Here's How The VW Atlas Beats Other Midsize SUVs - 2021 Atlas SE w/ Technology 4Motion Review

[@kevinupton900]

I’ve owned an atlas since launch. Have a SE 4Motion. The awd is amazing, I’ve used in sand and on ice and it works flawlessly. Have 40k miles and the only check engine lights I’ve had were software updates. The power is plenty and can move quite quickly. I would buy again and probably will as long as they keep making them. Sounds system is great and interior is easy to use and clean. I’m 6’5 and fit EASILY in the 3rd row even! 10/10 for growing family.

[@markholle3450]

My wife had her mind set on the Palisade or Telluride because of the room in the third row seats. There weren't any available to rest drive since they were sold long before they arrived. As an alternative, we were shown the Atlas. We were impressed by the usable third row seats. The bench was deeper and the leg room was better than the Palisade/Telluride. After my wife drove it, we left the dealer with a new Atlas. We took it on a trip with six of us the next day. I sat in the third row with my grandson while my mom and sister sat in the captains chairs. I was perfectly happy back there and knew we made the right choice.

[@Alphafox46]

I just bought R line Atlas.. any problems you have? I may encounter.. ? or any tips to maintain my atlas? Thank u :-)

[@raymondw.4484]

I agree, have had the sel 4 motion Tiguan since 2017 and it drove thru the snow like butter. Now have the 2021 atlas’s base camp sel v6 and can only imagine what it’s going to be like in this years winter. Have already pulled a lady and her child out of a flooded ditch off the highway in a downpour and worked flawlessly. Impressed with this V6. Btw it’s the same V6 they put in the golf VR6 R32 nearly 15 years ago. So already impressed

[@Truthh4040]

4 cylinder or 6 ?

[@kevinupton900]

@@Truthh4040 3.6 6cyl

[@chrisdunaway2562]

I just purchased a 2021 Atlas SEL premium 4 motion R line and so far I absolutely LOVE IT!!!!

[@jaycobmelo1904]

Has it been reliable?

[@chrisdunaway2562]

@@jaycobmelo1904 So far not one issue.

[@jaycobmelo1904]

@@chrisdunaway2562 wow thats amazing

[@jaycobmelo1904]

@@chrisdunaway2562 v6 correct?

[@williekim5297]

Got a 2021.5 SEL vr6 4Motion. Very spacious and comfortable. Captain's chairs makes third row access as easy as a minivan. Way more features than my BMW X5M at a fraction of the cost. I'm sure maintenance will also be way less than the x5. Plenty of power for realistic daily driving. Honestly...it's a family hauler. You're not buying it to race off the line at every light. The ride is smooth and the family loves it. If you want a SUV with usable third row big enough for adults without buying a suburban, the Atlas is worth a look.

[@warrenmiconi8141]

This.

[@kirkm3354]

It's spacious, simple, easy to clean, easy to live with. If i had a big family i would take it over anything at any budget.

[@williekim9729]

I actually like driving this more than our land rover. So much space for the family.

[@Sstivers90]

Just went 450ish miles in an 21 atlas V6 4motion thru snow and off road ( even sand ) and it's a Beast. So comfortable and really lends itself to giving the driver a confidence boost over rough terrain. The 4 motion didn't have any issues. Not the prettiest but a beast

[@borg386]

What? They are gorgeous! I want one. Are you still happy with yours?

[@Sstivers90]

@@borg386 sure am! No problems so far, keeping up with the maintenance can be spendy but sure beats having parts fail.

