2021 Volkswagen Atlas Review and Off-Road Test

[@davepaek5014]

Great review! I love your offroad tests, primarily the reason why I subscribed. I own both the AllTrack and Atlas. Good to know that these vehicles can handle rough roads like these. I wouldn't compare the Atlas to a Volvo, simply because Volvo is much more expensive and has less cargo. the only reason why we picked Atlas over Ascent or Highlander is because of cargo. It was our top priority. And, something you didn't point out here, but the ability for the second row seats to move with the baby carseat in place, was a feature that I really admired especially when needing to provide access to the third row for additional passengers. This is a feature that's often overlooked and not mentioned by other reviewers. But when you have it, it's an amazing feature becuase you don't have to remove the car seats to provide access to the third row.

[@mikem2253]

Outdoor Layne Nothing wrong with that. The Highlander is smaller.

[@mauriciogutierrez580]

@@layne4376 yep, nothing beats a central differential

[@bradleyscarreviews]

Nothing beats telluride and palisade

[@dustinm8800]

@Davepaek, hi!

[@markholle3450]

@@bradleyscarreviews My wife wanted either the Telluride or Palisade but you can't even test drive them right now - No stock. We managed to find a 2021 Telluride with 6,900 miles and the dealer was asking $75,000. As we started to walk out, they asked if we wanted to look at the Atlas. We found it had more room in the third row than the Telluride, the seat cushions were longer, and overall more comfortable. That was at the top of my wife's list since she had a Highlander. We only put people back there when it was only absolutely necessary. We bought the Atlas and she is thrilled.

[@Aaron-hb2nz]

Had my Atlas for a year now. No issues, love the simple layout and space!

[@jessiec8838]

So I own an atlas that I take off road very often. The down hill descent control works automatically when offroad mode is enabled AND the decline is greater than 5%. As long as offroad mode is on and the decline is greater than 5% it will engage automatically and the speed is then controlled by you. Enter the hill at 2mph then the car will maintain 2mph. If you hit the gas a little and speed up to 5mph then it will continue on at 5mph. If you want to slow down you apply the brakes until you’re at 1mph and the car will maintain 1mph.

[@drivingsports]

The video is a good example of when/why automatic systems aren't always ideal. We're familiar with the "roll at the speed you enter" style of downhill descent. But this one was so inconsistent it was hard to confirm exactly what it was trying to do.

[@tc1uscg65]

@@drivingsports Thats sounds about like what my 09 Jeep Liberty does, in 4low.

[@grizzlyaddams3606]

@@drivingsports could be that your decline % wasn't 5+?

[@yazzie8557]

I own an Atlas and we put some off road tires on it from the Volkswagen store. Its actually incredibly good off road now. I pulled a TRD Tacoma out of a hole a few weeks ago.

[@fernyblue]

Can you share what wheel and tire combination you used?

[@deviousd1871]

Love hearing this. I have an annoying Toyota neighbor that just loves to bash on VW.

[@paulwerner3259]

I put on Falken WildPeak SUV has the three mountain 🏔 and ❄️ emblem and rated for 60k miles means I don’t have to switch in summer

[@andrewagyeman3338]

​@@deviousd1871😂

[@larryajetiable]

I own Atlas v6 3.6 r line 4 motion SEL 2021 and half just got it about moths ago and extremely happy with it lots of changes from the 2019 that I had. And seeing this video makes me even more happier.

[@jaycobmelo1904]

has it been reliable?

[@RezandJen]

We eneded up getting one of these. V6 4Motion SEL. It has a ton of space and features and I actually think it's an amazing value.

[@daxmojones9025]

@Oskar Dirlewanger Yup. And employee pricing with lease is a crazy deal. My Cross Sport SE w/ Tech 4Motion MSRP was $42,800... Lease amount is $35,000 with a $23k residual. Hard to pass up. Plus ... I LOVE IT! (fyi employee pricing is 13% off, then all other discounts).

[@mrredeyex]

He Just sold me on it

[@tahsin28]

U knw whats better value? Mazda3, elantra n-line, kia k5 gt-line/gt, jetta base/gli. And outback xt for overlanding.

