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When buyers speak, Volkswagen listens. When the Volkswagen Atlas was introduced, it debuted with an obvious dedication to space, comfort, and value. Five years later, the Atlas has been a widespread success, with robust sales numbers confirming Volkswagen's intuition about developing a large SUV for the United States market.
The Atlas has kept its magic recipe relatively the same since its introduction but did receive a significant refresh in 2021 that made the SUV feel, well, fresh. With a new grille, bumpers, tech, LED tail lights, and lots of interior goodies, the 2022 Atlas carries a sophisticated and modern look.
For buyers looking to haul their family and stuff with space to spare (not to mention the dollars saved in your pocket), the Atlas is one of the best buys on the market today. Here are five reasons you need to consider an Atlas from Volkswagen SouthTowne for your next family vehicle.
Cargo space
Interior space and comfort is the Atlas' calling card. It's phenomenal. With the third row up, there is 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space. With the third row folded down, there is 55.5 cubic feet of space.
In other words, if you find yourself hauling larger-than-average loads from the local wholesale club, the Atlas is going to be your best friend. Lower the second row and that area expands to a whopping 96.8 cubic feet of space, which might just be larger than your first apartment.
Commenting on the Atlas's cargo space, Eric Stafford of Car and Driver wrote, "The cabin should accommodate just about anything a suburban family can throw at it, and there are plenty of thoughtfully placed storage nooks to stash small items. In our luggage testing, the Atlas impressed us by fitting four carry-on suitcases behind the third row and 38 behind the first."
Comfort for the whole family
In buyers' collective efforts to ignore all things minivan, three-row SUVs have taken off in popularity. However, where many of them fall short is in third-row comfort. Often it's hard to fit adults back there, especially for trips longer than a jaunt to the nearest soda shop drive-thru. With the Atlas, third-row occupants can ride without compromises.
Stafford, writing for Car and Driver also said, "Family-friendly interior space, a straightforward control layout, and an overabundance of cupholders make the Atlas a practical choice, even among other highly practical rivals. Plus, the third row of seats that can comfortably accommodate full-size adults is a definite win. The interior design of the Atlas is uncomplicated and utilitarian—perfect for families."
Boasting seating for seven adults (no joke), the Atlas makes good on its campaign promises and can haul just about anyone who needs a ride.
Excellent infotainment
No matter your budget, the Atlas comes well connected and plush with infotainment features. The base SE trim's 6.5-inch touchscreen looks sharp and is responsive, but the technology package's 8.0-inch screen is what you really want. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as are a WiFi hotspot and multiple USB ports. Move up the trims and the connectivity and infotainment become even more robust, including a wireless charging pad.
Safety features
The Atlas comes standard with a long list of standard safety equipment and boasts a five-star overall crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, making it one of the best safety values on the market. The Atlas also scored very high in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ratings.
Some of the standard safety features on the Atlas are:
- A rearview camera
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
- Forward collision warning with pedestrian detection.
For a full list of safety features visit Volkswagen's website or contact a representative at Volkswagen SouthTowne.
Towing capabilities
Volkswagen offers two engines for the Atlas. The first is a peppy turbocharged four-cylinder, and the other is a robust V6 producing 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. If towing a small trailer or boat is in the mix for your summer activities, you'll want to spring for the V6. Properly equipped, the Atlas can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
If you're thinking of getting a new SUV for the family, the Volkswagen Atlas should be on your shortlist. Check out Atlas inventory and more on vwsouthtowne.com.
