The new Volkswagen Atlas could swallow a Beetle. It is the biggest VW ever built in America and proof (if you need it) that big is in and small is out.
The Atlas is nearly as long as a Chevy Tahoe, and like the big Chevy, it can seat as many as seven in its three rows.
What It Is
The Atlas is VW's new full-size crossover SUV.
Prices start at $30,500 for the base S trim, which is only front-wheel drive, and only comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
V-6 engine-equipped versions of the Atlas start at $31,900 for the front-wheel drive S trim and top out at $48,490 for the SEL Premium trim with AWD.
What's New
The Atlas name and the car itself are new additions to the VW roster.
What's Good
It's more roomy than two Beetles.
It can pull two Beetles (almost) — its max tow rating is 5,000 pounds.
It's big but agreeable to drive in close quarters.
What's Not So Good
The standard four-cylinder engine is Beetle-esque.
Upgrading to the V-6 is mandatory if you want AWD.
The Mazda CX-9 has a roomier second row and comes standard with more engine.
Under the Hood
Despite its size, the Atlas comes standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. A turbocharger bumps the power up to 235 horsepower. A larger 3.6-liter V-6 with 276 horsepower is available.
Both engines are paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission. The optional all-wheel-drive system is only available with the V-6. With that engine, the Atlas can pull up to 5,000 pounds. With the smaller 2.0-liter engine, its pull power drops to 2,000 pounds.
On the upside, the 2.0-liter engine should get gas mileage that's not so bad considering how large and heavy it is. EPA numbers were not available at this writing, but it should average about 26 mpg. Expect the V-6 AWD version to lag about 5 mpg behind.
On the Road
In stop-and-go traffic, it's hard to tell the difference between the 2.0-liter and the larger V-6 because they both produce nearly the same torque and the small engine produces it at lower engine speeds — 1,600 rpm versus 2,750 rpm.
But when you give it full pedal, the 2.0-liter hasn't got much left to give. It's an OK choice for city people and people who don't need the AWD for winter weather, but otherwise, the engine is lacking.
The V-6 is the way to go if you do a lot of highway driving (and, remember, the only way to go if you need AWD).
Either way, the Atlas is a great vehicle for people who love their VWs and need a bigger one.
It feels big and solid — which it is. A V-6 AWD weighs almost 200 pounds more than an AWD Mazda CX-9 (4,502 pounds versus 4,327 pounds). It is also wider than the CX-9 (78.3 inches versus 77.5 inches) and rides on a wheelbase some 2 inches longer (117.3 inches versus 115.3).
But its turning circle is tighter than the slightly longer CX-9 at 38.1 feet versus 38.8 feet. And while the Mazda is the sportier of the two, the VW does a better job of being a family bus that's easy to drive.
At the Curb
From the driver's seat, the flat, wide hood gives the Atlas a hunky, almost Land Rover feel. It stands tall, too, at 70 inches compared with 69 inches for the CX-9.
The Mazda is a bit roomier, especially in its second row, with 39.4 inches of legroom compared with 37.6 inches for the Atlas. But the Atlas has much more cargo room, with 20.6 cubic feet behind its third row compared with 14.4 feet for the CX-9. With the second row down, the Atlas gives you 55.5 cubic feet of space, versus 38.2 feet for the Mazda.
Another area where the VW one-ups the Mazda is a digital cockpit that replaces the otherwise standard and fairly conventional analog dashboard with a "Star Trek"-esque configurable flat screen. It only comes in the top-of-the-line Premium SEL trim, though.
Also available are Audi-esque R-Line trim enhancements, including 20-inch wheels and tires. But be advised that these huge wheels increase rolling resistance and therefore hurt both gas mileage and performance.
The Rest
VW offers a Steering Assist system that is a preview of self-driving car technology. The system uses cameras to scan the road ahead and gently turn the steering wheel left or right on its own — though you're not supposed to take your hands off the wheel.
The Bottom Line
The Atlas has plenty of room. It just needs a bit more engine.
Eric's new book, "Don't Get Taken for a Ride!" will be available soon. To find out more about Eric and read his past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators.com.
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