[@ExaltedDuck]

@@tahsin28 if the Atlas's size is a significant factor in value, Jetta, alantra, and Mazda 3 don't factor in. And even though VW doesn't have the most stellar reliability and long term cost proposition, I would take one in a heartbeat over anything kia or Hyundai.

[@mizzadam1]

Just started as a sales rep for a VW store. This video helped so much more than the typical trim walk videos. Gives a completely different insight to be able to express to my customers.

[@cexotic-man5289]

I can personally attest to what this SUV can do. I have a 2019 SE with 4 motion. Drive on the side for Amazon, and it takes me to some crazy roads. This SUV has handled everything I have thrown at it..... The 4 wheel drive set up, is outstanding on this SUV. Personally speaking all around, this thing is a very nice ride!!!

[@JamesRussoMillas]

Considering the tires it was on for this test in the rain, I'm pretty impressed honestly.

[@anumrabadam9678]

Yo ni siquiera lo pensé, ni me di cuenta, pero es muy cierto!!!

[@khangaming5067]

If you have shoot this video alone.... Then you are a ultra pro max + LEGEND.

[@ski4life]

Bought the 2021 in August. Love it. It still has that great handling that you expect from a smaller VW sport car yet has the room and power of an SUV.

[@bigf1502]

Really liking ours as well, have gotten 31mpg round trip with the v6, and five people inside, the quality is impressive, trans shifting is great, and is a dream to drive on the highway. Interior is very comfortable, and I believe it will last a very long time.

[@TheShootersBay]

This guy should have 500k subs his content is awesome well produced beautifully edited. Hats off to you!!

[@indianblade13]

Your comment made me sub lol

[@cps060]

Picking up my Atlas tomorrow.

[@tahsin28]

Now take overlanding or sell and get a hatch/wagon.

[@monkeybearmax]

Did you get v6?

[@JohnConnor636]

how is it?

[@user-di8hm2jl2u]

Me too

[@evghenilazaretnii4731]

How do you like it 3 years later?

[@kirkm3354]

Honestly one of the most handsome new vehicles on the road and the interior is so user friendly. I had one as a rental and i loved it!

[@ramonjoseemiliodaniels8069]

Jaw dropping suv

[@MistaRhoi]

Unlike the pre-written and scripted-sounding reviews from others, I like that you have a distinct presentation style that is a more casual approach, that still allows for ad-lib, and structured enough so people don’t stray away from the point you’re trying to make. Keep the great reviews coming 👍🏽

[@wolfeyez300]

Good review. Of course, tires make a difference for off road usage including airing down - but, without dedicated A/T tires this vehicle did very well. The Atlas is a good vehicle and this review confirmed it.

[@bradschertz6736]

Love the VW Atlas, it is a great vehicle that is very capable if you need to drive in the snow or on most gravel/dirt roads.

[@amirazmat8183]

One of the best reviews of the VW Atlas out there, especially taking it off road. You may want to check your specs: Honda Pilot or Passport do not have 100cuft of cargo space , only the Chevy Traverse has slightly more space than the Atlas at 98.3 no other Midsize SUV comes close to the Atlas in interior volume. But no biggie almost every review out there has at least one or more specs that are incorrect. 👍

[@drivingsports]

Honda gets fancy with their calculations, but they do list 100 cu ft for the Passport: automobiles.honda.com/passport/specs-features-trim-comparison

[@amirazmat8183]

Yes you are correct, I haven’t seen other manufactures list 2 volumes but with floor space, Atlas is definitely more spacious, the SAE standard volume of 77.7 for Passport (on par with Atlas Cross Sport) compared with 96.8 for Atlas. Atlas does list its passenger volume at 156cuft on its website compared with 114.9 for Passport. Simply put, how can a three row SUV that’s 10.2” longer have less space than a 2 row.

[@herthoughtsexactly]

Car Shopping currently - and I think I've made my DECISION! TY!!

[@scottrichardson5597]

You will not be dissapointed

[@romeshprakashpalan8895]

We love our Atlas. Really not much on the market like it. And nothing else has the the handsome/"timeless" look (of course, looks are subjective). The offerings from Kia/Hyundai were very compelling. But the price of the Atlas and its handsome exterior and interior really won me over. Plus I have a 2020 GTI that I love. Only question on these are reliability. Time will tell what ours will do. This is a great review btw. The best one we've found on the Atlas. Keep up the good work!

