Can The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas PROVE It's Worthy Off-Road On Tombstone Hill? I Push It To Its Limits!

[@michaelpatterson9897]

I have 70K trouble free miles on a 2018 Atlas SEL Premium 4Motion. Great vehicle. Recent trip to Big Bend with light offloading that the Atlas handled perfectly. Surprisingly, on the highway at 75mph I got 25.5 mpg. Total round trip mpg from Austin to Big Bend and back was 22.2

[@johnbecay6887]

interesting. is yours the 4 cyl or 6 cyl?

[@Kareem-cx4fi]

@@johnbecay6887 It has to be the VR6 based on the model mentioned, turbos for that year were only in the lower trims. I have the 2018 Atlas SEL 4Motion with just over 50K miles. Its been great and reliable for the most part, but I will say the water pump is the main thing I would look out for in VW. Usually people have issues with it and need it replaced at about 75K miles from what i saw online. I just recently had mine changed for 400 bucks. Otherwise the V6 model is a solid one in my estimation. I will be keeping mine for the long run.

[@Away907]

Took my Atlas to Levitt lake in the Sierra Nevada. The last 3 miles is an uphill dirt road with huge holes and rocks on the way. First gear is virtually a crawl gear with 21:1 final ratio. 4motion kept me rolling even with diagonal wheels high in the air. And I was the only SUV at the lake that day, the rest were real 4wd vehicles.

[@KingSharpeMan]

I took a All track up a 15 mile rocky dirt road with very technical washboard and holes and it handled it like a boss. If you're curious where I went it was in the San Juan mountain range and it goes by engineer. Now granted I didn't go all the way because, you kind of need something much taller and preferably without doors. Planning on getting the Atlas just because of the clearance and the 4motion.

[@amazingjason455]

Thanks for mentioning the sound quality of the radio. Rarely covered on KZbin reviews.

[@upshifter5316]

Agreed! Especially on the Atlas, where you basically have to pay $5k to step up to the SEL Premium trim time get it. I’m currently trying to decide if it’s worth it vs the SE trim. Only want the Fender stereo and real leather. I’d actually prefer not to have the Digital Cockpit display.

[@harrisonmackenzie]

Calvin Nelson I believe the 360 camera only comes with the SEL Premium unless that’s changed from previous years. I have that in my Tiguan and really like having it

[@upshifter5316]

Thanks Harrison MacKenzie! That does sound handy.

[@WW-wf8tu]

Your discussion about the washboard, that is the 1st thing I noticed when I took my new TRD Off Road 4Runner out for testing its capabilities. It absorbed the washboard like a luxury sedan. It is the 1st 4x4 I have ever owned that does not beat you up getting to the trails, let lone conquering the obstacles it can handle.

[@gs98999]

Edmunds tested the Tacoma trd off road on some washboard roads a few years ago and blew its shocks immediately. They had the titan and Ridgeline out there too. I think Honda had the least damage. 4Runner must have better quality shocks!

[@krane15]

But I don't know what washboard is. I suppose its an undulating roadway?

[@woffordsoverlandjourneys8618]

Nathan" all your videos are very informative ,funny and I really enjoy watching you and the rest of your crew!!

[@MultiRandomBS]

Love the Atlas, thank younger the video. I have been driving mine for a month now. I have winter tires (we have to in Germany) on my 20s and they take me anywhere I want. I took it to snow hill climb and he just went put here as if it was a normal road. Really impressive!

[@hxhscbsbx62]

How lung will it last, an average vehicle will last 15 years. But they say that an atlas will last 5-10 years, is it true?

[@bradschertz6736]

Love the Atlas, thank you for showing the capabilities of this very nice vehicle. Great job as always!

[@scottsawyers6087]

TFLspaceship! Andre really is a cosmonaut, isn’t he?

[@trailrunnah8886]

Yay, more Nathan! I also love these videos, it's great that TFL is the only one that actually tries to take these things off road. I agree that this is a handsome vehicle, probably one of the best looking in it's class. I like the more solid body lines. Got to disagree with the exhaust comment though, it's a V6 and crossover, who wants to hear that? One of the things I dislike about my 4Runner is that I can hear the exhaust, the motor sounds terrible and I really don't want to hear it at all.

[@Helpfulsuggestions]

Love the video ! and I love my atlas ! The 4motion is awesome and one thing he didn’t mention is every time you start the vehicle it starts off in all wheel drive and in eco-mode it will drop to a 2 Wheel Drive to save fuel on the highway. I Call it my limo all blacked out windows and captain seating in the back it is a wonderful spacious vehicle I also put a dvd system in the ceiling for those long cross country drives.

