he know why the exhaust tips are fake? Trivia folks 👍🏼

[@TestDrivenTV]

Please illuminate us

[@LanceJDanks]

No thanks. Lousy gas mileage. Boring. A day late and over priced. Unimpressive interior. Fake exhaust pipes! Quite a down grade from the Touareg TDI.

[@peter300pete]

Very biased review, Sam is a German cars fan... No matter what...

[@TestDrivenTV]

Thank you!

[@daytona4406]

TestDrivenTV Sam I really respect your channel and reviews, but I am shocked you would buy this even with the EXTREMELY faked exhaust. Maybe this is just me as a car guy but I do think a overpriced navigator with single exhaust tip is more tolerable than this. Haha as always great review

[@DiwaGalvez]

He's a fan of all cars. The way he criticized the terrible Mirage was waaaay milder than other reviewers.

[@moehio]

Not biased at all. If you watched the video, he pointed out quite a few negatives.

[@f181234]

daytona4406 it's an exhaust tip lol these are not sport cars

[@troysmith9007]

german my ass

[@pedrofernandez3893]

Yeah, a few German-Americans work at the factory.

[@sunofegypt7]

lol he said the exhaust are FAKE. they dont even blow air lmbo the exaust pipe isn't even connected to the fake exhaust pipes. I wonder what else they've been able to fake or manipulate. with there reputation in the market already and the ratings of this vehicles poor suspension driving feels like tour on air. airplane experiencing extreme turbulence is not gona go well with consumers. very very sad

[@minjatrapara8425]

What on earth is wrong with you man, completely ridiculous review...for a 2018 vehicle that it a god awful interior, jesus christ...

[@garik1018]

Instead of getting SEL you can get Infiniti Qx60 . Muche better car all around and same price

[@jeffroberts6006]

I shopped both. To equip the Infinity with the same equipment and amenities as the SEL Premium it was about 8k more than the VW. More opulent interior for sure but the required premium fuel and the CVT transmission are knocks for me. And the VW is considerably bigger, to the tune of over 20 cu ft of cargo or 2nd and 3rd row seating. There both good vehicles but they are apples and oranges really.