[@monkeybearmax]

Did u get v6?

[@romeshprakashpalan8895]

@@monkeybearmax - yes, the VR6. Mostly because of its greater tow rating than the Turbo 4.

[@lauraguilmette9405]

I own a 2018 SEL and even though it is in excellent condition with only 62k miles on it, I’m selling it and purchasing a new 2021 this week because I love it so much - just need a new one for business purposes. I don’t have any complaints,it’s a great car.

[@kennybrooks8374]

Just bought a 2018 SE with technology. Absolutely live this thing coming out of a 2020 Tiguan!

[@Helpfulsuggestions]

I’ve had an atlas for three years now. it is by far the best tank I’ve owned. I’ve driven through the heavy snow in Texas. Without any problems passing all the 2nd cars. And I use it for all my vacation trips. It is extremely roomy well thought out and in eco-mode you can get better fuel mileage, then what is rated.

[@smackedout98]

I have an atlas myself and I love it

[@shahidahsan6507]

Best Atlas review that I have seen!

[@milano867]

And this is how reviews should be done. Thumbs up

[@rgracia611]

We traded a 2018 Highlander for a 2019 Atlas. We’re so happy we did.

[@kennybrooks8374]

We are too! Traded a 2020 Tiguan for a 2018 Atlas 2.0t w/ technology. It has 15,000 miles with extended warranty through 2028. They actually gave me 500 over sticker for the Tiguan that had12,000 miles on it. Great time to get rid of your used car if in the market!

[@mkkmmk1]

Really enjoyed this review. Also might have to show it to my neighbor who drives the XC90 😏

[@sviaz1st]

Спасибо за обзор. Ждем эту обновленную машину в России. From Russia with love.

[@federicobertagna1066]

Ryan, great job again. This 4motion by VW seems to work pretty good. You convinced me, I am gonna choose that from my shortlist.

[@puffminister]

Recently just bought a VW atlas 2023 Premium. It’s drives like a tank.

[@JK-bj4ni]

Wow, I have never thought that this car has a very good sound 🎶and climb the roads. It is too bad that we can not buy this car in Germany. Thank you for sharing this quick overview.

[@ryanbachman380]

In my opinion, the Haldex awd is underrated and overlooked. It’s a very great system. I love it in my toas

[@m-cw7er]

MySubaru begs to differ ha, ha ha

[@ryanbachman380]

Subaru does have a great awd system, it’s one of the top ones. Just not my style

[@tulondatumanipis6351]

Bought our VW Teramont last August 2021. So far the best family car both off-road & city drive

[@mayurthumma]

I own a SE V6 4Motion Atlas since 2 years and it is absolutely fantastic. Ofcourse, the initial power you expect on a freeway is little less but again we aren't driving on a race track and it does drive pretty good. I have driven mine in snow, in sand and as well as in mud and it does pretty well. I had a Jeep Grand Cherokee earlier and I feel Atlas is equally good and has a better stability than a Jeep while turning.

[@markholle3450]

We just bought the Atlas SEL this week and you scared the crap out me going up those inclines. Good to know what our VW can do but I hope I NEVER find myself in that situation. Great video.

[@jimboreaddabible777]

Feeling good I bought one! Great review!

[@Zeus0886]

More than 80k of these were sold last year. Clearly people like the vehicle.

[@ablopoetic1]

Great review! Would love to see the drive (off road, sport etc) settings in more depth. I bought a 2020 Atlas CrossSport… can’t wait to see how it does in snow.

[@paulatomassi8017]

I bought a 2021 premium Sel and sport cross I love it it’s a beast!!!!! And I get great gas mile Best car ever ! Mine is a metallic grey gorgeous

[@Notourtube]

After seeing your defender vid and now this, you really don’t pull the punches when it comes to off-road

[@alanholmes2366]

VW needs to get the VR6 up to 300-325hp, add an off road package with skid plates and off road tires. The vehicle is very capable off dry pavement. Great review!

