2020 Volkswagen Atlas review
Volkswagen Atlas highlights
Customer rating
RepairPal reliability rating
(data not available)
Pros
- All three rows offer plenty of space
- Balances comfort with handling performance
- Intuitive, straightforward cabin design
Cons
- Disappointing acceleration, even from the optional V6
- Lacks the mpg-focused performance of its competitors
Mileage (EPA estimate)
16 city, 22 highway, 19 combined
Pricing for current inventory
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Travel with your crew in style.
Go more places with more people in the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas. This seven-passenger SUV has the tech features your modern family is looking for. Featuring plenty of space, folding flat rear seats, and flexible second-row seating for loading a variety of cargo types. You'll find plenty of power on tap for hauling, and a standard AWD system gets you the most traction in mud or snow. The available driver assists, digital cockpit, and surround-view camera make the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas the modern SUV you're looking for. Keep reading to discover how the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas SUV fits into your life.
All Volkswagen Atlas years
What is new for the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas?
- The Atlas is available in a new trim called the SE w/Tech.
- Atlas trims have been upgraded with Automated Parking and CD Audio as standard equipment this year.
- The SEL trim now comes with 20 Inch Plus Wheels and Turbo Charged Engine as standard equipment.
- The SE trim now comes with Parking Sensors and 20 Inch Plus Wheels as standard equipment.
- The S trim now comes with Parking Sensors as standard equipment.
- The SE R-Line trim now comes with Parking Sensors as standard equipment.
2020 Volkswagen Atlas trims
S
The base-model trim features dual-zone automatic climate control, automatic wipers, Android Auto™, Apple CarPlay connectivity, and more.
SE
Adds tri-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, an eight-inch touchscreen, leatherette seating surfaces, and more.
SE Tech:
Adds remote start, a power tailgate, automatic climate control, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
SE Tech R Line:
Adds unique badging and 20-inch wheels to the SE Tech trim.
SEL:
Adds to the SE Tech trim a kick-activated power tailgate, a digital cockpit, an eight-inch touchscreen with navigation, and more.
SEL R Line:
Adds unique badging and 20-inch wheels to the SEL trim.
SEL Premium:
Adds to the SEL trim leather seating, heated/cooled front seats, a surround-view camera, and more.
Volkswagen Atlas photos
5 reasons to buy the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas
1. A comfortable interior for up to seven
Whether it's seating for six or seven, passengers will enjoy comfortable reclining seats and plenty of legroom, even in the third row. Look for the second-row captain's chairs in for extra flexibility in the six-passenger 2020 Volkswagen Atlas. At 55 cu-ft, there's plenty of room for stuff behind the second row. There's even space for three child seats across the middle row of seats, so even your large family—or your friends' kids—will fit.
2. Modern tech for a modern family
Stay connected while on the move with a host of technology in the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas. Remotely control basic features of your Atlas from your smartphone or connect devices to the available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.
3. Power for the heavy jobs
Your choice of the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine or the 3.6L V6 engine gives the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas all the power you need for everyday life. An eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD system ensure power gets to the wheels with the best grip, giving you the confidence to tackle mud and snow. When equipped with the 276-hp V6 engine, the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas can tow up to an estimated 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
4. Luxury and style
Enjoy the touches of luxury a 2020 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium provides—including heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seating, soft leather, and wood trim accents. Automatic three-zone climate control is standard in SE and higher trims for maximum passenger comfort. You don't need to opt for top-end trims to get a touch of convenience, though, as automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers are included in all 2020 Volkswagen Atlas models.
5. Your display, your way
Have you ever wanted to change your dashboard to reflect your style or taste? The digital dashboard in a 2020 Volkswagen Atlas SEL and higher lets you do just that. You can customize the dials, colors, and information displayed on the dashboard. There can be up to four different driver profiles saved at a time, so another driver's preferences won't erase your own.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
Flexible interior space, comfortable seating, and in-demand features make the 2018–2021 Chevrolet Traverse an excellent three-row SUV. A hidden, lockable storage compartment hides behind the eight-inch touchscreen in LT Leather, RS, Premier, and High Country models. When equipped with the 3.6L V6 engine, a 2018–2021 Chevrolet Traverse can tow up to an estimated 5,000 pounds with the right equipment.
The 2018–2021 Chevrolet Traverse L is a well-equipped base model that includes:
Tri-zone automatic climate control
Bluetooth, Android Auto™, and Apple CarPlay® connectivity
Six USB charge ports
Seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system
The 2017–2019 Ford Explorer will comfortably take your family and luggage on your next adventure with a good baseline of technology and flexible interior space. A trio of engines is available across five different trim levels. For 2020–2021, the Ford Explorer gets a complete redesign. New for 2020 is a 10.1-inch portrait touchscreen (Platinum Technology Package), an available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot for ten devices (all models), and AWD with up to seven different terrain modes (optional on all, included in ST, Platinum).
