2023 Volkswagen Atlas

This is a three-row SUV, so nimble steering and razor-sharp response times are not its forte. What the Atlas is good at is offering a reassuring driving experience that is predictable and comfortable. Steering is light and precise, making this midsize SUV easy to steer in the city, and it manages to keep its composure when going through tighter corners, with minimal body roll. This SUV shines on the open road: the cabin is well-insulated, and the suspension copes well with undulations, providing a comfortable ride. Both the four-cylinder and six-cylinder engine options offer enough poke to keep things going above 60 mph, and overtaking is never a problem, but the V6 hardly pulls any harder than the 2.0-liter turbo and is slightly underwhelming. The eight-speed automatic transmission is smooth and responsive most of the time, but can occasionally be a bit indecisive.

Where most three-row midsize SUVs fail to impress in terms of interior space, the VW Atlas bucks the trend by providing a spacious cabin with a truly usable third row and enough cargo space behind the rearmost seats to pack a good amount of shopping. The Atlas also offers an impressive range of standard features, a wide trim selection, and solid build quality. Unfortunately, its engines don't blow us away: the four-cylinder turbo engine is probably the pick of the bunch, as the six-cylinder costs more but doesn't add much performance. The Atlas is a capable city car but makes for an even better highway cruiser. If you're able to pay for the top-tier trims, the Atlas transforms into a premium product that sets the bar high. Every safety review of the Volkswagen Atlas has so far also yielded good results too. Competent as it is, the Atlas doesn't quite rise to the top; there are safer and generally more accomplished rivals in this competitive class.