Getting to Know This Game-Changing SUV
Ever since the release of the original VW Atlas in 2017, Volkswagen has set a new level of expectations for what an SUV can achieve in this space. It’s earned a reputation of finding the balance between ride quality, storage space, performance, and infotainment – all perfectly put together into one sizable package.
The next iteration – the 2023 VW Atlas – aims to continue this trend. If you’re shopping for new cars for sale in Houston or other SUV-friendly locales, this overview of the vehicle will come in handy.
VW Atlas Main Specs
Drivers will have their choice between engines. They can either go with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine (yields 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque) or a V-6 (yields 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque). No matter which one you go with, they both come with eight-speed automatic transmissions that can be outfitted with front- or all-wheel drive. It’s also worth noting that the V-6 option has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
One other big spec that people are paying attention to is the cargo space, and the 2023 VW Atlas offers up to 96.8 cubic ft (with seats folded down), making it the ideal choice for weekend camping trips and tailgating. With the seats in their upright position, the VW Atlas can comfortably hold up to seven passengers. It’s also not bad on fuel economy for a bulky SUV, clocking in at 21 miles per gallon in the city and 25 miles per gallon on the highway.
VW Atlas Handling
Those that have test driven the 2022 VW Atlas should feel familiar behind the wheel of the 2023 iteration. In all honesty, there’s not a huge difference in how it performs. Drivers can still expect to get plenty of power from under the hood (especially with the V6), and they can still depend on an agile, nimble feel when making lane changes or challenging turns. This is an SUV that is highly responsive to the whims of the driver. Even if you’ve grown up driving sedans your entire life, the VW Atlas should feel right at home.
VW Atlas Features
The VW Atlas comes in five distinct trims, each more luxurious and feature-packed than the next. Keeping that in mind, VW does a great job of giving those with the entry-level SE model plenty to get excited about from a features perspective.
For instance, the 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrument cluster is now standard across all trims of the VW Atlas; previously, drivers had to upgrade their trim level to get that feature. Other cool features on the VW Atlas include:
- 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Remote start
- Three-zone climate control
- Bluetooth
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Wi-Fi hotspot
- Six-speaker sound system
- USB ports
- Satellite radio capability
- App-Connect
The VW Atlas also offers plenty by way of driver assistance and safety features, which is why it’s ranked as one of the safest SUVs on the market. Drivers can look forward to the following:
- Travel assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Active blind spot monitor
- Rear traffic alert
- Front assist
- Emergency assist
- Lane assist
- Rear view camera system
- Safety cage
- Intelligent crash response system (ICRS)
- Automatic post-collision braking system
- Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
- Six stability-enhancing systems
An Industry-Leading Warranty
Of course, one of the big perks about getting a brand-new vehicle is that it comes with a warranty to protect your new investment. Volkswagen offers what they refer to as Carefree Coverage on all their late model vehicles. It includes the following:
- 2 yrs. Service – Scheduled Carefree Maintenance (2 years or 20,000 miles)
- 3 yrs. Help – Roadside Assistance (3 years or 36,000 miles)
- 4 yrs. Coverage – New Vehicle Limited Warranty (4 years or 50,000 miles)
- 5 yrs. Access – myVW Remote Access
How to Find the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas
Finding the 2023 VW Atlas may be tricky because shipping of the vehicle hasn’t fully ramped up just yet. The best way to search for it is by Googling “2023 Volkswagen Atlas near me” or “Volkswagen dealership near me.” That should bring up numerous locations that may potentially carry the vehicle.
If you simply can’t wait for the 2023 Atlas to hit lots, you can always go with the 2022 version instead. As we pointed out earlier, there’s not going to be much of a difference in how it drives and handles. With the exception of some feature and aesthetic upgrades, the 2022 Atlas isn’t much different from the one that’s coming out later this year.