[@h.gunnarssong.2082]

Macho Volkswagen ! -Is that one of them imports? -Yess sir, from Chattanooga, Tennessee!

[@domnikoli]

eh, they kinda suck though, the egg shames that car.

[@majorcalvary6515]

You are my favorite reviewer at TFL. Tommy is close second. I love your smart Alec remarks and also just humorous demeanor. I miss your does Nathan fit in the trunk test. I wish you’d more of it. Also like like your old platform of mashup you and Roman trash talk about each other’s choice. It’s was a like the Top Gear setup. Do try out all different ways of review, but I also wish that you also bring some old favorites of mine of TFL classic review style. I’m a loyal viewer.

[@matus201]

This is why I went for the older Touareg. It can send up to 100% to any single wheel (it has Torsen differential in the middle, and then EDL (Electronic Differential Lock, VW's name for breaks grabbing the spinning wheel)).

[@scott8919]

The more Nathan the better.

[@thwong37]

ditto that Scott.

[@upshifter5316]

Nathan rocks!

[@joshuakerstein9573]

Agreed

[@CB-dr1jj]

GO STEELERS!!!! If NOTHING else you’re representing the right team. I have my eye on an Atlas. Still trying to decide. Thanks for the video.

[@peterbattle5702]

Nathan good too see ya buddy!

[@TheMeanmarine13]

Yeah same here. I haven't seen him in a while until very recently, he did a couple with Tommy.

[@kevincraftsbcs4488]

I agree completely with Nathan! I am not a fan of the fake exhaust trim by any means, butI think the trend has to do with hiding the sooty exhaust pipes of direct injection engines. Direct injection gasoline engines emit tiny soot particles much like diesels do. In Europe these engines also require particulate traps like diesels do in the states. Placing the tailpipes out of sight also hides the black soot.

[@txvet7738]

If you want an exhaust hole there I have a saw that can fix that problem!!

[@lanceripplinger8352]

Very nice looking SUV. Love that blue color VW uses. Love Nathan's reviews!

[@mr.fiction5564]

This looks great. My wife has a 2020 Honda passport and it is great for off-road. It has great suspension, multi terrain select, and ground clearance isn’t too bad

[@johnbecay6887]

great review. i don't know if you mentioned it or not. the no 1 reason i want an Atlas 3rd row is that it has the most interior space of any mid-sized Suv, and more than a lot of full-sized Suvs.

[@cwyoming7004]

Thanks for the review. Handsome vehicle for sure. Also, thanks for mentioning the stereo. I find myself drowning out the 'voices' as well.

[@danchatka8613]

Real-world review. Great info to help pick the right 4-wheeler.

[@HoosierDaddy_]

Thanks Nathan!

[@tc1uscg65]

I have 2019 Atlas. Though I got it in Jul 2019, it had 9600 miles on it. I found out how well it rock crawls by accident in the back roads of Tennessee. Was looking at a "place" and once I turned off the road, it was a steep grade and rocks, if you call them that, the size of small baseballs was the the driveway. and it went up, then a 90 deg turn. Now I know why they want to move LOL. But I put it in off road mode and whatever the settings were, came from the factory. It climbed the grade, and came down the grade with ease. I was impressed to say the least. And this from a person who has owned Jeeps for a long time and even has a modded KK as my daily driver. IMO, the only thing that really sucks with this car is the MPG. Oh, and that steering wheel looks just like the one in my 2019 (flat bottom and all). Mine doesn't look as fat but time will tell how well it holds up. I tend to keep my cars for 10+ years, not 2 years and lease another, I buy mine to keep (just as my 09 Jeep, 11 Minivan)..

[@Magnathyr]

I love watching Nathan's videos, but I would like to see Tommy do an off-road review of the Atlas because of his experience with the Tough-T so I can here his insights in comparison.

[@ForrestWilliamsFTW]

I would really be interested to see you guys take one of these AWD crossovers and put it up against itself, but with upgrades (like the Atlas versus the Atlas Basecamp concept).

[@_k911]

Exactly. Tires make a big difference!

[@NiksS4]

After owning my Atlas for a whole 2 months. I've lifted mine and slapped 31s on it. No issues with traction.

[@bullzeye20]

@@NiksS4 what lift kit did you use?

[@wadeepperson6906]

I’ve been wanting to lift my atlas to tackle all the roads in the black hills. I don’t need to rock crawl but rolling over objects and rough roads would be great. Plowing through some muddy snowy roads too. Definitely say anyone should get the 2.0 it’s so nice to never have to mash the pedal to do anything. I wish I had the 360 view my neck is so bad it’s getting hard to see around me as easily.

