2019 Volkswagen Atlas

There's a variety of Atlas models that make up the lineup, with the 2.0T S starting off at an MSRP of $30,895, swapping out the 2.0T mill for the V6 one adds $3,200. The 2.0T SE follows at an MSRP of $34,095; it, along with the 2.0T SE Technology (priced at $35,895), can also be optioned with the V6 motor for $1,400. The V6 SE Technology R-Line carries a sticker price of $39,245, the V6 SEL costs $41,395, and the R-Line version of the V6 SEL asks $43,345. The V6 SEL Premium closes the lineup off at an MSRP of $48,395. Those prices are all excluding Volkswagen's destination charge of $995 as well as any tax, registration, and licensing fees.

There is nothing particularly exciting about the Atlas in terms of its drive and handling dynamics. What stands out the most is that it's certainly an SUV tuned for comfort over anything else, and this is proven when traversing over anything but the harshest of road imperfections and undulations, even with the larger 20-inch wheels equipped. By virtue of its softly-tuned suspension, its ride feels almost always settled and without the overly floaty sensation typical of softly sprung SUVs in this segment.

That said, it's not exactly a fun car to drive, but steering responses are precise and always smooth. The steering effort is appropriately light too, while also not feeling too disconnected from the road as with many overly boosted steering systems. In the city streets, it feels almost car-like with its nimble handling and precise responses - the perks of those MQB underpinnings - and on the highway, it manages to always remain composed. There's plenty of grip offered by the tires and the Atlas always feels confidently planted to the ground. However, its heft is inescapable and is most noticeable when strung through curvy roads. Nevertheless, there is more than enough stopping power provided from the brakes and the response is confident yet smooth.

As a three-row unibody SUV, the Atlas is geared for light off-road duty too. With a class-leading approach angle of 22.7 degrees, decent ground clearance, and available 4MOTION AWD it's one of the more capable off-roaders in the midsize crossover class, but don't expect 4Runner levels of capability.

The VW Atlas is a good vehicle, but there are a few flaws that set it back from being the best in the segment. Most of the Atlas package is impressive though, with a decent V6 engine and a refined 4MOTION AWD system available that avail it with competitive towing capabilities and light off-roading advantages. Passenger-comfort is the main concern for the Atlas, the SUV offering a commodious cabin with comfortable and supportive seats from front to rear. Its ride quality is comfortable too and although soft, is highly composed and never floaty. There's a lot of appeal in the Atlas' lineup with even the base model boasting high feature specification levels, and particularly in its infotainment setup with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality included as standard. Its standard safety and advanced driver-assist consignments are laudable too, and he resultant safety ratings are reasonably good. The Atlas is slightly lackluster though, in terms of performance, and could do with a more frugal engine as its fuel economy lags behind class-leading rivals. Opting for the VW Atlas would not be a regrettable decision, but you may find yourself wanting something with a little more grunt.

The V6 SEL model is the recommended trim as it comes equipped with the more capable 3.6-liter V6 mill as standard, along with VW's all-wheel-drive system - this gives the Atlas improved towing capability and better all-weather traction. It also comes equipped with a trailer tow hitch as standard and is the first model in the lineup that comes fitted with VW's contemporary digital cockpit as well as with a panoramic power sunroof, LED taillights, and park distance control. If you won't be needing the seven-passenger occupancy, then we suggest throwing in the optional second-row captain-chairs, as they improve passenger comfort and overall in-cabin room, while also making access to the third-row seats easier.

The Honda Pilot is priced in more or less the same bracket as the VW Atlas. It's equipped to seat a total of eight passengers, however, and like the Atlas has the option to fit second-row captain's chairs, which then brings its occupancy down to seven. The Atlas only seats a maximum of seven. The Pilot's standard V6 engine feels a lot more refined than the Atlas', while also being considerably more potent off-the-line. It's also a little more fuel-efficient overall. Both vehicles share a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs, but the Atlas has more cargo room in the rear. The Pilot's impressive magic seats and storage solutions bring a lot more versatility though, especially as a family vehicle. While full smartphone integration is offered as standard as of the base model of the Atlas lineup, it's not included on the base model of the Pilot. The Pilot does, however, come with a whole lot more safety and driver-assist features as standard and received a 2019 Top Safety Pick allocation from the IIHS. The value of the Pilot certainly exceeds that of the Atlas' once past the base model. The Pilot is just a little better than the Atlas in every regard - barring trunk capacity - but still scores highly in terms of versatility.

For only a little more than the VW Atlas, prospective buyers can look to the Subaru Ascent. It comes equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine that services the whole lineup, it's more powerful than the Atlas' 2.0-liter but less potent than the V6, it's considerably more fuel-efficient than both though. It's also solely serviced by a CVT that delivers unintuitive responses and just feels lackadaisical. Unlike the Atlas, however, the Ascent can seat a maximum of eight passengers in place of only seven, and subsequently, it's left with slightly less cargo room than the Atlas behind the rear seats. Specification-wise, both models are relatively equal in value: the Ascent does come with a few more driver-assist features and is the safer vehicle, having received a 2019 Top Safety Pick + designation from the IIHS. The Atlas is the SUV we'd pick; while the Ascent offers plenty of value, the Atlas is just a little better by virtue of its superior build quality and leading practicality.