VW Atlas review--FAMILY TESTED ROAD TRIP

[@armandojuan64]

Zack , you are my favorite reviewer but this review with your wife included took things to a new level . Hear me out , brother . You should include her in some of your reviews . She is awesome and it is also something that nobody has tried so far . Having her in the review put a smile on my face since there's a lot of women who did not pay a lot of attention to your reviews and now they will ...... one of them , my wife . Blessings .

[@brhicks2270]

Purchased the atlas in June of 2017, put some break in miles on it then took it on a 1500 km road trip out east. There was a stretch of the trans-canada highway where we averaged 122 km an hour over a distance of 425 km, the display showed our average consumption was 9.2 L per hundred km. The in dash display now with over 5000 km shows an average fuel consumption @ 9.9 l/100 km with the VR6 engine. It definitely is not a mid size vehicle, loads of space inside is an understatement.

[@Vibes2me]

So you are happy with your purchase. We had a Dodge Van for 12 years. We really miss having something BIG to haul the Shepherd around and take more than 4 people comfortably on trips. It's between the Atlas and the Pacifica

[@Brent-sc6sc]

Would seriously be interested in a more detailed review from you now that you've had it a good while. Considering to purchase and would like your feedback. Thanks.

[@Lax10000000]

I'd definitely buy this just because of the boxy looks. I hate the curvy designs of new crossovers

[@davechurch1661]

i have a rav4 and a crv and i Haaaaate they way all these cars look smooth and curvy and pointy.... almost ready to trade one in just on looks alone,, gonna test it first.

[@mrpmj00]

yep, the curvy designs look feminine

[@mrg1168]

Finally a full size suv, with full size cargo space with third row seats up, large families like myself need this

[@OrangeCountyRails]

We have an Atlas and we love it! And seeing how people like their Atlases, it just makes me love it even more! It’s huge, it’s not super expensive like the Ford Expedition, and it has plenty of room. No doubt why it’s the family vehicle and has a family vehicle award and has continued to get one for over 3 years now.

[@getchose]

I roll fast! 300hp

[@getchose]

My p pl likr Panasonic

[@getchose]

Panoramic 87 ... almost 300 87k

[@gs98999]

The display did show 8.9L/100kms as well as 10.8L/100kms on a couple of shots as well. I'm sure it will do sub 10L/100kms on the highway at highway speeds.

[@EVDroid]

Just so everyone knows the cross traffic I have been experiencing as a VW salesman on the Atlas are primarily made of high line customers. Range Rover, Audi Q7 (comebacks), Acura MDX etc. even though they designed this to compete with Honda, Toyota etc. that has not been the case at least at our store.

[@masterbuiltdesigns6734]

Exactly, i own MDX and have looked into Highlander, not so much on Honda, Q7 is nice but Atlas has a lot value for the money

[@Brent-sc6sc]

I'm 71 and consider yours and redline the best professional reviewers! I used be a toyota loyalist but the highlander has fallen so far behind on technology. The gas is not an issue for me, rather the vehicle is, so I'm going to definitely check out the atlas!

[@meiramshalem6175]

BS"D Have to admit, love you guys, professional review, short and to the point, very happy to see the way you work together with so much respect. Please continue doing this great work

[@HoldthisL257]

Such a powerful looking car, love to get that yellow!

[@Nikiaf]

I think VW has a winner here. If they market this right, it could be the new benchmark in the segment.

[@H982_FKL]

I Wish Kurkuma Yellow Was Still A Color Option For The Atlas.

[@cutemuzzu3081]

Great review ! Love you guys ‘ from Dubai ! Keep the good work going !

[@Motormouth...]

We will!

[@lolrofl5]

thats a midsized? that things huuuuuge

[@Chuck59ish]

American mid-sized.

[@nickr3441]

I consider this a Full size SUV

[@BCJDM]

Oceanic Flight lol full size is something like a Chevy Tahoe, Nissan Armada, Ford Expedition.

[@nickr3441]

BCJDM he kept referring to the dodge Durango. Which is a full size too.

