2023 Volkswagen Atlas

Trims and Powertrains

The three-row 2023 Volkswagen Atlas is offered in five trim levels: SE, SE with Technology, SEL, SEL R-Line, and SEL Premium R-Line. The first three get a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 235 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. The SEL R-Line and SEL Premium R-Line move up to a 3.5-liter V6 (which is available for the SE with Technology and SEL) that cranks out 276 hp and 266 lb.-ft. of torque. Both powerplants are linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and while front-wheel drive is the default in the SE and SE with Technology, all-wheel drive (which is standard in the other trims) is optional.

Towing and Fuel Economy

The ’23 Atlas with the V6 has a 5,000-pound towing max, while the turbo 4 can only tow up to 2,000 lb. Fuel economy is good for this segment: the FWD turbos return an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway and turbos with AWD fulfill 20 city/24 highway. The V6-powered Atlas with FWD achieves 18 city/24 highway, and with AWD, it pulls off 18 city/23 highway.

Amenities by Trim Level

The SE has plenty of convenience features, including automatic LED headlights, heated side mirrors, roof rails, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry, keyless ignition, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 60/40-split second-row seat, and a 50/50-split third-row seat. For few high-end comforts, it gets heated front seats, synthetic-leather upholstery, and two-zone automatic climate control. On the tech front, the SE comes with two front USB-C data ports and an 8-inch digital gauge cluster, a.k.a. Digital Cockpit. The SE with Technology adds a hands-free liftgate, remote start, a 115-volt power outlet, three USB-C charging ports, a configurable 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster (Digital Cockpit Pro), a wireless phone charger, and tri-zone automatic climate control. A panoramic sunroof and second-row captain’s chairs that reduce seating to six are optional. The SEL comes with the panoramic sunroof, but the captain’s chats are still an option. What’s more, this trim gets an adaptive front lighting system, heated windshield washer nozzles, position memory for the side mirrors and driver’s seat, and ambient interior lighting. The SEL R-Line has an altered look with a darker exterior and unique R-Line bumpers and badges. Aside from the aesthetics, it also has a trailer hitch. The range topping SEL Premium R-Line boasts the bolder look of the SEL R-Line, as well as appealing two-tone wheels, power-folding side mirrors, ventilated front seats, heated outboard second-row seats, and first- and second-row leather seats.

IQ.Drive Safety Aids

The VW IQ.Drive suite of driver-assistive technologies is provided in all trims, but its more advanced offerings are found on the higher-priced trims. The base features are forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The SE with Technology and above also have adaptive cruise control and park distance control with maneuver braking; dynamic road sign display, automatic high beams, semi-automated hands-on driving, and lane change assist are added at the SEL level. The SEL Premium R-Line tops the range with everything listed plus automatic parking assist and an overhead camera.

Multimedia

The SE has a compelling multimedia system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming. The SEL with Technology ramps things up with an 8-inch touchscreen with voice recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The SEL and SEL R Line both get integrated navigation, while the SEL Premium R-Line treats its occupants to a premium Fender audio system.