2023 Volkswagen Atlas

　　

2023 Volkswagen Atlas Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　, rating written byMark TakahashiSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas is a seven-passenger three-row SUV and is the largest vehicle VW currently sells in the U.S. The Atlas has been one of the better midsize three-row SUVs since it debuted in 2018, and it offers impressive passenger comfort, even in the third row. We also give it high marks for its simple, easy-to-use interior layout and pleasant road manners.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas SE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$207/mo  for Atlas SE

　　Atlas SE

　　SE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $35,150 MSRPSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $37,050 MSRPSE w/Technology 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $39,320 MSRPSE w/Technology 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $41,070 MSRPSE w/Technology 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $41,220 MSRPSE w/Technology 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $42,970 MSRPSEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $44,940 MSRPSEL 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $46,690 MSRPSEL R-Line Black 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $48,640 MSRPSEL Premium R-Line 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $52,340 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　Volkswagen gave the Atlas a styling refresh in 2021, as well as an updated infotainment system, so changes were kept to a minimum for 2023. In fact, we're pretty sure Volkswagen is deep into the development of the next-generation Atlas, so we're betting the current Atlas will likely ride out the rest of its lifespan without any major upgrades.

　　Overall, we like the Atlas, though neither the standard turbocharged four-cylinder nor the optional V6 engine offers much in the way of punch, especially when you load up the Atlas with passengers. Check out our test team's full Expert Rating below for more detail on the Atlas and how it compares to other three-row SUVs such as the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride.

　　

What's it like to live with?

To get a more in-depth ownership experience, zzdcar evaluated a Volkswagen Atlas over the course of a year while logging over 20,000 miles. See all of the hits and misses, as documented by our staff in the zzdcar' VW Atlas long-term road test review. This test was based on a 2018 model, but the 2023 Atlas is of the same generation and most of our observations still apply.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　8.0

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the Atlas drive? Neither Atlas engine is all that great. The optional V6 engine delivers decent acceleration off the line but runs out of oomph when the Atlas is merging at speed, even with an empty cabin. Our V6-equipped Atlas test vehicle needed 8.5 seconds to cover 0-60 mph, which is slower than many rival three-row SUVs. We also tested the base four-cylinder — surprisingly, that Atlas was quicker, with 0-60 mph coming up in 8.1 seconds.

　　Otherwise, the Atlas is pleasant to wheel around considering its size. It's composed and stable when going around turns, and the smooth brakes and transmission shifting make it an easy SUV to drive every day.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Atlas? The Atlas' front seats lack some adjustability, and the bottom cushions feel a little flat and long, which might be uncomfortable for short drivers. Both back rows recline, and the second row slides and has a slightly firmer middle seat.

　　The Atlas has a settled ride quality. The suspension absorbs most bumps and road undulations without getting overly floaty. There's some road noise, and the large mirrors generate noticeable wind noise at highway speeds, but it's nothing the audio system can't conceal. The Atlas' climate system is strong and has plenty of heating and cooling capacity.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below