We have waited for a full-size three-row SUV/crossover from Volkswagen for a long time. Several concepts have hinted at the production version over the last four years, most notably as the CrossBlue Hybrid concept in 2013. Finally, the 2018 VW Atlas makes its world-wide debut on the Santa Monica Pier, California at the end of the historic Route 66.
The Atlas is fully focused on the American market. It will be produced at VW’s Chattanooga, Tennessee plant alongside the Passat. Volkswagen invested an additional $900 million into the facility in order to produce the big crossover. The Atlas enters a crowded and competitive market of three-row family haulers, which is lead by the Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, and the Honda Pilot. Does it have enough to compete? We will have to wait until the first drive opportunity to find out.
The Atlas will be offered in five trim levels and two engine options. The base front-wheel-drive model will be powered by a 238 hp 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The optional engine is the familiar 3.6L VR6 motor which produces 280 horsepower. This narrow-angle V6 will also be paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission and can be configured with FWD or 4-Motion AWD systems, No hybrid version of the Atlas has been announced at this time.
External dimensions of the VW Atlas are right on par with the class. The SUV is 198.3 inches long, 77.9 inches wide, and 69.6 inches high. This makes it the largest Volkswagen to ever be sold in the United States, and the dimensions are just a hair shy when compared to the Ford Explorer.
Volkswagen says that the Atlas has a spacious cabin that can accommodate seven adults and has a clever seat folding system that can fit anything from a small surf board, to a kayak, to bicycles and more.
If you have been in a Volkswagen recently, then the interior will feel very familiar. The Atlas is packed full of latest driver assistance and technology features. It will have an available Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system, autonomous emergency braking, Lane Assist, and Parking Steering Assistant. A new 12-speaker and 480-watt Fender Premium Audio system will also be available.
Volkswagen invited TFLcar to the debut event. We will bring you a detailed Everything You Ever Wanted to Know video about the VW Atlas soon.
Watch the debut here.
Take a look at the VW CrossBlue Hybrid concept that made its debut at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show nearly four years ago.
Volkswagen is producing a web video series about the new Atlas. Here is Episode #1 from VW.
