2023 Volkswagen Atlas

The Volkswagen Atlas for 2023 will come in the same six-level trim layout as seen on the outgoing model but the pricing is expected to go up by a slight margin. The base SE trim is expected to be available for $35,895 and the price goes all the way to $53,085. Users will further be charged an additional $1,900 if they add the optional 4-motion all-wheel drive system on the two base trims while it comes standard on the higher variants. The SUV comes with a long list of features even on the SE trim as standard and some of them are proximity keyless entry and ignition, power adjustable driver’s seat, digital instrument cluster, and mobile connectivity. The top-end Atlas is focused more on providing comfort and luxury and comes equipped with premium leather upholstery, a better audio system, and ventilation on the front seats. Regardless of which Atlas you pick, the SUV will house an entire family without any troubles or limitations on space. The fact that Volkswagen has 6 trims for this vehicle also makes it accessible to multiple groups of people with various purposes and budgets.

We Recommend

The SE with Technology trim balances price and features just perfectly. As the most economical model that is compatible with the potent V6 engine, we recommend this trim. It is also worth opting for the AWD system with this model as the drive was noticed to get sharper, making it easier to handle a vehicle this massive.

Release Date

Volkswagen has revealed that the 2023 Atlas will high the showrooms in the second half of 2022 with the updated prices being unveiled mid-summer.

Although this SUV's fuel economy statistics aren't particularly impressive for this class of big-box family haulers, its actual performance isn't too far from that of the segment's gas guzzlers. The front-wheel drive version of the four-cylinder model achieves ratings of 21 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highways, making it the most economical. With front-wheel drive, the V-6 model gets 18 mpg in the city, 24 on the highway, and with all-wheel drive, 16 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway can be expected.

Despite being in a segment where the majority of contenders are known to consume a lot of fuel, Volkswagen still places itself at the bottom when it comes to fuel efficiency. The most efficient engine is equipped on the Ford, while the Honda has the most extended range, thanks to its larger gas tank. The individual figures however do not differ a lot between the rivals and the advantage is on the side of the vehicle that carries the most fuel. The Volkswagen will be able to run just over 400 miles in a single tank of fuel before needing to visit the nearest gas station. 

The Atlas is a practical option, especially when compared to other extremely practical rivals, thanks to its family-friendly interior room, easy-to-use control layout, and an excess of cupholders. The third row of seats that can easily fit full-size adults is also a major plus. The Atlas's interior is simple and functional, making it ideal for families but less so for style connoisseurs. There are several strategically placed storage spaces around the cabin to conceal tiny objects, so it should be able to handle almost anything an urban family can toss at it. The driver's seat is provided with all-day support and basic power adjustment. Nearly 38 inches of legroom are available for second-row passengers, and on most trims, they can choose between a three-seat bench and twin captain's chairs with some space in between that makes third-row accessibility easier. The regular Atlas offers space for over 21 cubic feet of cargo even behind the third row and the option of folding down the seats only further extends the storage space.

The most balanced passenger room is held by the Atlas as it has ample space on all rows, unlike the rivals that failed to provide enough room in the rearmost seats. Volkswagen also takes the lead in terms of the cargo space offered, making it the best choice for a large family. Both the Kia and Honda can carry a maximum of 8 occupants while the Volkswagen and Ford allow 7 occupants. Atlas is the only vehicle where adult passengers in the third row can be seated comfortably. Honda falls short in terms of cargo space, making it less practical.

Some standout interior features on the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas include

• Simulated leather/ Leather upholstery.
• 3-zone automatic climate control.
• Second-row captain seats.
• Heated first and second-row seats.
• Ventilated front-row seats.
• Ambient lighting.

How intuitive is the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas infotainment system?

Regardless of the trim you select, the Atlas is fully connected and equipped to entertain. The touchscreen user interface is simple to operate and responsive similar to a typical smartphone. A six-speaker sound system, a Wi-Fi hotspot, two USB connections, and a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality are all included in the SE. Starting with SE models equipped with the Technology package, the touchscreen increases to 8.0 inches, three USB ports are shared by the back seat occupants, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio joins the party, and a wireless phone charging pad is included. The top trim also brings in a premium 12-speaker audio setup by Fender.