[@thwong37]

Always enjoy seeing Nathan on the trails; doing what he does best. Great review giving it the beans sure helped. Much Love Tommy NJ

[@lundysgarage]

I hated the fake rear exhaust tips at first, but after lots of driving its pretty nice not having to keep up with polishing them lol

[@brucesheehe6305]

Nathan is at it again - good video - keep it up!

[@mikebell2750]

Another great video Nathan, I like how you always add some humour to your reviews.

[@NiksS4]

Sounds like a tire issue. Not an Atlas issue. 2019 came with a flat bottom steering wheel. Can easily fix exhaust note with res delete pipe.

[@7spower998]

5:48 Nathan, that's a VR6, not a V6 even though it's shown the V6 badge on the intake plenum. VW marketing dept. marketed the VR6 as the V6 for sales purposes only.

[@pmawd3803]

Thank you for your nice explanation, and you consider Lana important information about cars in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, but some information is missing that I hoped to explain, for example 1- Does the gear have an independent coolant? 2 - Safety conditions in this car 3- Engine temperature for hot areas

[@dirf554]

BFG All Terrain tires would help the Volkswagen a lot first mod I’d do

[@paulwerner3259]

You need Falken Wild peak SUV’s ; basically all terrains for crossovers .. I have them on my 19 Atlas. Love them

[@FuryfistX]

Does it affect the mpg?

[@williampresley3000]

That blanked off ignition looks great.

[@thwong37]

It would be nice to see the interns Alex & Kase do more video's. I was loving the truck build that Kase and Tommy did; what's up with Kase's truck, be nice to see TFL collaborate (sponsor) with Kase, and help to build out his truck for the next series. Be nice if Alex had a off road rig and create more content adding to Older OG/Nathan, Andre & Roman verse the Millenniums Tommy, Alex & Kase. thx Tommy NJ

[@erikv8monster]

finally more Neithan videos

[@rogermetzger7335]

Challenged but component. OK. But compared to what? I mean, what other vehicles with full-time AWD (if any) would negotiate that hill with less wheelspin?

[@peiguy1982]

You guys should test the Toyota Sienna AWD and/or Chrysler Pacifica AWD to see if they can make it up this course. I've been referring to these 3 row crossovers as 4 door vans for quite some time now. Prove me wrong.

[@peiguy1982]

@Jonathan Losito Well that's more truck like than these 3 row crossovers.

[@4673962]

Nice job Nathan. I think it was about as good as the new little trailblazer. That little thing surprised me.

[@NathanDAdlen]

Thanks. The Trailblazer is slightly more adept on the same trail

[@4673962]

@@NathanDAdlen Thanks for the reply. Your right.

[@4673962]

@Jonathan Losito being "ugly" is a personal opinion and so is disgraceful more or less. I know what you mean though. I have a 2006 trailblazer. I love it. I really believe chevy should have brought into the US the suv that pretty much the rest of the world has. In some countries it is called the trailblazer. It is an suv based off of the colorado pickup. That is what gm should have done. With that said the "ugly" little trailblazer we have now is good at what it does and for it's size.

[@marckruse2181]

Really like the VW Atlas. Great package for your money

[@brewlovinrunner]

The Fender Stereo in my Tiguan is amazing!

[@samsanchez5017]

I would like to see a video of the smaller MQB Volkswagen’s such as the Tiguan and new to late 2021 VW Taos. I have a lifted 2021 Tiguan and want to start making videos of my off-roading adventures.

[@fartman10284]

Nokian has some Aramid reinforced sidewalls on their tires. I got 2 sets: WR G4 SUV and Entyre C/S

[@darwinlaluna3677]

Yes it is

[@garretlewis4103]

Didn’t the old VW add for the 4Motion system say “transfers power from the wheels that slip to the wheels that grip”? It is almost exactly what Nathan said in reference to the 4Motion system.

[@nycmaverick]

Whats your go to song to test a stereo system's sound? The Who "Won't Get Fooled Again".

[@ladd91]

please, begin with basics, what kind of awd it is, haldex clutch, torsen, ...? Does it have LSD? etc

[@KriegerDelfin24]

The exhaust is not fake. It is a design element

[@JDMEXforme]

These are called "soft roaders" you need a 4x4 with full time and 4lo for true off roading. Ive seen plenty of people get stuck in 10 inch deep snow in the city with a FWD AWD biased suv with the rear kicking in when its too late.

