The Volkswagen Atlas is still in its first generation in the market. This SUV is the largest in the stable, bringing quality features and the design you want.

The Atlas offers plenty of seating space, a large cargo area, and driving dynamics that are easy to admire. You’ll enjoy the relatively affordable starting price and the build that makes sense. Overall, this VW offers a friendly build that can be great for any family to enjoy the drive. Could this be the midsize three-row SUV that’s right for you?

What should you find in the Atlas?

SE Trim

The Atlas begins at the base SE trim, which includes several great features for you. This trim brings you rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry, and heated front seats to get things started. You’ll have a 10-way powered driver’s seat which allows you to find the right place to enjoy a drive.

Unfortunately, the base infotainment screen is on the small side, measuring 6.5 inches. Despite this fact, you will have a 6-speaker audio system and the benefits of connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to give you the compatibility desired during your drive.

This base model also includes:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Exterior Led lights
• Heated power outboard mirrors with integrated turn signals
• Tilt and telescoping steering wheel
• Faux-leather upholstery
• Dual-zone climate controls
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Cruise control
• Wi-Fi hotspot
• Five USB ports
• Forward collision warning with emergency braking
• Rear cross-traffic alerts
• Blind-spot monitoring

SE with Technology

Add the Technology package to the SE trim, and you’ll quickly find more of what you want in the Volkswagen Atlas. The inclusion of this package means you’ve got a 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster, remote engine starting, tri-zone climate controls, and wireless charging. This package also brings the convenience of a hands-free power liftgate to make loading and unloading much easier.

The most important upgrade for the Technology package is the 8.0-inch infotainment screen and wireless connectivity, which makes this model a much better SUV for you to drive. It’s easy to see the added features make the SE with Technology model a great fit for you.

Other items that come in this trim level are:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Front/rear park assist
• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Additional USB charging ports
• Dynamic guidelines for the rearview camera
• Satellite radio
• 115-volt power outlet

SEL Trim

Move up to the Volkswagen Atlas SEL, and you’ve got a few added items to make things even better. This trim comes with a heated steering wheel and an eight-way power front passenger seat. These items will ensure you’re a bit more comfortable when you drive.

This version of the Atlas also offers:

• VW IQ.Drive
  • Lane-keeping assist with steering assist
• Travel Assist
  • Steering assist for the blind-spot monitoring system
• High-beam assist
• Panoramic sunroof
• Memory functions for the driver’s seat and outboard mirrors
• Traffic-sign recognition
• Navigation system
• Heated front washer nozzles
• Configurable 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro
• Optional second-row captain’s chairs

SEL R-Line Black

At this point in the Volkswagen Atlas trim lineup, the only powertrain available is the V6 engine. You’ll also need to check the box for AWD to hit this trim or the one above it. The SEL R-Line Black trim adds the expected appearance package that goes along with its name. When you select this model, you’ll have black 20-inch alloy wheels and several black exterior trim items that give this VW SUV the sophisticated appearance you want to enjoy.

SEL Premium R-Line

The top model of the Atlas is the SEL Premium R-Line which adds a few items that make this SUV even more useful for you. This trim gives you power-folding side mirrors, which helps avoid these mirrors from being damaged in a parking lot. You’ll also find a set of ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system.

This top trim level also gives you:

• A surround-view camera
• Park Assist
• Perforated leather seats

How much power does this Volkswagen SUV offer?

You’ll find a pair of powertrains offered for the Volkswagen Atlas. Most trims of this SUV make use of a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that delivers 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This engine mates perfectly with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and its set up in standard FWD with AWD optional. You’ll enjoy 21 city/25 hwy mpg for FWD models and 20 city/24 hwy mpg when you add AWD to the mix.

If you want more power, the 3.6-liter V6 engine could be right for you. This engine delivers 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque while routing this power through the same 8-speed automatic transmission. Fuel mileage for this model reaches 18 city/24 hwy mpg for FWD models and 17 city/23 hwy mpg in AWD versions.

Is the Atlas roomy enough for your family?

This three-row midsize Volkswagen SUV offers plenty of legroom in all three rows to make it comfortable. Compared to the Kia Telluride and Ford Explorer, the Atlas has less legroom in the middle row but more in the third row than those two competitors, making this one of the most comfortable midsize SUVs for your family.

The cargo room offered in this Volkswagen SUV measures 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 55.5 cubic feet with one row folded, and 96.8 cubic feet when the rear two rows are folded down. These measurements are overall greater than both the Telluride and Explorer.

Which Atlas should you buy?

The sweet spot for this family-sized SUV is the SE with Technology trim. This model delivers enough upgrades to make it useful and modern without being too costly. Of course, if you want to climb up the trim levels, you’ll find more power from the V6 engine, AWD to send power to all four wheels, and more comfort and appearance features to give this Volkswagen SUV an incredible look for your driving pleasure.

Which version of the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas is the one you want to drive and enjoy every day?