[@marckruse2181]

Exactly why we purchased the Atlas SE w Technology package 5 years ago. It offers amazing space for large families, is very safe and has great warranty. We drove ours 75k in the last 5 years and didn't experience a single issue. We also looked at Mazda CX9 and Toyota Highlander. They were too small or too expensive. So far we are very happy. It drives very silently but uses more gasoline than we expected. We average around 20 in town and 26 on the highway but then we have always 5 or 6 people plus stuff in this vehicle. One point that is a big positive is that these cheap plastics are very easy to clean :-)

[@amitnain961]

They are not cheap plastic They are expensive Just to inhale Honta plastic in summer time Toyodo plastic in summer time And volkswagen plastic in summer time You will fill the difference

[@borg386]

Cheap plastic lasts longer. I watched many videos about my 2011 kia sportage. And many reviews cried about the cheap plastic. But about 15 years later, driven daily. There is not a single crack anywhere.

[@joet3123]

Lol we go offroad in places where people look at us all crazy because they have big lifted jeeps and trucks. Love it

[@ashleympg]

I really enjoy your review style and demeanor. Awesome video!

[@davidmorad4405]

Your review helped me in making my decision to by the vehicle. Absolutely love the cross sport sel premium. The only bad advice you gave, in my opinion, is the 4 cylinder engine selection you would make. V6 allows for towing, and I’m getting over 25 miles per gallon on the highway.

[@nabatron21]

The wife and I are picking up a 2021.5 atlas execline. We like the way it drives and the minimalistic interior, like how big the over all package is. I like the volvo but that thing fully loaded is reaching 100k in Canada.

[@bmw803]

There's only an R line. No execline. They go by S, SE and SEL. R line is available on the SE and SEL if I'm correct.

[@nabatron21]

@@bmw803 in Canada that go by what I just said

[@lawrencehenry1326]

I drove a 2021 SEL 4MOTIAN and it is a beautiful SUV the perfect size. Not too big but just right. Also drove an SE 4 motion Atlas with the 4 cylinder and it is a big difference. From the second you step on the gas you can feel the car workin" it and workin" it easily.

[@lawrencehenry1326]

I ended up buying an Ascent. Subarus largest SUV and so did my Nephew and sister in law and the other Sister in law. So that's 4 Ascents.

[@juancangas8155]

@@lawrencehenry1326 What was the deciding factor(s)?

[@lawrencehenry1326]

@@juancangas8155 The layout of the dash is off the hook,, at night the Subaru looks like your in LasVegas nice and It lights up so nice with tech,, mostly safety stuff but cool stuff too like the brakes press a second. time and they hold until you start to give throttle.No one showed me that as even an option anywhere.. The cooled seats ,that was big plus . Atlas is OK except the Ascent is real nice ,albeit twice better. Plus Subarus AWD is just as good as the Hadley system (4motion) if not better.. I know the maintenance will be great ive been going to Subaru for 10 years. I have a VW tiguan which I bought right next door to Subaru. Interest is also 0.9 percent. They gave what I wanted for my trade at Subaru without any question. I wasn't gonna get near that at VW. And the best yet is I can always rip off parts from a family members Ascent as my Nephew and 2 sister in laws also all bought 2021 Ascents after seeing mine. So that's 4 Ascents in less than 30 days purchased from our fmily You need to allow photos so I can show you pics of the two.

[@lawrencehenry1326]

@@juancangas8155 Also 3rd row is larger and changed over to flat very easily. 19 cupholders. So many lights everywhere. Interior is way more upscale and yes whopper sunroof.

[@lawrencehenry1326]

@@juancangas8155 And did I mention family members all bought one.

[@davidmoorea1961]

Wonderful Video detailing quite a few Same Class options that can’t be found in other videos!! I fully appreciate your efforts & refinements..!!!🇺🇸

[@ShiftingLanes]

Glad it was helpful!

[@davidsdiamond3269]

I have a 2018 Atlas w/Tech and LOVE it. I upgraded from a 2018 Tiguan SEL, which is another amazing vehicle from VW, to the Atlas. The Atlas 2nd row is incredibly roomy and the 3rd row is just not what you'd expect. I'm 6' 2" and 280 and I fit very comfortably in the 3rd row. Plenty of leg and head room. The cargo area in very impressive and mind blowing. I keep the 3rd row down and when traveling, I have to climb in the back to reach things behind the 2nd row seats. Put the 2nd row down and it's game over. Traveling to OBX with our Tiguan, had to use a cargo carrier on the roof, and the cargo area. My Atlas took it all and we still had room. I'm actually looking to upgrade to the 2022 Atlas w/Tech and looking forward to it.

