The 2020 Atlas tops Volkswagen's lineup in size. It's impressively roomy, and it earns high marks for passenger comfort and cargo-carrying utility. A lack of power is the only significant drawback to this big three-row crossover SUV.
* Starting MSRP of $38,200 for a 2025 Volkswagen Atlas SE 2.0L TSI® with 8-speed automatic transmission. Prices exclude transportation, taxes, title, other options, and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.
VW's Car-Net communications system and in-car Wi-Fi hotspot now standard
Other minor revisions to standard feature availability
Part of the first Atlas generation introduced for 2018
Edmunds says
The spacious and comfortable VW Atlas remains a highly regarded midsize three-row SUV. It lost a little ground to the new class-leading Kia Telluride and the Hyundai Palisade. But overall, the 2020 Atlas is a smart pick for a three-row crossover SUV.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas S 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 $4.17 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
2019 Volkswagen Atlas V6 SEL Premium 4MOTION 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A)
I'm 6'4" and can comfortably sit behind myself, don't know any other car or SUV where that is possible. Bought it on the spot just because of this. I've carried 8 people comfortably and loaded cargo that I couldn't believe it could swallow. Fully loaded it's every bit as good as an Audi and $20k less, so it's a bargain. Adaptive cruise is a treat, only complaint is that it has a … very small gas tank. Range is only 350 miles on a full tank. Compared to a Suburban or Expedition it's a sports car. Black wheels on 20" tires look the part. Had it a year and very pleased.
5 trips to the repair shop in 7 months
1 out of 5 stars
Albert Scott, 10/09/2020
2019 Volkswagen Atlas V6 SEL R-Line 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A)
I purchased a new SEL FWD R-Line in January 2020. We loved the aesthetics of the vehicle but soon became beyond frustrated. Multiple noises necessitated 5 trips to the dealership service department: a knocking noise in the front axle (replaced sway bar connection twice), a popping sound in the steering column (replaced power steering rack), and a whining sound behind the dash (replaced a … heat shield). We were orinally told the power steering rack was on indefinete backorder. I had to open a claim with VW Care to get things moving.
I also purchased the Gold protection package that covered body and windshield dings. My car was in the shop for two weeks waiting on the "guy that does windows" to actually show up and make the repair...which never happened. The Gold package is a scam.
We tried to get VW to buy the car back, but were denied. We ended up trading it in for a Subaru Ascent and couldn't be happier.
Worst Auto Ive ever owned - Buyer Beware
1 out of 5 stars
Just a guy , 01/15/2020
2019 Volkswagen Atlas V6 SE w/Technology R-Line 4MOTION 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A)
we have owned our 2019 Atlas SE w/Tech 4 motion v6 rline for 13 months and 35k miles. This is by far the worst auto purchase of my adult life. We purchased this over the explorer because of the 72k warranty( now 50k on 2020 models) and it is a shame we have to use it so frequently.
Pros: Ride quality. it ride very smooth, good visibility, good interior layout and third row is … spacious.
Cons: Terrible quality and I question the longevity of this auto. We have had ours in the shop 7x in the for 12 months for the following:
1: replace both front sway bar links in suspension- before 20k miles!
2: replace rear climate control screen
3: replace seat belt buckle in middle row
4: replace push button start due to inconsistent starting
5: torque converter makes terrible loud grinding noise in low gears. VW acknowledges its, has no idea what it is , has other complaints, but deflects it as "normal"
6: My atlas has been in the shop 3x for coolant issues. either the warning light is on or I can smell coolant when the car is on. No remedy yet so they tell me its " normal" UPDATE on this issue: the dealer just tore the entire engine apart and replaced every seal and gasket. We had warped cylinder heads and and oil leak around the filter due to coolant leaking into the cylinder heads. This would have been over $12k out of pocket with no warranty! Pretty large and ridiculous repair for an issue I was told didn’t exist for 2 months. The Service Manger mentioned he has another atlas in for the same reason and has recommended to VW Corp to look into this because he believes it is an true design issue.
I'm filing a lemon law suit since all issues have started and been documented in the first year, especially the coolant issue.
Love my new Atlas!
4 out of 5 stars
C. Hewitt, 02/22/2019
2019 Volkswagen Atlas V6 SEL Premium 4MOTION 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A)
Coming from a smaller SUV, and needing more space, the Atlas has been great! The interior room is plentiful, and it is easy to take advantage of it in many different ways. The front seats are good (not amazing) but the configuration, especially with the digital cockpit, is amazing. The engine is adequate, but not overwhelming. The safety features are best in class, and it drives and … feels like a much more expensive SUV. Great value, and you can really select the trim you want, with the right features, all the way from 25k to 45k, all of them are good values.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas, so we've included reviews for other years of the Atlas since its last redesign.