Some of the standout infotainment features on the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas are

• 6.5 or 8.0-inch touchscreen.
• Digital gauge cluster.
• 6 or 12-speaker audio system.
• Sirius XM satellite radio.
• Wi-Fi hotspot.
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Volkswagen Atlas will not see any changes in terms of design as well and it would be impossible to differentiate the 2023 model from the outgoing vehicle. The SUV boasts a commanding look that is complimented well by the 3-bar grille and elegant-looking headlamps. Ford those looking for some sporty design features can pick the R-Line variants of the Atlas which will feature a slightly different body kit. Regardless of which trim you choose, the Atlas will possess a very muscular aura around it. The sides of the vehicle aren’t complicated and have a prominent wheel arch design that houses 18-inch wheels on the base trim while there are options of having 20 or 21-inch wheels by picking the higher trims. The Atlas is also offered as SEL R-Line Black, which deletes all the bling on the vehicle for blacked-out components that include wheels, badges, and mirror caps for a stealthy appearance.

The Volkswagen Atlas happens to be the most extended vehicle here, making it slightly challenging to maneuver the vehicle in tight spaces. The Kia holds the highest ground clearance but it’s highly unlikely that a massive three-row SUV is taken on a serious off-road trail. However, with some getting used to it, the Atlas will be easier to drive around despite its size. Also, the high stance of the vehicle makes it easy to get in and out of the vehicle. The 7.1-inch ground clearance of the Volkswagen might be lower compared to the rivals but it is ample enough to drive over a bump without worrying about getting scraped.

Some of the standout exterior features include

• Panoramic sunroof.
• LED headlights and taillights.
• 18 or 20 or 21-inch alloy wheels.
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers.
• Rood rails.
• Power folding heated mirrors.

The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas hasn’t been rated by NHTSA or IIHS yet but the SUV is loaded with all the necessary safety tech. The 2022 model scored an overall rating of 5-stars on NHTSA despite receiving a four-star rating for frontal. Similarly, the IIHS tests have a mixed record, with most instrumented crash testing giving it "Good" ratings. The car also has an automated parking feature that works flawlessly, which is a must-have feature on a vehicle this massive.

Some of the standout safety features available with the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas are

• Blind-spot monitor.
• Pedestrian monitoring.
• Tire pressure monitoring.
• Rear traffic alert.
• 360-degree camera.
• Automated parking system.

2023 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2023 Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride does not offer as much cabin space as the Atlas does but with its recent refresh, the Kia feels much plusher with its better-constructed interior. The Kia is also more powerful than the Volkswagen, making it the better driver’s choice. However, pick the Atlas configured with the V6 and things seem to change in terms of the drive, and if you’re keen on wanting more space along with good power, pick the V6 Volkswagen Atlas.

2023 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2023 Honda Pilot

We anticipate that the Honda Pilot, which is scheduled for a complete redesign in 2023, will be at least as good as the model it replaces. The latest generation Pilot is a comfortable vehicle overall with a powerful V6 engine and useful storage areas. However, it doesn't have the same amount of cargo space as the Atlas. 

2023 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2023 Ford Explorer

One thing common between the Ford and the Volkswagen is that both these SUVs come standard with an inline-4. However, Ford has managed to tune it in such a way that it produces a higher power figure while making sure to not deteriorate the fuel efficiency. The Ford definitely feels much more exciting to drive but if you think you are someone who intends to use the third-row of seating quite a lot, the Volkswagen Atlas would make the right choice.

Volkswagen upgraded the Atlas in 2021, thus for the 2023 model year, we don't anticipate many changes, if any at all. We advise you to visit your local dealer and schedule a test drive if you like what you see with the latest Atlas. The German manufacturer chose to not emphasize power and performance a lot and stuck to comfort. The Atlas has to be one of the best family haulers out there and the fact that this SUV is available in a wide range of budget options makes it accessible for many. Unlike its rivals, the Atlas boasts a comfortable third row that can accommodate adult passengers without getting their knees scraped against the seats ahead. The only reason to skip the Volkswagen is if you’re leaning more towards performance and the joy of driving.