Volkswagen Enters the 7-Passenger SUV Realm

2018 Volkswagen Atlas (Credit: © Volkswagen)

Volkswagen has never been a big competitor in the crossover segment. This has been mostly due to its lack of selection, as it’s long had just the compact Tiguan and the premium (and pricey) Touareg to offer potential customers. Recently, VW showed that it’s looking for a larger share of this market with the unveiling of its larger Atlas.

The 2018 Atlas will roll into VW showrooms prepared to do what its siblings cannot: Haul up to seven people and their cargo without issue. It can swallow this much due to its large body that measures 198.3 inches long, 77.9 inches wide, and 69.6 inches high.

The Atlas’ design is unique, as it features a blockier look than its siblings that includes a broader hood, more square shoulders, and a more upright grille. These blocky features and sharp body lines almost make it look a lot like a Jeep Grand Cherokee on a quick glance. It does, however, carry a few VW signatures, like its LED-underscored headlights and horizontal grille slats.

2018 Volkswagen Atlas (Credit: © Volkswagen)

Inside, the Atlas will feature a delicate balance of simplicity that VW is known for and modern tech. Its available features will include folding second-row seats that work even with a car seat installed, the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, Volkswagen Car-Net, App-Connect, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, MirrorLink, and a 12-speaker, 480-watt audio system.

Available safety features will also be plentiful and will include adaptive cruise, forward collision warning, auto emergency braking, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning with auto-steer, and parking assist.

The 2018 Atlas will have two engines available, including a 238-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder and a 280-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6. Both engines will come standard with front-wheel drive, but the 3.6-liter will be available with all-wheel drive. The only transmission available will be an eight-speed auto unit.

2018 Volkswagen Atlas (Credit: © Volkswagen)

VW expects to have the 2018 Atlas in stores in the spring of 2017, so stay tuned for additional updates between now and then.