[@BCJDM]

Oceanic Flight the current durango is not full size. Its the same size as a pilot, pathfinder etc. The old Durango was full size being bigger and body on frame.

[@simboodamn]

Thanks for this review, I've been waiting for that! I'm sooo ditching my Sienna AWD for this. I got 13L/100km on it, about the same engine output, about the same size minus the sliding doors convenience but I'm biased for german cars myself too!

[@venom5809]

Jesus that must be huge, I have a full-size Santa Fe and with my middle row seats moved all the way back I still don't have as much room as this thing does and I have a lot of room when I do that.

[@rudytaneloruxy9491]

I like that the surface is completely flat when the seats are down. Cool wife.

[@georanchurchill2774]

LOVE the color!!!

[@7spower998]

Zack, unlike other Auto Journalists, you know the difference between VR6 and V6 engines. Cheers

[@SurfTheKaliYuga]

If only this thing came with a v6 tdi...

[@7spower998]

Y, it should have been powered by the Audi V6 3.0L TDI. VW must be scratching their head for messing with the US Emission Law.

[@briansleepylee]

I like this vehicle and would seriously consider the Atlas to replace our 2009 Flex. Love the idea that there is good storage behind the third row. Wish VW would release a version of the 3.0T - need more torque for this size of vehicle. I am also disappointed that VW Canada does not offer the same warranty as VW USA. Ironically bought the Flex to support a growing family and replace a Passat W8 (which we loved). I sure hope the Atlas has the German bank vault feel. Thanks for the review, really enjoy! Hope you can do a showdown / comparison of the 3 row segment.

[@filliepina7597]

you guys are amazing.... thank you for the thorough review and you both make a great team!

[@takayama1638]

I like it. Didn't know it was so expensive though! If it gets a solid 20 mpg highway, that's good to me.

[@ahf5471]

Taka Yama MDX gets 28/29

[@darknite12]

I live in Toronto, with the snowy conditions and with such a big car is all wheel drive necessary with this VW? I ask because I've been looking at minivans as well and only the Toyota Sienna has the all wheel drive option, is it because bigger cars don't need all wheel drive as much?

[@christopherleonge1833]

Wow, Andrea has come a long way, she probably cringes when she watches these old videos of hers.. haha she's a pro now. We're looking for a bigger SUV and came to motormouth to see if you had an Atlas review. Perfect! Thanks

[@andreaspencer9813]

I do cringe! I don't watch any of them!!!!

[@tossmonkey1]

Do you know the towing capacities of the different models? Would be nice to put in review, thanks

[@Mr.Carter777]

Mazda CX 9 Signature will be my choice base on price range.

[@kraenk12]

So tiny in comparison inside. Watch a comparison.

[@rockyed6501]

Is it versatile to tow camper trailer, a 3,000 lbs boat, going off road, etc. That is what family do and use this Van look a like for. It is Van on SUV body.

[@NCLme]

What about the Ford Flex...would you compare the Atlas...wow thanks right as I was typing this out

[@a.l.3509]

Is this a gray or black interior? Thanks!

[@kenoash]

I read virtual cockpit is only available on the most $ trim... too bad

[@marksuave25]

Just bought a 2021...God this car is big.

[@mrtimbits3627]

Why VW doesn't provide diesel engines in Canada like in Europe? 12L is too much consumption.

[@UltimaRSfan]

tone Santander Dieselgate!

[@mrtimbits3627]

Stephen Nichols even with the disengate the consumption is lower, making it more attractive to people. I understand US people are not used to diesel but Canada costs of fuel and income does this more attractive 12L/100km is a lot in mix use. Check the difference of consumption with the 3.0 V6 Tdi 262cv 6,3/6,9/7,9 l/100 km 0-100 7.6 seg Data from the Tuareg 2017 on Europe. www.autofacil.es/volkswagen/touareg/2015/09/22/volkswagen-touareg-30-tdi-terrain-tech-sobresaliente/27777.html At least a hybrid version due the weigh is not important in this segment of vehicles

[@UltimaRSfan]

tone Santander I know. I'm not arguing with you. I'm just saying that north America is to big of a risk because of the EPA. We will never see a diesel from vw again. I'd be very surprised to see anything with diesel and vw in the same category

[@kraenk12]

Thank the EPA for that! They want to drive diesels out of the U.S.

