2018-2023 Volkswagen Atlas 4motion 3.6L

Overview

The Volkswagen Atlas represents the brand’s primary entry into the mid-size three-row crossover segment for the North American market. Developed specifically to address the demand for spacious family vehicles, the Atlas was designed to offer superior interior volume and ease of access to the third row compared to its competitors. Built on the modular MQB platform, the vehicle shares its underlying architecture with various other Volkswagen Group products, though it is scaled significantly to accommodate its larger dimensions.

Manufacturing for the Atlas takes place at the Volkswagen Chattanooga Assembly Plant in Tennessee, highlighting the company’s commitment to localized production for the US market. The 3.6-liter VR6 engine, paired with the 4motion all-wheel-drive system, served as the premium powertrain option for much of the vehicle’s early production run. This configuration provides a balance of towing capability and all-weather traction, catering to families requiring a versatile daily driver. Throughout its initial model years, the Atlas established a reputation for its boxy, utilitarian aesthetic and straightforward ergonomics, prioritizing cabin space and passenger comfort over aggressive styling.

Vehicle Overview
Brand	Volkswagen
Model	Atlas 4motion
Model Year	2018-2023
Generation	1st Generation
Trim	SE, SEL, SEL Premium
Body Style	4-Door SUV
Vehicle Segment	Mid-size Crossover
Vehicle Class	Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Market	USA
Platform	MQB
Assembly Plant	Chattanooga, Tennessee
Country of Origin	USA
Production Start	2017
Production End	–
VIN Identifier	1VW
Base MSRP	$34,000 (approx. starting)
Destination Charge	$1,295
Total MSRP	–
Powertrain
Powertrain Type	Internal Combustion
Engine Family	VR6
Engine Name	EA390
Engine Code	CDVC
Engine Configuration	Narrow-angle V6
Displacement	3.6 Liters
Bore x Stroke	89.0 mm x 96.4 mm
Compression Ratio	11.4:1
Aspiration	Naturally Aspirated
Fuel Delivery	Direct Injection
Valve Train	DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Engine Block Material	Cast Iron
Cylinder Head Material	Aluminum Alloy
Oil Capacity	6.0 qt
Oil Specification / Viscosity	VW 508 00 / 0W-20
Horsepower	276 hp @ 6,200 rpm
Torque	266 lb-ft @ 2,750 rpm
Redline	6,500 rpm
Drivetrain	All-Wheel Drive
Transmission	Automatic (S8)
Final Drive Ratio	3.60:1
Axle Ratio	–
Fuel Economy
Fuel Type	Regular Gasoline
Recommended Octane	87
EPA City MPG	17
EPA Highway MPG	23
EPA Combined MPG	19
Fuel Economy (L/100 km)	12.4
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)	18.6
Estimated Driving Range	350 miles
Annual Fuel Cost	$2,600
CO₂ Emissions	460 g/mile
Greenhouse Gas Score	3
Smog Rating	5
Performance
0-30 mph	2.8 s
0-60 mph	7.9 s
0-100 mph	21.5 s
Quarter Mile	16.1 s
Top Speed	120 mph
Braking Distance (60-0 mph)	128 ft
Lateral Acceleration	0.80 g
Power-to-Weight Ratio	0.06 hp/lb
Dimensions & Capacities
Length (in)	198.3
Width (Without Mirrors) (in)	78.3
Width (With Mirrors) (in)	87.1
Height (in)	69.9
Wheelbase (in)	117.3
Front Track (in)	67.2
Rear Track (in)	67.7
Ground Clearance (in)	8.0
Curb Weight (lbs)	4,500
GVWR (lbs)	6,000
Towing Capacity (lbs)	5,000
Payload Capacity (lbs)	1,300
Passenger Volume (cu ft)	154
Cargo Volume (Behind Rear Seats) (cu ft)	20.6
Cargo Volume (Max) (cu ft)	96.8
Turning Circle	38.0 ft
Approach Angle	20.4 degrees
Departure Angle	22.3 degrees
Breakover Angle	17.5 degrees
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Overall Rating	5 Stars
NHTSA Frontal Crash	4 Stars
NHTSA Side Crash	5 Stars
NHTSA Rollover	4 Stars
IIHS Award	Top Safety Pick
Small Overlap Front	Good
Moderate Overlap Front	Good
Side Impact	Good
Headlights Rating	Acceptable
Front Crash Prevention	Superior
Technology & Connectivity
Infotainment Display	8.0-inch Touchscreen
Instrument Cluster	Digital Cockpit
Apple CarPlay	Standard
Android Auto	Standard
Navigation System	Available
Audio System	Fender Premium
Speaker Count	12
Wireless Charging	Available
Wi-Fi Hotspot	Available
OTA Updates	No
Digital Key	No
Warranty & Ownership
Basic Warranty	4 years/50,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	4 years/50,000 miles
Corrosion Warranty	7 years/100,000 miles
Roadside Assistance	3 years/36,000 miles
Complimentary Maintenance	2 years/20,000 miles
Specs.Autos Exclusive Data
Engine Assembly Plant	Salzgitter, Germany
Transmission Supplier	Aisin
Gear Ratios	–
Differential Type	Open with Electronic Locking
Cooling System Capacity	10.5 qt
Roof Load Capacity (lbs)	165
Safety Recall Count	–
Production Volume	–
Units Sold in USA	–

Consumer Insights & Market Appeal

The Volkswagen Atlas 3.6L 4motion is highly regarded in the used market for its exceptional interior packaging, which remains among the most spacious in its class. Prospective buyers should prioritize models with complete service records, specifically focusing on the timing chain and cooling system health, as these are critical components of the VR6 engine. While the vehicle offers a composed ride and intuitive technology, some owners have reported electrical gremlins related to the infotainment system and occasional sensor issues. Despite these concerns, the Atlas remains a strong value proposition for families seeking a refined, German-engineered alternative to domestic three-row SUVs, provided that routine maintenance schedules are strictly followed.