[@MrJamesLuz]

Don’t tell that to Silverado owners that don’t get the Z71/Trail Boss trim 😂

[@MrJamesLuz]

69 Bronco/20 Rubicon guy! Standard Chevy Silverado no longer has low range 👍 also that whooshing sound wasn’t the locker engaging, it was the point of the original comment that you need 4 lo, which only the Z71 and trail boss have.

[@ryanmartinage]

@@shitloveaduck Base Silverados don't have 4l without an additional option. It's ridiculous.

[@ryanmartinage]

69 Bronco/20 Rubicon guy! It is. I was just elaborating on what he meant.

[@krane15]

On the other hand, that's why they do these test. That way you know in advance what the car is capable of off the line and without modification. Besides, a FT 4wd might be great for true off-roading but punishing on road where it spends most of the time.

[@paladin11C40]

I watched a video on the 2021 Touareg V8 diesel, wow it is nice. Will the Atlas get this setup: In February 2020, Volkswagen revealed the new Touareg R plug-in hybrid variant. The powertrain is a combination of a 3.0-litre (2,995 cc) V6 turbocharged petrol engine, a 136 PS (100 kW; 134 bhp) electric motor and a 14.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The total system output is 462 PS (340 kW; 456 bhp) and 700 N⋅m (516 lb⋅ft) torque.

[@williebattle1903]

My local dealer have a 2021 VW Atlas Base Camp.

[@helmaria7097]

Great video, and great & wonderful car. Thanks !! Martin

[@MrBillsfishin]

Damn TFL Spaceship must be new. Thanks Nathan! Lol

[@SimonStrother]

Most luxurious? The arteon is VWs US flagship, not this. Being bigger does not equate to luxurious. If only they still sold the Touareg here.

[@peachesandoreo]

The Arteon is gorgeous and is a flagship sedan. But he is correct, the V6 SEL Premium 4 motion is the most expensive VW sold in the USA.

[@adamcrouch2937]

I have he same one and everything. I recommend it to anyone.

[@yazzie8557]

Im thinking I will need to make a video of what my Atlas can do and send it over. It's way more capable than that.

[@FuryfistX]

Have you made any mods on it ?

[@JohnConnor636]

Did you make the video?

[@miguelalfoya2031]

Very informative! 🤝🏻 👏 Thanks!

[@avelinotorres1748]

Great video, thanks for briefly touching on the 2.0 TSI engine. Makes me feel less regret for not going for the V6. Do you know who makes the stereo on the SE version? Mine is not fender signature but I was very pleased with the sound system (and as I play instruments I am very picky)

[@Isaiahsucre]

The 2.0t is the same engine from the gti you can tune it to 300 hp and 315 pound feet reliably

[@avelinotorres1748]

@@Isaiahsucre thanks for the heads up! Interesting to know!!

[@Isaiahsucre]

@@avelinotorres1748 if your ever interested in making it faster id look at apr they have apr plus that has a warranty also the neuspeed power module adds I think 40hp and 80lb without any codes or warranty voiding I have friends that's have run them for 20k miles no problems

[@avelinotorres1748]

@@Isaiahsucre so you say these models already come w/ Apr plus? Should I look for a mechanic experienced in them to tune it? Ty!

[@kennethjinkins8967]

Only Nathan can make junk enjoyable

[@gransport4246]

Hey Nathan - nice review! Would you prefer the Atlas or CrossSport or maybe neither for towing a 4K boat?

[@sourabhpurohit4140]

I want to subscribe to TFL Spaceship but m unable to find the link😉

[@TheCoffeeField]

TFL spaceship 😂

[@mojaby1988]

Let’s do the Tiguan next !

[@rickwhitmire7933]

Nathan!!!

[@gman913]

I picked up my Atlas yesterday and that fake exhaust bothered me lol

[@nurderscf79]

Thanks for a video with this car🔥🔥😅

[@rye811]

and made in America!

[@cjzx325]

Man VW has come a long way from the Toureg.....in the wrong direction.

[@SDav21]

There is a new Touareg just not sold in the US.

[@tc1uscg65]

Except price. That took that in the opposite direction. Touraeg/Atlas. At the end of the day, if I'm going to beat my car up on washboard roads, rocks and mud, I'll just lean my clean Atlas in the garage and take the Jeep. Cheaper to fix... But you know what they say... Just Empty Every Pocket aka JEEP.

[@krane15]

Give the people what they want. Nobody bought the Touareg, in any configuration. That's why its no longer imported to North America. The butts of Americans were too wide for that vehicle.

[@marckruse2181]

That's not what all these new VW customers believe....