[@TheRealJazzyMikeG]

Atlas is a great car. Now we're about to test it in Cashiers NC. I'm confident it'll hold after seeing this review!

[@gwijopihun8049]

VW is classy without being “flashy”. Great angles and overall a very direct aesthetic. I have a 15 GTI and now need a truck for some work. I’m so sad to get rid of it, put 100k miles on it and I loved every single one. Just can’t justify the maintenance on it as a third vehicle for family.

[@JohnConnor636]

Went to a Volkswagen dealer last year to test drive a different car, decided to drive the Atlas and left with it. Drives so nice. I've owned, Toyota, Ford, Subaru, Hyundai & Chevy. If I had to buy again, I would probably go with Volkswagen.

[@Rockybalboa541]

Did you go with the v6?

[@JohnConnor636]

@@Rockybalboa541 I actually went with the 4, on the highway I'm getting 27-28 mpg

[@Rockybalboa541]

@@JohnConnor636 how do you like it ? I’m trying to decide between the 4 and 6. The 4s are more rare surprisingly

[@JohnConnor636]

@@Rockybalboa541 so far I love it. Just under 40k miles on it, drives very well. Let me know what you think after you drive it.

[@Rockybalboa541]

@@JohnConnor636 no squeaks or loud rattles on yours ?

[@bentleyboivin344]

We own an ‘18 Atlas 4Motion SEL Premium and ‘17 Golf AllTrack as well. Love them both! I have 50K on the Atlas with no unexpected repairs. Only issue with Atlas: 1) early multiple recalls and 2) loud alarm/alert when door is open with car running or when rear hatch is opening. Ugh! I’d love to figure out how to disengage!

[@kristianmurin3696]

Another great review! Would love to see the outlander PHEV be tested by you.

[@NedwardJamesAlmost]

SLICK interior! that dashboard is so sweet!

[@kurtfalkowski2365]

Very impressed on the atlas . Great review thanks!

[@gardenst4398]

Great Test! VW AWD Haldex is excellent. Only Concerns are Reliability and Suspension is hard to feel all bumps on the road. Also engine should have V6 turbos to get better acceleration.

[@hasanalbeaik3535]

Great video, exactly how I want to see this car being tested Thanks a lot

[@vuongpham2211]

superb review! Every of my concern about the car was mentioned and cleared out perfectly. Thanks!

[@sevvalkremdo]

У меня 2018 года. Достойное авто. Я смотрю изменений и нет почти, но все равно буду рассматривать как замену. Автору ролика спасибо, все по делу.

[@mehrangerami187]

Thank you for the show. Good info. i was also disappointed with the volvo performance. 50K for this atlas is a little concerning. Good luck VW. i would not be surprised if VW gets ride of this v6 and puts a 14 turbo like everyone else is doing which will be a sad day. Nice job my friend. Best. Mehran from San Diego

[@maurobry]

Touareg V8 owner here ..... I was as you can imagine disappointed with Volkswagen not allowing the Flagship Touareg to be offered in the North America market anymore. When you walk into a dealer you should have access to the flagship models for sale regardless. With that being said, the reason I haven’t bought a Atlas is two fold. First the engine line-up. The VR6 is bulletproof and legendary. However it is dated. Volkswagen has developed an all new VR6 turbo with 400hp. Crickets. Why hasn’t Volkswagen updated the VR6 🤷‍♂️ The second part is the towing capacity. At 5,000 pounds it’s not equipped to haul larger capacity. Which I enjoy in my Touareg. Final analysis is this, the Atlas needs an updated VR6 or a V8 engine option with a higher towing capacity to tell the other competitors that the Atlas is the King. For me, I’ll hang onto my V8 until Volkswagen makes a much needed engine refresh or a V8 engine option. I wish I could buy the all new T3 Touareg 😬

[@andriyselezen9513]

Just got a used one and I love it! Overall a great vehicle. The only complaint I have is it could use just a little bit more power.

[@aroundoz]

You do a very very good review. And I have seen a lot or reviews lately.

[@saptarshipal7498]

That’s how it should be😂 Gotta love your quintessential catch phrase! Nice review btw…….Keep it up👍🏻

[@bosse641]

So nice. Classy. Would love to own this.

