2018 Volkswagen Atlas 2.0 T SE

2018 Volkswagen Atlas 2.0 T SE

An Automotive Love Affair
By Joe Mavilia

Overview:

This is the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas 2.0 T SE. Large! What ever happened to cute little VW’s? Well, you can say VW has grown up and it’s gone from cute to mature. You know any company will chase the sales and consumer demand dictates what manufacturer’s will produce. So, you, the consumer, have more power than you may acknowledge or believe is possible. Manufacturer’s do listen and care what you think so make your views known.

General Information:

It is assembled in- Chattanooga, TN, USA; Parts- US/Canadian 48%, Engine – Mexico, Transmission – Japan; Classification is- SUV (small – I don’t think so); Cars from Volkswagen- Atlas, Beetle, CC, e-Golf, Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf Gti, Golf R, Golf Sportswagen, Jetta, Passat, Tiguan & Touareg.

Handling & Performance:

Far faster than I expected for a mid-size SUV. I’d feel more comfortable if it were AWD since it is a good utility vehicle. I also found the steering super sensitive and I prefer more feel in my power steering. You may not find it as negative as I did.

Styling:

VW on steroids.

Fit and Finish:

Very good.

Cost:

Right on target in class.

Conveniences and comfort:

Most of the tech features I suggest, however voice recognition needs a lot of help. It just isn’t very good, not-withstanding many of these systems require time to adjust to the user’s voice. I couldn’t get it to work properly.

Consumer Recommendations:

Recognized Competition:

Good News:

Roomy, comfortable ride with very good technology features and well-priced.

Bad News:

Voice recognition sucks, super sensitive steering.

Standard Equipment:

2.0 liter turbo 4-cylinder engine with direct fuel injection, FWD – front wheel drive with 4-wheel independent suspension, front, side and side curtain airbags, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, engine brake assist, anti-slip regulation, electronic brake force distribution, stability control, intelligent crash response system, LATCH system, tire pressure monitoring, 18” alloy wheels, auto LED headlights and daytime running lights, halogen front fog lights, heated foldable power mirrors with integrated turn signals, rain sensing variable intermittent wipers with heated washer nozzles, dual zone manual climate control with air vents in all three rows, leather wrapped multi-function steering wheel, tilt / telescopic steering column, 10-way power heated driver seat, 4-way manual heated passenger seat, 2nd row 60/40 split folding seats, adjustable with 3rd row easy access, 3rdrow 50/50 split fold flat seats, leatherette seating, reading lights all three rows, rear view camera, blind spot monitor with rear traffic alert, keyless access with push button start, composition media 8” touch screen, multi band radio & CD player, dual USB inputs, Aux-in, voice control & 8-speaker sound system, Bluetooth connectivity for compatible devices, Sirius XM Satellite radio, anti-theft alarm system with vehicle immobilizer, cruise control, Electric parking brake.

Gas Stats:

$3.49/ Gal avg. July 16, 2018

www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.

22 City and 26 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $33,590.