[@PS987654321PS]

Diesel engines throw out some nasty shit. Do you have any idea how bad the air quality in europe is?

[@rickbeyers]

Great review Zach.

[@a.a.a.r5238]

I am thinking in SUV next year. On my list: Toyota Highlander (Reliable but Outdated entertainment system and cramped 3rd row seats) Mitsubishi Outlander GT (fully loaded for what you pay for but premium gas recommended and cramped 3rd row). VW Atlas actually wins but I never had VW and I am not sure about the reliability and maintenance cost in Canada and US as compared to Japanese cars

[@coasternut3091]

As someone who builds them, I like the Atlas. However I also know that some of the earliest cars that went out had some defects from the parts suppliers. Those have been fixed so getting one now should be a pretty safe bet. I suggest the R Line model. I'm getting one myself in a few months.

[@kd6836]

I had a pilot. I drove a new one and an CX 9 and a Highlander. I liked Atlas best and the 6/72 warranty can’t be beaten.

[@nabatron21]

You should do a review on the newer one

[@teiren474]

Great review! like the family twist! keep up the good work! also I like the atlas, would sell 10x better if it had a TDI but I guess we can dream

[@kraenk12]

The EPA just made sure this will never happen again. They want to stop German diesels from taking hold in the U.S.

[@BeeeHonest]

Please test 2018 Tiquan and 2018 allroad, and let me know which one you would pick. Thank you.

[@James-qz1wd]

Unusual how Zack keeps referring to it as a mid size. VW is marketing the Atlas as a full size SUV - clearly stated on their website.

[@James-qz1wd]

Brian It's interesting how (in response to another comment) you classified the GLS as a full size SUV when the Atlas is dimensionally very similar.

[@Koza1151]

This is a Mid Size. The full-size SUV should be the same size as the Cadillac Escalade and Lexus LX. Anyway this is very big so who cares.

[@nickolastiguan]

Apparently 7 recalls (in the US at least) already lol

[@mattwesley4435]

Kilometers?, where are you Canada?. It cost you $130 to fill up in Canada?

[@Moondoggy1941]

Vancover

[@BMH1965]

If this a 'mid size' what is a large?

[@azhkell]

Hi Zack, knowing that the top line Atlas comes close to the price of a baseline Touareg how would you compare them with regards to road handling and comfort?

[@cz6900]

Love your channel

[@mattka5354]

Great review. Thanks.

[@jpk112]

Nice review. Good looking SUV.

[@CNHabs]

In front, it looks like a bigger Explorer with a VW badge.

[@NoName21niit]

which version you review in this video?

[@Motormouth...]

Top trim

[@henryzhang3020]

This model reminds me of the first time VW introduced NVM 2012 Passat, design just for NA market. Well, personally prefer European Model exterior however, the size of that Passat is huge, especially when the back row down. And the VR6 come with 280hp total enough for daily driving, mine can do 0-60 for 6.s when esp off. Well, altas is way bigger vehicle due to the size, but I think vr6 is totally enough. Like always, VW won't come with too aggressive design like Honda or Toyota, everything is normal, but it always be a really nice partner of your daily life.

[@yurieu5872]

This is what VW gave north America for diesel scandal. They really depend on you.

[@brandonhughes882]

Love the look of the new Atlas. I just wonder how they get 235 hp out of the 2.0l turbo with regular octane fuel? The GTI is only getting 210 hp with premium. I hope VW isn't engineering this engine to it's limits while sacrificing long term reliability just to get a tiny bit better hp/mpg numbers.

[@gs98999]

Brandon Hughes VW has many versions of the 2.0T. From 175hp in the Passat to 290hp in the Golf R. It's in the Q7 at 252hp as well.

[@bwilliams1815]

Been a Toyota family for generations. Just got an Atlas last week. Great so far! Toyota is still good just got too costly for what they offer.