[@analymorales9554]

We have a 2018 and love it. Will be trading it in for a 2021 soon.

[@eladsungsunggernyw2324]

Like that vihicle its awesome

[@lindacurtis3045]

Happy to see that you like the VW brand!

[@andrewsisson962]

Nice review, ditch some adds though. I realize adds monetize, but it seemed like there was one about every 30 seconds.

[@lizacosta6554]

Thank you you're doing a nice reviews

[@zakhuricks169]

Love your videos. I live in Washington State can you tell me what road you use to test the Off-road capabilities of the vehicles you test? Thanks in advance and keep up the good work

[@londonj85]

Excellent and easy review!!! ❤️

[@jonathanweiner161]

I purchased the 2021 SEL V6- quite happy with it and now I feel better about the stock tires, they were quite unimpressive, especially as I drive it off road often. So far no issues with the driving. I think VW could have given a larger fuel tank, at 22MPG for highway you can’t break 400miles... needs a bigger tank

[@ms8studios157]

It breaks 400 miles easily for me

[@jefferybaxter1225]

Good review video for the VW Atlas. In terms of off road capabilities the SUV of choice would be the Atlas over the Volvo XC 90. Also, the Atlas is cheaper in price than the XC90 and is 4 inches in length longer than the XC90. Finally, the overall appearance is better for the Atlas. Both front and back of the Atlas is appealing to the eye. As for the ah....XC90 just the front of the vehicle is appealing. As for the back....oh forget about it.

[@NRGRX]

Make no bones about it, this vehicle has some crazy cargo space with seats that lie perfectly flat. I’m basically gonna camp out of it if I get one which is like a twin size bed in the back.

[@007vasho]

Great review - like most of all your reviews. I wanted to ask whether you would see a chance to do a review of a Mitsubishi Outlander SAWC taking it offroad. Thx a lot.

[@amorymckeever2665]

Earned a sub great vid

[@charlottebrown1762]

Hello Digital Sports TV, I would like to contact Volkswagen soon. Thank you for the review! It was helpful!

[@autonewstv86]

Come on VW, stop using the same head unit and climate controls change it up !! Great review as usual.

[@mrgarrison3516]

I have a feeling VW doesn't read these comments 🤦

[@SimonStrother]

The refreshed Tiguan and new Golf are getting updated units. They'll probably wait for the Atlas's full redesign to change it.

[@tc1uscg65]

Why? Heck, my daughter just ordered a new Jeep and they use the SAME window switches as my 09 Liberty. Many of the buttons are the same as my 2011 Chrysler minivan. If it works, leave it alone.

[@lucienl9465]

​@@tc1uscg65 Nah that's American, it's obviously outdated and unreliable.

[@aaronhawk4200]

I wish my 2016 VW head unit and climate control looked like this. I guess they changed it how weird

[@ericmateo4954]

Ended up with this exact model in white. It has wireless apple car play as well.

[@556suppressor]

I got a Subaru Limited for $38,000. It is the best SUV for the money. 277 ft-lbs of torque at 2,000 rpm's is nice. No need to floor this vehicle upon acceleration.

[@Travywavvy]

Love they you buckled the camera up.

[@LeeGovender007]

Excellent review, facts over feelings

[@m-cw7er]

When it drives good luck with that

[@OGD007]

Great review!!

[@paulwerner3259]

Love my Atlas SE 4 motion with Tech !

[@isaacestanley]

I ended up buying the 2019 highline a few months ago.... great vehicle for my Wife & Daughter, very safe! Plus it’s got a better warranty and more space in the back than the 2021atlas .... 🐸☕️

[@thrissurdiary9583]

Backside of this car looks delicious 😋..... That VW typical look ❤️❤️

[@rockstarisle]

Sweet review. We have one of these rigs with a VW High Life lift kit on 32-inch all-terrain tires!

[@noone1704]

This did really good for what it is and to be honest without a locking diff or a low range gearbox you should never stop on a steep hill! If you would have kept momentum it would have easily climbed that

[@ms8studios157]

Im fairly certain the 4motion has electronically locking diff? You wouldnt put a tow hitch on a car that doesnt lock

[@bantuandproud8456]

I was observing the atlas for quite while and Next month I'm trading my tigua 2019 for an atlas SEL 2022. I'm a big lover of Volkswagen.

