2019 Volkswagen Atlas: A Spacious and Practical Family SUV
The 2019 Volkswagen Atlas solidified its position as a compelling choice for families seeking a spacious, comfortable, and feature-rich three-row SUV. Designed with American tastes in mind, it offers a generous interior, a smooth ride, and a suite of modern amenities, making it a versatile companion for daily commutes and road trips alike.
Highlights
- Engine Options: The 2019 Atlas was offered with two capable engine options:
- 2.0-liter Turbocharged Four-Cylinder (235 horsepower): This engine provides a good balance of power and fuel efficiency for everyday driving needs.
- 3.6-liter V6 (276 horsepower): The larger V6 engine delivers more robust acceleration, making it ideal for heavier loads or more spirited driving. Both engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
- Safety Features: Volkswagen equipped the 2019 Atlas with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, many of which were standard or available across various trims:
- Forward Collision Warning with Autonomous Emergency Braking: This system alerts the driver to potential frontal collisions and can automatically apply the brakes to mitigate or avoid an impact.
- Blind Spot Monitoring: Helps detect vehicles in the driver's blind spots, providing an audible or visual alert to prevent lane changes into occupied lanes.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Warns the driver of approaching traffic when backing out of a parking spot, aiding in avoiding collisions.
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Automatically adjusts the vehicle's speed to maintain a set following distance from the car ahead, reducing driver fatigue on highways.
- Lane Keeping Assist: Helps keep the vehicle centered within its lane by providing steering inputs, especially useful on long highway stretches.
- Trim Summary: The 2019 Atlas was available in several well-equipped trims, catering to different needs and budgets:
- S: The base model offered a solid foundation with essential features and a user-friendly infotainment system.
- SE: This trim added popular amenities like a larger touchscreen, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and upgraded interior materials.
- SE w/ Technology: Building on the SE, this package included advanced safety features, a hands-free power liftgate, and a digital cockpit display.
- SEL: Positioned as a near-luxury option, the SEL included premium features such as a panoramic sunroof, leather seating, and a premium audio system.
- SEL Premium: The top-tier trim boasted the most comprehensive feature set, including all of the SEL's amenities plus a host of additional comfort and convenience options.
- Notable Aspects:
- Generous Interior Space: The Atlas is renowned for its exceptionally roomy cabin, offering ample legroom and headroom for all three rows, a rarity in the mid-size SUV segment. The third row is particularly usable for adults on shorter trips.
- User-Friendly Technology: Volkswagen's infotainment system is intuitive and easy to navigate, with physical buttons for key functions alongside the touchscreen.
- Comfortable Ride: The suspension is tuned for a smooth and comfortable ride, effectively absorbing road imperfections and making long journeys relaxing.
- Ample Cargo Space: With all seats in use, the Atlas offers a respectable amount of cargo space, and this expands significantly when the rear seats are folded.
What to Expect
Owning a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas generally offers a dependable and comfortable ownership experience, particularly for families. The ride quality is refined, making it pleasant for daily commutes and long road trips. The interior is well-designed and built with durable materials, contributing to a sense of quality.
Maintenance for the Atlas is typically in line with other mainstream mid-size SUVs. Regular oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid checks are standard. Volkswagen recommends following the manufacturer's maintenance schedule, which can be found in the owner's manual. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine will likely require less frequent spark plug changes than the V6.
Insurance costs for the 2019 Atlas will vary based on factors such as your location, driving history, chosen coverage levels, and the specific trim and engine you select. However, as a mid-size SUV with a strong safety rating, it's generally expected to be competitive with other vehicles in its class.
Potential Considerations
While the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas excels in many areas, there are a few potential considerations buyers should be aware of:
- Fuel Economy: While not terrible, the fuel economy figures for the Atlas, especially with the V6 engine, are not class-leading. If maximizing MPG is your absolute top priority, other SUVs in the segment might offer slightly better efficiency.
- Base Engine Performance: The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, while adequate for most situations, can feel a bit underpowered when the Atlas is fully loaded with passengers and cargo. The V6 engine is a more confident choice for those who frequently carry heavy loads or desire stronger acceleration.
- Some Interior Materials: While generally well-built, some reviewers have noted that certain interior plastics in lower trims can feel a bit less premium compared to some competitors, although this is subjective and doesn't detract significantly from the overall appeal.
- Off-Road Capability: The Atlas is primarily designed for on-road comfort and family duty. While it offers available all-wheel drive, it's not intended for serious off-road excursions.
Overall Summary
The 2019 Volkswagen Atlas stands out as a highly practical and family-friendly three-row SUV. Its exceptionally spacious interior, comfortable ride, and comprehensive suite of safety features make it a compelling option for those who prioritize passenger comfort and versatility. With its user-friendly technology and strong build quality, the Atlas delivers a well-rounded ownership experience that caters effectively to the needs of modern families.