[@mamag1rl]

@Brian Williams Do you still like your VW Atlas? Thank you for responding.

[@sao007]

Great review maybe one of the best 😀

[@laurenlalo153]

Hey Zack, really great videos! Great review, I'm in the market for a 7 passenger SUV, I only have 2 on list, CX-9 and the Atlas, what's your opinion??? Thanks!

[@sgbradley]

12 L/100 klms is also the average milage in a Tahoe, Durango and Ford Flex. Only the Honda Pilot and Pathfinder will get better milage, but fit and finish is much better with dependability and resale value in non domestic models even if built down the street from Dodge!

[@jovy1218]

Just bought my first VW. Atlas V6 SEL premium w two tone colored seats. Can’t stop driving this car and yes, I did test drive the Pilot and Highlander. Wasn’t a fan of the cheap looking interiors compared to the SEL atlas.

[@niladrimukherjee3782]

Hey! Congrats on your purchase. I am considering buying the same in Toronto. How's it faring as far as gas is concerned? Your feedback would be appreciated. Thanks in advance :-)

[@MetaView7]

Looks good, but is it reliable?

[@francismartinez6049]

MetaView7 it's a hit or miss. During the first couple years, you may be luck and get one that's problem free. But when they get to be 8-10 years old, they will require some expensive maintenance items.

[@James-qz1wd]

Hard to judge reliability on a brand new model don't you think buddy?

[@francismartinez6049]

James King Volkswagen have always been this way! I don't think the company took a 360 in 2018 and decided to build reliable cars. They're great to own, but under warranty

[@kraenk12]

Everywhere outside the U.S. VW's are known to be very reliable. I wonder why it's different in the U.S.

[@getchose]

Like a whole crib!!

[@rogerthat24]

That 20" wheel ruins it, IMO. A larger version of the base 18" wheel would look better.

[@coasternut3091]

The r line looks SO MUCH better

[@getchose]

Party ride!

[@김도훈-c5e4o]

very practical review~^^

[@mugenspike]

looks like a BEAST!!! makes you look like a child, Zack.

[@BorisTerekidi]

Saw 1 in person about a week ago - not digging the looks. Looks a bit plain and dated. However, based on the video - the interior is pretty nice (and it's very roomy). Definitely roomier than my Highlander.

[@10tenman10]

I would avoid the panoramic skylight

[@garysandhu5082]

I was expecting bhp to be over 300.

[@7spower998]

The Porsche unit found on Cayenne puts out 300 bhp.

[@hamidmghazi]

Since start you have been averaging 8.9

[@titakristengco]

It must be the Amarok Station Wagon

[@Chuck59ish]

If you like VWs, have 2 plus kids, both have good incomes and drive a lot, this could be for you. but he didn't say anything about towing capacity, but this definitely isn't a DINK(Double Income No Kids) mobile.

[@kraenk12]

3.5 tons as far as I know with the VR6.

[@leftright8826]

Wow those kids look highly uninterested!! If Zack was my dad I'd be reviewing the cars with him!

[@BrandonWest87]

Right!? I'd be freaking out if my dad got to take us on road trips in loaner vehicles when I was a kid! My family didn't do vacations...or road trips...lol

[@김도훈-c5e4o]

vrry practical review~^^

[@ridaalosman8030]

Few comments: 1. less attractive than its competitors (highlander, CX-9, and Pilot) 2. Ride is firm...resembles more a large SUV rather than a midsize 3. 4 cylinder engine doesn't enough power 4. Andrea is really cute and knowledgable about cars ;)

[@sergevivier2023]

Unfortunately. no top safety pick + for the Atlas.

[@BrandonWest87]

Wrong. Check IIHS and NHTSA crash ratings. Good and nearly 5 stars across the board.

[@CupidinColorado]

I'm told the 4 cylinder requires premium..

[@treyfisse3230]

jpmackin Nope

[@kenku5125]

12 L/100 km for highway driving in the real world seems really bad.

[@tekz6435]

My CX9 does 8.5L/100Km on the highway....sure it's not a V6 but the 2.5L Turbo with 310lbs ft of torque is adequate and gets way better fuel economy than this atlas

[@marcdi5466]

I own a SantaFe XL with the 3.3 and get ~9-9.5 l/100km highway with some hill climbs included. I've done better on flat roads. This is a bigger car though...