[@whyzzman]

Beautiful well detailed video. Thank you.

[@GodsOath_com]

Thanks, I'm considering a 2023. With 75 mph freeway ramp merges in southern states, 8.75 sec to 60, is a tad too slow.

[@DanielPerez-se9bt]

I have a 2021 atlas with 50/50 seats in the middle tan leather interior and I love it 😍 especially when you on cruise control you can set your space from the car behind you and it front if someone tail gate you it will speed up on its own till you have space and if so met it’s you off it will slow down by it self I had a Mitsubishi Outlander 2020 and a 2009 Honda Pilot don’t get me wrong Honda Pilot touring it’s awesome but this atlas I won’t change for anything I’m growing old with this car thanks 🙏 volts wagon I drove too Florida on cruise control in 1 day with the wife and kids and never felt more safe driving

[@austinsinger5800]

We love our new atlas! Quite the automobile!!!

[@edm3184]

I was looking at the Atlas in 2019 before I got the Durango - 2 weeks later the Telluride came out.. I would have considered the Kia but was previously burned buying first year models. One of the reasons I chose the Durango was they had many years to fix any issues ;)

[@HookSettinHooligans]

And the transmission are still garbage

[@pkocylowski]

Great review! I own 2019 SEL Premium and could not be happier with it. How does the bumper hold up after hitting the ground at 15:26?

[@RichardVac]

Great video demonstration, kindly also do the same test for the VW Taos AWD

[@drivingsports]

Toas arrives for testing next week. That area is still under snow, but we'll find a suitable location to test the AWD.

[@RichardVac]

@@drivingsports OK thanks! Looking forward in near future, your channel is my favorite, thank you for making excellent reviews

[@giolats8179]

Great review Driving Sports TV! Will you also test the 2020 Ford Escape Off-road?

[@drivingsports]

We had the FWD Hybrid model in California last week. That review will be up soon. As for AWD - Ford won’t give us one.

[@kirksetser2481]

@@drivingsports that sucks. i'm considering an awd hybrid escape, but if they won't let it be reviewed, that makes it harder for me to be convinced i should give them my money.

[@pastorivanyoder]

Awesome Review!

[@coasternut3091]

I still maintain that the "Basecamp" package, with smaller wheels but fatter, knobby tires, will get you most places you need to go. It's not a rock crawler, but it could drive on a beach or easily on the surfaces you were on here

[@Justatrucker88]

This is a great car as far as space and surprisingly good in the snow and off road while the quiet ride and smooth suspension will put to shame all asian brands . Bad part is that it is NOT RELIABLE !!! . I sold mine with 67000 miles after having it in the shop multiple time and i was paying the payment waiting for VW to either replace my motor the v6 not so good and they did after 2 months in the shop . One week after getting the car back again in the shop. Transmission shifts bad . Then other issues and then another . Loved the car and was sad to sell it but it became an inconvenience after just 2 years of ownership. Never again . I’ll just drive the straight face no emotion impacting Asian brand . More reliable .

[@lahndee2020]

this is what we really want to know about...

[@ashhiro8179]

safety first I love how the "red" camera is strapped in tighter than most child seats! haha Love you videos and reviews! thank you!

[@drivingsports]

Thanks for watching - it’s an Ursa G2, not a Red ;)

[@Jack_Hunt]

Would be nice to see you do it on the 2024 as it no longer has the 8 inch ground clearance only 6.4 i think

[@ganto77]

The oficial 0-60 is 7.4s compared to 7.1 in a Honda Civic, or 7.3 in a Toyota Camry. That means in a similar test, similar weather conditions a compact to mid size sedan would perform about the same. That should give everyone some real perspective on how fast it actually is. Also, depending on the driver, you could lose about a second on the take off.

[@IsraelCabrera-i6d]

Toma en cuenta también las más de 2 toneladas de peso.

[@cheapercharlie]

Another solid review. Thanks.

[@RedStoneGroupNY]

Hi Any plans to review the new pathfinder. Thanks.

[@federicovillar7565]

I love VW

[@adolfo3707]

The best reviewer....