[@Zeus0886]

Got the 2021 se r-tech with the panoramic roof an towing package. Love It

[@ShiftingLanes]

That’s a great choice!

[@lawrencehenry1326]

6 or 4 cylinder. I like the size its the perfect size for the not to big class like the big big SUVs,

[@lawrencehenry1326]

6 or 4 cylinder. I like the size its the perfect size for the not to big class like the big big SUVs,

[@reserva120]

@@ShiftingLanes can you put a Full size spare in place if you wanted too???

[@ericleishman442]

This is a fantastic review. Thank you!

[@shane4binkley]

The 2.0T takes minimum 87 or 91...flip the fuel door open and it says right there. I've been going back and forth on trims and engines, but ultimately I think I will go with the 2.0T for better fuel economy and I don't plan on towing with this engine. Torque comes in at only 1600 RPM so nice and snappy for getting around town.

[@Anonymously.1]

My 4cyl turbo 2022 atlas cross takes 87 octane or 93. It states it right on the gas lid . Only the arteon and golf r take premium .

[@jamesmaccari9128]

Thanks for the info. Yes my Arteon says 91 octane on the fuel door Looking at a Cross Sport 2024

[@RobDaman]

Just picked up a 22 4motion SE Tech 2.0T. interior room is crazy big for a midsize. We got rid of our 13 LX570 and have zero regrets

[@martinn4186]

You mentioned that you preferred the r-line and the 2.0 engine but you can’t get both of them on the same vehicle. I liked the brief comparisons to the MDX, Highlander, Palisade at the end.

[@joshuakerstein9573]

You can get it on the sel-p rline, but no other rline

[@bmw803]

The 2L will give you problems with intake valve carboning up and a small engine with Turbo charger and GDI will put more strain on it pulling this heavy vehicle. VR6 is terrible in the city, but on the highway I get from 23-25 MPG. VR6 has no turbos, intercooler, meaning NATURALLY ASPIRATED. Less problems over time.

[@viniciusmayer1554]

In the city what would the consumption be?

[@EGH666]

@@viniciusmayer1554 ive had as good as 27.5 on the highway, mostly around 25-26. But i do mostly city driving and it hovers between 15-18. (30 mph zones with MANY stops and lights)

[@durimhasangjekaj2708]

An SEL trim can be had for $45k. It is the SEL premium that will put you over $50k.

[@brianjeon5225]

Thank you for review 2.0t version. There are almost all V6 reviews

[@HattemAlHajry]

Nice review. I'm just surprised the Honda Pilot was not mentioned in the end when comparing the Atlas with the competition. It is a spacious solid SUV.

[@SuperAndrey33]

Yup just bought the 2022 atlas with tech package and captain chairs and panoramic roof. We had 2021 for rental when our car was totalled

[@akhere07]

What is a tech package?

[@LCZYZ]

I was under the impression that the 2.0T takes regular (87).

[@johnrlott4002]

Just got the Cross Sport R-Line. Play with the custom settings. This thing is powerful if you set it up under the custom settings. Blows away the sport setting. Amazing snow traction!

[@jonhenryquinones9671]

john what are your setting just picked up a 2021.5 SEL 2.0 seems a little sluggish

[@johncgr800]

What custom setting are you referring to? How do you select a custom setting that would make it perform better than in the factory “sport” setting?

[@jimenagarcia6886]

Ive had mine for 4 months and month one remote start works whenever it feels like it and now 4 months in check engine light has come on 😓

[@beatlefreak1993]

Nice review! I sold Steph Curry’s manager an SEL Premium and he loves it!!

[@annieunas2359]

Actually??