[@MadWolf1980xxx]

What?? There's a TFL Boat and Spaceship too!?

[@francisdipredelarosa8668]

Make that test to the all new toyota higlander gas model and hybrid,too.

[@psfphotography]

Have you guys ever tested an older Nissan Armada?

[@NathanDAdlen]

Yes, a while ago

[@psfphotography]

@@NathanDAdlen do you have the link for it?

[@NathanDAdlen]

Paul Fletcher kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6SzmpaFZtFgfrM

[@dancar02]

Thank you for the review of the VW Atlas. WHere can I get a TFL T-shirt?

[@ryanjones7754]

Did the farfanugen cost extra?

[@h.gunnarssong.2082]

Farfegnugen?

[@katyagarcia9105]

Great review. Could you do one on BMW X5

[@vicentevargas6755]

very nice hat.

[@NormandyFoye]

Reliability? Not seeing many positive articles about this

[@chevyfan8428]

Do a Chevy traverse and GMC Acadia at4

[@meatball1080]

What is new about the steering wheel? Looks the same as my 2019 SE R-Line 4motion.

[@Mauricio_P]

The VW logo design, buttons and the center of the steering wheel is different.

[@denim_joey]

Can someone in Colorado please tell me the area where Tombstone Hill is? I live in Fort Collins and am really looking for some more “soft roading” trails to take my Crosstrek. Thanks!

[@takiman1]

Was the screen cracked in the beginning of the vid? Btw good to see you Nathan 👍

[@coreyjohnson8749]

The background is the side panel of the door...so it is the seam of the door in the middle

[@nickfelix1408]

Go to Haiti and test it, that's where you can really test the off-road

[@hhvxsueus9771]

Vw is the best

[@rondail5675]

Is there a cross-over that does not use the brakes to transfer power? Honda/Acura?? eLSD?

[@yz1235]

passport, pilot, mdx, rdx, and a lot of GM C1 platform cars(acadia, traverse, enclave, xt4, xt5, xt6, mostly top trims) all are equipped with dual clutch packs rear diffs

[@yz1235]

@@shitloveaduck yeah, actually there are more, all grand cherokee with quadra-drive 2, cherokee trailhawk, expedition with elsd, and some lux cuv like sq5 with sport diff, x6 with sport diff, evoque

[@VARITHMS]

I'd like to see an awd explorer run truth or dare

[@Hgbrick]

My wife has a 2021 Volkswagen atlas and she had a deer in May 2023 seven months ago. The autobody shop has not been able to source in seven months a hood or bumper and Volkswagen cannot tell us when they’re going to manufacture a hood or bumper. This is left us with a insurance and car payment but no car to drive. I would not buy a Volkswagen atlas or any other Volkswagen for that matter because they are not manufacturing car parts for their cars.

[@tc1uscg65]

@8:30.. I'm sure your neighbors are not disappointed by your "no exhaust noise". But I'll ask you, would you be disappointed if your neighbor let their turbo charged power stroke sit in the driveway and idle for 10 or 15 minutes every morning at 5am? And FWIW, I own a 2019 Atlas SEL P and do not feel the need to announce I have a engine in my car. ;-)

[@garycrosby5333]

It's an 80% 20% power split with the 4motion system not 50%.

[@IKnewMickey]

Loud exhausts are for race cars exotic cars or posers.

[@BionicRusty]

TFL Spaceship 🚀🤞😂

[@theinternets7516]

It's no Tuareg and for 50k that's a shame.

[@josiaevans]

I have a 2021 SE V6 as a rental. Phenomenal drivetrain, steering feel, engineering etc... BUT... I can't get over how cheap the interior feels for a "flagship" Volkswagen. Super hard plastics everywhere and embarrassingly thin/ not so sturdy door and dash panels. Overall, it's like driving 2021 Audi with the interior of a 2012 Kia. 🤷‍♂️

[@andrewmclaren858]

The SE is not flagship…..try getting in an SEL Premium.

[@josiaevans]

@@andrewmclaren858 I know the premium adds features but for me it was the overall materials and build quality. Almost all of the big name carmakers are guilty of this watering down effect though. It's not just Volkswagen. Toyota has been doing it for years. Ironically, Hyundai is the only one who's models are getting nicer on the inside, regardless of trim level

[@youarerightboss]

VW Voracious Widgets

[@ragdolltrucking]

The fake exhaust is for emissions testing

[@jacobyo99]

The traverse gets crucified for its interior but this is worse

[@mrnobody6334]

Didn't know people still buy VW in 2020

[@naggersdie]

They're only the largest auto manufacturer on the planet...