I finally got my hands on the top of the line volkswagen atlas, and We say, it's the massive step up from what I expected. Usually, when you think of the big, three-row loved ones SUV, you image something functional yet maybe a small bit boring. Volkswagen has clearly tried to flip that script with the latest refresh of the Atlas, particularly the SEL Premium R-Line trim. It's not just a bigger Tiguan any longer; it's a genuine competitor for people which want luxury features without the logo snobbery of a high-end European high-class brand.
Walking up to it, the very first thing you observe is the presence. The top of the line volkswagen atlas gets most the cool external bits that make the lower trims appear a bit plain by comparison. You've got the 21-inch alloy wheels that will fill in the wheel arches perfectly, and the R-Line bumpers provide a more aggressive, planted appearance. One of the favorite touches will be the illuminated lighting bars on the front and back again. The way the VW logo glows at night together with those sleek DIRECTED headlights makes the car look significantly more expensive as opposed to the way it actually is definitely. Seems modern, nearly futuristic, without trying too much to be "edgy. "
The Cabin Is usually Where the Magic Happens
Once you hop inside, it's easy to see where your money is going. The top of the line volkswagen atlas swaps out the regular materials for something much more sophisticated. We're talking regarding diamond-quilted Vienna leather seats that truthfully wouldn't look away of place in an Audi. They aren't just for show, either. These seats are heated, ventilated, and surprisingly supporting for long road trips. I've spent hours in "comfortable" cars that still left me with the sore back, but VW seems to have nailed the ergonomics here.
The dashboard design is clean plus minimalist, which I actually personally love. Several people might miss having a mil physical buttons, but the 12-inch flying infotainment display is definitely snappy and easy to navigate. In addition, you get the Electronic Cockpit Pro , which is quickly one of the best gauge groupings in the business. You can customize it to demonstrate your routing map right within front of your own eyes, which is an overall game-changer when you're driving through a town you don't know well.
And we can't talk about the interior without mentioning the ambient lighting. You can pick from 30 different colors, and it's not really just a small strip on the door; it glows through the ornamental dash panels. This might sound like a trick until you're traveling home at evening and the entire cabin has this particular cool, calming glowing blue or a hot orange glow. It really sets the mood.
Technology That truly Helps
It's one thing in order to have a big screen, but it's another thing regarding the tech in order to actually be helpful. In the top of the line volkswagen atlas, the tech feels such as it's working intended for you rather compared to getting in your way. The Harman Kardon premium audio system is the standout for myself. If you're a music lover, this system alone might justify the jump to the top trim. It's sharp, the bass is definitely punchy without becoming muddy, and this handles everything from pod-casts to heavy metal completely.
One more thing We really appreciated has been the overhead view camera . Let's become real: the Atlas is a large vehicle. Parking this in the tight grocery store store lot may be a little bit of a nerve-wracking experience. Having that 360-degree bird's-eye view helps it be so much easier to line up between the stripes without getting to move out plus check three times.
Then there's the IQ. GENERATE suite. Volkswagen's car owner assistance tech is definitely some of the most "human-feeling" software I've used. The adaptive cruise control and Lane Assist (which they contact Travel Assist) don't jerk the wheel or slam on the brakes without cause. It feels smooth, like a 2nd set of eyes just helping you stay centered throughout a long highway stretch.
Just how It Feels on the Road
Under the hood, things have changed recently. For the while, people were worried when VOLKS WAGEN moved away from the old VR6 engine for of a 2. 0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. But honestly? After generating the top of the line volkswagen atlas, I don't miss the six-cylinder at all. This turbo engine pushes out 269 horsepower plus 273 lb-ft of torque , and you could feel that rpm right away. It's obtained plenty of pep for merging onto the highway, actually when the vehicle is loaded down with gear and passengers.
The eight-speed automatic transmitting is smooth plus knows exactly which usually gear to be in. It doesn't hunt close to for gears when you're climbing a hill. Also because this particular is the top trim, it arrives standard with 4Motion 4wheel drive . I took it via some rainy, smooth backroads, and the traction was rock solid. You may toggle through different drive modes such as "Snow" or "Off-Road, " which adjusts how the power is delivered in order to the wheels. Whilst nobody is taking an Atlas rock and roll crawling, it's wonderful to know it may handle a dull campsite or a blizzard without busting a sweat.
The ride high quality is tuned regarding comfort. It's not really "sporty" in the way a GTI is, but it's composed. It soaks up potholes plus road imperfections using a dull thud rather than a bone-jarring rattle. It's the kind of car that makes you wish to take the good way home since it's just so peaceful inside.
Living with the 3 rd Row
We all have to talk about the space mainly because that's why most people buy an Atlas. In the top of the line volkswagen atlas, the second-row captain's chair are a complete win. They make the interior sense like a first-class cabin and give the kids (or adults) their personal space. But the real "secret sauce" of the Atlas is the third row.
Most SUVs within this class have a third row that's essentially a penalty box for small children. In the Atlas, I—a full-grown adult—can actually sit down back there without my knees striking my chin. And also you don't have to be a gymnast to get into it, either. The second-row seats tilt and slide forward despite a kid seat installed, which is a substantial relief for parents who don't need to uninstall everything just to allow someone into the back.
Despite having the third line up, you nevertheless have a decent quantity of cargo space. Fold all the seats down, plus you basically have got a covered pickup. It's cavernous. Regardless of whether it's an enormous haul from the home improvement store or all the gear for a week-long camping journey, the Atlas deals with it with convenience.
Is the Top Trim Worthy of the Price?
I get it—the price tag for a top of the line volkswagen atlas is a bit higher than the base models. But when you look at what you're getting, the value proposition is actually pretty solid. If you would be to go to the luxury dealership plus ask for the three-row SUV with ventilated quilted leather, a 360-degree camera, a premium sound program, and 21-inch tires, you'd find a much higher payment per month.
What I actually love about the Atlas is that will it doesn't feel as if it's trying to be something it's not. It's a practical, incredibly spacious family vehicle that will happens to become wrapped in an extremely premium package. It's for the individual who wants the "good stuff"—the warmed steering wheel with regard to cold mornings, the head-up display that will keeps your eye on the street, and the style that makes you look back from your car right after you park it.
In the market crowded along with options, the top of the line volkswagen atlas stands apart because it feels complete. This doesn't feel as if generally there are any lacking pieces or "I wish I experienced that" features. Almost everything you could want is already there, and it's just about all wrapped in a package that's easy to experience each day. If you're looking for a way to enhance your family's daily commute or your next cross-country adventure, this really is definitely the one to beat.