[@gumerdominguez4091]

You could be the most honest reviewer thankz I got 18 vr6 and this thing will eat alive most including the Chevy Tahoe in space not to mention coreans and Highlander or pilot all fall down compare to atlas ,, I will say that mine mofa are not that good but in power will eat them all except Tahoe ,,, having say that don’t fall for the rest of reviews they are on their on brand pay

[@RoninGamingFox]

So with the 2.0T being notorious for burning oil would you still suggest it over the 3.6L VR6?

[@Loopsrainforest]

When did consumers decide that exhaust pipes needed to disappear? What a strange trend.

[@TOFU2urDOOR]

They didn't. VW legit thinks that dirty exhaust tips are a no no. Can't get them cover in soot if they are fake.

[@lawrencehenry1326]

Y pipe and two metal real exhaust tips ,half of which the cost would be offset by the cost of the feax pipes.

[@lawrencehenry1326]

That was a deal breaker for me.

[@minnesotajack1]

That’s weird. I truly don’t know how/why that’s a trend

[@peterwu8471]

Great video!

[@ShiftingLanes]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@saif5311]

Atlas look like range rover the cross sport I love it

[@ingenunis5003]

They are doing the exhaust like this on quite a few cars- I’m not a fan myself- Even on ALOT of vehicles, cargo covers have gotten CHEAP looking also😕.....only Subaru still has nice cargo cover.

[@martyhoskins3249]

Love the car. If VW would fix the GPS issue, that would be great.

[@Hgbrick]

My wife has a 2021 Volkswagen atlas. In May 2023 this year she hit a deer in the car is been sitting at the autobody shop every sense because they are unable to source a hood and bumper in seven months Volkswagen cannot tell us when they will start to manufacture, hoods or bumpers for this car even though they are pumping out the exact same hood and bumper for new cars sitting on the lots. This is left us with insurance and car payment but no car to drive. I would not buy Volkswagen atlas there any Volkswagen for that matter because they are not manufacturing parts to repair their cars.

[@eduardbazgan5978]

What type of gearbox came with the v6 engine?

[@matthewwright1813]

How did you do the infotainment system to display that way?

[@nasserhamood7265]

Well explained sir

[@fartman10284]

If I need a comfy 3rd row and cargo behind, I'd get a Sienna AWD. Since I don't... I got myself a Highlander Hybrid Platinum AWD, which is great for long trips, including the ski trips.... and the 40 mpg for commuting duty (thanks to stop & go traffic on the highway) BTW, the Haldex uses an electronic wet clutch coupling, that requires regular Haldex fluid changes.

[@bbroogs]

"Regular" being every 60k miles.

[@АлександрИванов-ч9в2я]

🎉😢

[@tracyv9897]

Which is better-Atlas or Palisade? 🤔

[@ns389]

I got the 2022 sel 2.0. The recommendation is regular gas. Did it change

[@futch1]

No, it appears he misspoke in the video. It is clear on the fuel door that 87 is fine.

[@alaskaaudioguy35]

No audio hold stop or heads up display in the atlas

[@matus201]

0:43 That engine looks so tiny in the engine bay. Bring back the Touareg, VW!

[@lawrencehenry1326]

It looks tiny because it is tiny. Shouldn't be anything smaller than an output of 275 ponies under the hood. Gotta stomp on the 2.0 to get it up and on the floor. I have a tiguan also and it's got the 2.0 and it is good in that but what one thousand pounds more ,the Atlas weight.

[@NickDurso80]

I'm currently shopping for a 3 row crossover and the Atlas is on my list. It would default to the top if it had better engine choices. Just about every one of its competitors has better engine options. They are both underpowered and get poor gas mileage. VW needs to put in a detuned version of their 2.5l TFSI 5 cylinder from the Audi TT-RS and mate it to a DSG. Also can we get more availability of the Brown interior combination? I have it on my '18 Golf Alltrack and I love it! I'm sick of boring black interiors or overly bright tans (or having to pay a premium for a nicer color combination).

