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The Atlas has been around since 2018. However, it received a mid-cycle refresh for the 2021 model year, so we presume that it has a few more years before it gets a full redesign. Therefore, we are pretty sure that the 2023 VW Atlas will come without more important updates. It will carry on in the same way, with familiar design and characteristics, though there is always room for minor updates. This refers to possible additions to the list of standard equipment, new color options and similar things.
On the other hand, the overall layout is about to remain the same. We are about to see a familiar layout, which is characterized by a lot of good things, starting from the spacious and comfortable cabin. We also like the infotainment system, which is intuitive and easy to use. Furthermore, handling is pretty engaging, considering the model’s size and weight. On the other hand, main complaints go to the powertrain, while the interior quality isn’t impressive either.
As there are no bigger changes to come, we presume that the 2023 VW Atlas will hit the market sometime in the last quarter of the year.
2023 VW Atlas Design
The overall design of the 2023 VW Atlas will remain pretty much untouched. This mid-size SUV rides on a good-old MQB platform, which has been in use for a pretty long time. So, it’s no wonder that the Atlas uses some older-generation powertrain options (we will get on that later). Still, the design is modern in every aspect, especially in terms of the suspension setup. This SUV offers great maneuverability and pretty good handling, despite the size and weight.
The styling has been updated less than two years ago, so we can say that the current generation still looks fresh and competitive. It features a classic design, with a lot of conservative aesthetical solutions, in typical VW fashions. Still, a good thing about such an approach is that the Atlas will probably age pretty well.
Interior
When it comes to interior design, this SUV offers both good and bad things. What we don’t like about this model is the overall interior quality. There is a lot of low-rent materials around the cabin, which isn’t something you would normally expect from a Volkswagen. Furthermore, the dashboard looks dull and a little bit old. Still, the overall build quality isn’t all that bad.
On the other hand, we are talking about a pretty large SUV, so it’s no wonder that there is plenty of passenger room. The front seats are very spacious and comfortable, though they would use a little bit more support. The second row is as spacious and accommodates adults with ease. Even the third row can accommodate adults, which isn’t always the case in this segment.
The cargo area is another strong point of this SUV. You may count on about 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind its third-row seats, 55.5 cubic feet with these seats folded down, and a massive 96.8 cubic feet, which are some of the highest ratings in the class.
Features
We probably won’t see bigger changes in this aspect. The 2023 VW Atlas should carry on in the same way, with familiar features. So, base models should come standard with goodies like keyless entry, push-button start, a 6.5-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a digital gauge cluster, a six-speaker stereo, Bluetooth, and two USB ports. Among upgrades, expect to find things like an 8-inch touch screen, navigation, HD Radio, satellite radio, a 12-speaker stereo, wireless device charging, and three additional USB ports, as well as tri-zone automatic climate control, remote start, a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, and a 120-volt household-style power outlet.
When it comes to safety, all models should come standard with goodies like a rearview camera, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert etc.
2023 VW Atlas Engines
Things under the hood definitely won’t change. So, base versions will continue with a 2.0-liter turbo-four, which puts out 235 horsepower. It doesn’t make this SUV fast, but we can’t say it’s too slow either. In any case, we would rather go for six cylinders. There is an optional, older-generation 3.6-liter VR6 engine, which puts out around 276 horsepower and offers notably better performance.
Both engines come in pairs with 8-speed automatic transmission. When it comes to fuel economy, base models return around 21 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, while models with six cylinders return around 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. Both are below-average ratings for the class.
2023 VW Atlas Release Date and Price
As there are no significant changes to come, we expect that the 2023 VW Atlas will hit the market sometime in the last quarter of the year, with a starting price of around 35.000 dollars. Models like Hyundai Palisade, Subaru Ascent, and Kia Telluride are some of the key competitors.
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