Volkswagen’s midsize Atlas is a 3-row SUV.  Seating up to 7 the 2023 Atlas is big inside.  But it’s not too big to easily drive.

And yes, adults can make use of the third row of seating.  Which is not the norm in the segment.

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2023 Volkswagen Atlas Top-3:

1. Styling
   
2. Interior
   
3. Technology
   

New For 2023 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas is being offered in five trims.

Nearly all of them come standard with Volkswagen’s Digitial Cockpit Pro.  And that’s with the 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen.

Trims & Starting Prices

So the five trims for the 2023 Atlas can be considered two different main trims with optional packages.

For a 3-row midsize SUV that’s a solid driver and sporty or classy looking no matter what.  We think it’s a great value regardless of the trim you select.

2023 VW Atlas Trims & MSRPs:

• SE $35,150
  
  • w/ Technology $39,320
    
  
  
• SEL $44,940
  
  • R-Line Black $48,640
    
  • Premium R-Line $52,340
    
  
  

*All starting MSRPs

We like how Volkswagen keeps the trim packages fairly tight in what each includes.  You still have configuration options but they’re pretty basic.  For example, when configuring the Premium R-Line you can add captain seats, cargo bars on the roof, and a cargo box.  Plus other similar options

Engines, Transmissions & MPG

The 2023 Atlas rolls with two different engines.  Having driven both they each have benefits.  So there’s an inline 4-cylinder and a V6.

First the inline 4-cylinder.  It’s a turbocharged 2.0-liter that puts out 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.  This feels like it could have slightly quicker off-the-line acceleration.  And it gets slightly better gas mileage.

Then there’s the 3.6L 6-cylinder.  Delivering 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque.  It’s capable of towing more than double the weight of the 4-cylinder.  But delivers slightly less fuel efficiency.

Transmission

Both engines are paired with a smooth shifting, and efficient, 8-speed automatic transmission.

Your option in this category is whether to go with front-wheel-drive or Volkswagen’s all-wheel drive.  VW’s all-wheel-drive system is called 4Motion.

Fuel Economy

Again, when it comes to fuel economy, there’s only a slight difference.  And how the MPG of the different drivetrains and engines breakdown.

EPA Estimated MPG:

• 2.0L 4-cylinder
  
  • FWD 21/23/25
    
  • 4MotionD 20/22/24
    
  
  
• 3.6L 6-cylinder
  
  • FWD 18/20/24
    
  • 4Motion 10/20/23
    
  
  

*All city/combined/highway

When it comes to curb weight for the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas, it depends on configuration.  On the low-end Atlas will weigh 4,255 and go up to 4,595 lbs.

And towing capacity is where you might find a deciding factor in engine selection.  Because the inline 4-cylinder drags up to 2,000 lbs.  But with the 3.6L 6-cylinder, towing capacity jumps to 5,000 lbs.

Up to 25 MPG

What’s 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Look Like?

Volkswagen’s Atlas is a great looking sport ute no matter which of the trim options you select.

Sure the base model is more subdued.  And the SEL R-Lines take it to the next level.  But the lines of the SUV are sleek and bold from every angle.

It’s European-looking and undeniably Volkswagen branded.  But a quick highway glance might leave you thinking you’ve spotted an Audi.  And you would be the first to think that.  Not by a long shot.

Exterior Dimensions

• Wheelbase 117.3
  
• Length 200.7
  
• Height 70.1
  
• Width 78.3
  
•  Track:
  
  • Front 67.0
    
  • Rear 67.6
    
  
  
• Ground clearance 7.1
  

*All inches

Max. cargo volume 96.8 cu-ft

Inside 2023 Volkswagen Atlas

Inside the midsize Volkswagen Atlas is perhaps where the vehicle really sets itself in a class of its own.  Because the use of space might be unparalleled.

Volkswagen’s always been known for paying attention to fit and finish details.  Making sure everything comes together accurately.  Firm surface joints and the like.

But it’s not only the cabin construction but also the engineering of space.  People are comfortable in all three rows.  And when you remove people, fold seats down to make cargo space.  There’s lots of it.   And easy to use.

And if you’re desire is to have a giant sunroof.  Volkswagen offers a panoramic option that nearly takes up the entire roof.

Interior Dimensions:

• Headroom 41.3/40.4/38.3
  
• Legroom 41.7/37.6/33.7
  
• Shoulder room 61.5/60.8/54.9
  
• Hip room 58.2/58.0/45.1
  

*All inches

And the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas provides ample cargo area.  With a cargo capacity of 20.6 cubic feet behind the 3rd row of seats.  Then 55.5 cu-ft behind the second row.  And with both rows of backseats folded down, there’s a whopping 96.8 cu-ft.

Digital Cockpit Pro standard on most trims

Infotainment Technology & Safety

As mentioned above Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit Pro comes standard in nearly all trims.

And that technology is ahead of its time.  Because all carmakers are going that route.  But for a non-luxury to already be there is impressive.

Digital Cockpit Pro

VW’s Digital Cockpit Pro replaces analog instrumentation in the dash with a digital monitor.  And that monitor is completely configurable based on the driver’s preference at the time.  It pairs with a 10.25″ infotainment touchscreen on the center stack.  Providing countless configuration options.

You can opt to have your navigation display between gauges among numerous other configs.  Plus you can program and save various drive profiles.

IQ.Drive

The 2023 Atlas comes with Volkswagen’s IQ.Drive suite of driver safety features.  The higher-level trims provide most safety features within IQ.Drive.  Including features like the area overhead camera view, parking steering assistance and more.

2023 Volkswagen Atlas Top-3

1. Styling – Great looking, Audi-esque, Euro-styling, and great value pricing.
   
2. Interior – Big inside, loads of space for passengers and cargo alike.
   
3. Technology – VW’s Digital Cockpit Pro on nearly every trim.  Plus IQ.Drive tech features.
   

 

iDSC is driven by Ontario Volkswagen

 

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