[@gs98999]

Tek z Atlas has much more interior space than CX-9. I think cx9 looks better but Atlas is way more functional for big families.

[@kraenk12]

+Tek z Wait until you compare it to the 2.0 L in the Atlas.

[@tekz6435]

Aleks Lajzer, sure it has better cargo space but at end of the day both vehicles are 7-passenger! Boils down to priority...if functionality is top of mind then definitely go with Atlas but for fuel economy, looks and driving dynamics then CX9 is the choice...which was my choice. Besides, reliability of VW hasn't been stellar and this coming from a GM of a VW dealership.

[@koston777]

Thats huge car yet its "mid size" SUV?

[@10tenman10]

It doesn't look quite as big as a sequoia

[@10tenman10]

I'm not crazy about the colour.

[@FoodyTunes]

Not a fan of that front end look

[@coasternut3091]

look up the r line

[@mrpmj00]

Wow, thanks for letting me know that it has the same engine as the Porsche cayenne en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porsche_Cayenne

[@bigdumo]

VW has so many good engines, why these 2 only. if anything it needs a diesel and not the 4 cylinder. these engines are too small for such a big vehicle. 12 L/100kms is terrible on the highway.

[@kraenk12]

No Diesel anymore in the U.S. Thank the EPA for that.

[@hfpetruy]

I loved her dress : )

[@Ghotra121]

Needs a diesel engine

[@getchose]

I think best for size &: quality!. Everyone ...is ok. No questions. That's why we bought the ...shhhh.. Tony/Mario. Ukraine ...Shhhh

[@fitfam6202]

Looks like something from the 90's.

[@SuperAngelles]

Wow Andra is 5'7 that is awesome Tall women rule in my book.

[@Justsome_Randomdude]

Looks bland. But I like it and it’s not as feminine as the new Pilot, pathfinder, etc.

[@ironknight2824]

I like them too but in germany, the homeland of Volkswagen, you can´t buy them! Well you could import it , just add 15 grnad to the price (no kidding). The only aviable SUV by VW in germany is the Touareg, a Premium SUV. Which has a baseprice of 60K€ ond goes up to 110K€.

[@SScharder]

Can VW build a quality vehicles?

[@kraenk12]

All their vehicles are, regardless of brand. Why do you think they are world leader in sales?!

[@swanblake]

That color is very complimentary to an otherwise ugly vehicle. It looks good in this color here. This vehicle screams of VW cost cutting on an already unreliable brand. The fact that they had at least a decade to study the competition and then release a dated vehicle is mind blowing. Terrible powertrain with the AWD and very inefficient. Mazda CX9 is the winner to me followed by the Toyota Highlander

[@kraenk12]

It drives better and has more room than most of the competition, so you are wrong. CX-9 is tiny inside in comparison.

[@gsxellence]

That front fascia really needs a Redesign :(

[@MathewsGeorgeP]

Folks wagen.. Not Vox Wagon :-)

[@rpkb9937]

So 4 gallons for 62 miles averages 15.2 mpg yikes

[@Thirsty_Fox]

It looks like the SUVs you see in video games or cartoons when they don't want to license any brand so it's as generic as possible.

[@jacklingenfelter7765]

Wish it was a diesel

[@malkionx]

I think it looks very jeepish, side looks like a grand Cherokee

[@604billyboy]

The front end is meh and the engines are also not so great... VW please fix those 2 things

[@KNeykurs]

Video is done as a conversation but sounds so rehearsed and fake... had to turn it off...

[@aanuton]

WHY NOT BUY A BUS?

[@tacosr]

That thing just looks like it guzzles petrol!

[@James-qz1wd]

For a vehicle this size the fuel economy seems rather reasonable to me.

[@beri232]

Shitty mileage for the horsepower rating of that V6. No thanks. Nothing about that automobile makes me want to run out and buy a VW.