On base-model 2017–2019 Ford Explorer models, you'll find:
Power driver's seat
A six-speaker sound system with Bluetooth integration
Steering wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls
A 280-hp 3.5L V6 engine gets paired with a six-speed (LX, EX, EX-L, EX-L Navi) or nine-speed (Touring, Elite) automatic transmission on all 2017–2021 Pilots, providing excellent acceleration for around town and smooth cruising on long road trips. The 2017–2021 Honda Pilot blends functional design with a touch of sportiness, making for fun driving dynamics. Available features include standard Honda Sensing® driver assists, tri-zone automatic climate control (EX and higher), leather seating (EX-L and higher), and a rear-cabin PA system (EX-L Navi and higher).
There are a lot of features and equipment in a 2017–2021 Honda Pilot LX, including:
A seven-speaker audio system
Adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic headlights
Bluetooth integration with a USB charge port
Power windows and door locks
Shop with your budget in mind
Ratings & reliability
Volkswagen Atlas features and specs
SE 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cruise Control
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Front Seat Heaters
- Leatherette Seats
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Sunshade
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Third Row Seat
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- Full Roof Rack
- Quad Seats
- Remote Start
- Running Boards
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.0L
Horsepower
235
Torque (ft-lbs)
258
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
18.6
Wheelbase
117.3"
Overall length
198.3"
Width
78.3"
Height
70"
Leg room
F 41.5"/M 37.6"/R 33.7"
Head room
F 41.3"/M 40.4"/R 38.3"
Front tires
P245/60HR18
Rear tires
P245/60HR18
Seating capacity
7
Transmission
Automatic
2020 Volkswagen Atlas FAQ
Every model of the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas is equipped with three rows of seating for up to seven people. You can get second-row captain's chairs in a package on the SE Tech and higher trims, which lowers passenger capacity to six
A 2020 Volkswagen Atlas is a three-row, seven-passenger SUV and is the largest SUV in the Volkswagen vehicle line-up. While available with a third row, the Volkswagen Tiguan is smaller than the Atlas but still an excellent crossover SUV.
The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas R-Line is a package that adds unique interior badging, 20-inch triple-spoke alloy wheel, and sport-tuned suspension. You also get a 276-hp 3.6L V6 and eight-speed Tipronic® transmission with sport mode.
More about the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas
Color options
Exterior colors:
Deep Black Pearl
Pacific Blue Metallic
Platinum Gray Metallic
Pure White
Tourmaline Blue Metallic
Interior colors:
Golden Oak/Titan Black
Shetland Beige
Shetland Gray
Titan Black
Interior details
A spacious interior with comfort for passengers in all three rows. The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas has easy-to-clean leatherette seating (SE to SEL trim), heated front seats (SE and higher), and quick-folding second-row seats. Fold the third-row seats down to access 55 cu-ft of storage space or an impressive 96.8 cu-ft behind the front seats. Tri-zone automatic climate control (SE and higher) includes vents for all rows, keeping things at just the right temperature.
Child seat details
When equipped with three second-row seats, the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas has the capacity for three child seats side-by-side. The second row is equipped with upper and lower LATCH anchors in all three seats. Access to the second row to install or remove child seating is easy, thanks to the entry height of the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas. Some seat clips may need extra force to attach to the lower anchors, which sit deep in the seat material. In 2020 Volkswagen Atlas models equipped with second-row captain's chairs, only two child seats can be installed.
Performance
The two engine options in the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas are paired with an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission. A turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder makes 235 hp and powers the S, SE, and SE Tech trims. In the SE Tech R Line and higher, a 276-hp V6 gives you the power for heavy tasks and towing.
The Volkswagen 4Motion® AWD system, optional on all models, has four different drive modes to get the most grip in various driving conditions. When equipped with the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 2020 Volkswagen Atlas with FWD gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city and 24 mpg highway fuel economy.
Year comparison
2018–2022 Volkswagen Atlas (first generation)
Revealed in 2017 as a 2018 model year, the 2018–2022 Volkswagen Atlas is the flagship SUV of the VW family. Equipped with the needs of a modern family in mind, the 2018–2022 Volkswagen Atlas includes modern connectivity, like Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth®. A pair of USB-C charge ports at the front complement up to five (SE and higher) USB charge ports in both rear rows. Leather seating, a hands-free power tailgate, and a suite of driver assists are included in 2018–2022 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium models. A visual refresh for the 2021 model year updated the exterior styling.
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