[@joshuakerstein9573]

I’d love the 7 speed dsg, even a is38 golf R motor with 280 hp and 310 tq would suffice

[@Jokero_YT]

I love DSG but it has no place in anything bigger than a 4cyl. The VR6 Passat DSG I had was TERRIBLE in crawling through traffic, the long gears, make it really hard to maintain 20mph for example, it was a constant 3-2-3 shift when in D and nice vibrations when crawling thru a parking lot. No thanks. I'll take the 8-speed Auto that can also TOW stuff up to 5000 lbs. Keep the DSG in the smaller engines, it fits fine in my AllTrack and the GTI.

[@Helpfulsuggestions]

I don’t believe these other vehicles that you were comparing the atlas to show the proper fuel mileage for an all wheel drive vehicle.

[@2seeornot2see]

The gas mileage alone deterred me...sorry

[@virgilfaafili8425]

They don’t have ‘think blue’ on 2021.5

[@TonyAguirreJazz]

My wife said it looks like a sation wagon so we went with a 4Runner

[@creatingyourlifestyle4898]

Thanks.

[@Kylehoulihan]

I’m gonna buy the cheapest one cpo that tows 5k and has the sunroof. Absolutely ridiculous How expensive cars are for what you are providing. Logic is completely out the window. 54k for a car to go to work? Ok 👍

[@craig2100]

Would you purchase an atlas today?

[@MelvinDlaCruz]

Something for me I never will understand is this technology is being advanced and all the different ways but car consume more gasoline everyday and they're less efficient why? I don't think companies are trying to make car more efficient, they have a big contract with petroleum companies for make the cars consume more gasoline. Why you going to pay almost $55,000 for a gasoline car just get a Tesla this is ridiculous

[@smiller225]

The tesla that is the same size as an atlas is the model x and it starts at 95k

[@hamsandwich1860]

Im pretty sure the 2.0T engine takes regular gas just like the vr6

[@alexsandromoura8517]

I'm debating about that also. I just got a 2021 SE 2.0 and looking for forums about that.

[@tc1uscg65]

@3:38.. Exhaust. IMO, I've yet to see many cars with REAL exhaust ports that are strait or fit properly. So, Not sure what's up with the FAKE ones but I rather have them STRAIT and fake than REAL and crooked. Just looks dumb to see an open port that's not strait, and to have two little round mettle tailpipes visible in the no-so-round holes. Not a deal-breaker for me. No worse than the fake "vents" on the front fenders or hoods of some cars. Edit: Also, the 91 octane requirement would be a deal killer for me. My 2019 Atlas uses 87 or higher. Being required to burn the higher is just stupid, even for VW.

[@Zppbaz]

Debating between this & an A8

[@rrlandservice9017]

Freakin heavy duty gas truck mileage on the v6, geesh

[@NormandyFoye]

Reliability? Can’t find many positive articles

[@firstnamelastname9661]

crappy

[@alaskaaudioguy35]

Very explorer look

[@tc1uscg65]

1 year later. Car drifts TOO much in AWD. Unless you got some great snow tires, this car is not that great in crappy weather (snow). Just saying.

[@jwagner1993]

Sorry.. much more rational purchase than any Ford Expedition with u just want to carry your family

[@darabu.julhaz6955]

Yahoo 🥳

[@johnfuller3598]

These things are Junk!! All problems.

[@Purplecolors88]

😭😭😭😭😭 whyyyyyyy

[@carlhsieh2615]

Once again 4Runner is way better

[@randyhiggins4086]

Lol, Not!!

[@artbbh6058]

Apples and oranges. Toyota is stretching the current 4runner generation with slight updates every year. Maybe theyll come up with a radical change in 2023.

[@KingKong-]

Naaa......the review is more about space inside not reliabilty or other things. Open the 3rd row of 4runner or 2022 sequoia & you will run away.....no place to keep even a grocery bag🤪🤪😝😝😝😝😝

[@FG-gc3xv]

resale value is low thats why people buy toyota or Honda