![]() The Atlas is a fantastic SUV, but it is not without its faults. Some might miss out on the sense of agility afforded by the Mazda CX-9, but in all other aspects, the Atlas is a strong contender. The Atlas strikes a firm middle-ground between being easy to pilot, comfortable over long distances, and light on its feet without being overly sporty. Higher trims with 20- and 21-inch wheels are somewhat stiffer, but they still deal with most surfaces well, and there's a good deal of composure to be had on multiple surfaces - even those with rapidly changing camber. The ride quality is the shining star in the Atlas' constellation of driving attributes, however, particularly on lower trims where the smaller wheels and taller tire sidewalls help cushion the impacts of all but the biggest abrasions. It aids in making the Atlas feel smaller while you drive, and as such, the Atlas feels wieldy in tight spaces unlike the clumsiness displayed by other SUVs in this segment. With a foundation in the MQB platform shared with the Jetta and Golf, the driving position feels very much like a smaller car. On the latter front, the Mazda CX-9 has it licked, although we can't exactly fault the Atlas' impressive responses to steering inputs. The Atlas is the poster-child of midsize SUVs in terms of comfort, but less so when it comes to agility and fun driving dynamics. An abundance of standard features, a plethora of space, and great design emphasize the SUV as a worthy competitor in the three-row segment, but can it maintain its position against the seasoned Honda Pilot and savvy Subaru Ascent? With 11 trim/engine combinations on offer, the Atlas range is bound to have a model for anyone and despite slightly lazy power outputs and average fuel economy, the VW shines in many other areas. Further customization is granted through the choice of front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive, but regardless of the configuration, the Atlas provides a refined experience that lives up to the reputation of the MQB platform it shares with the VW Golf. It offers an impressive range of trim configurations, and the two engine options give buyers the choice between the frugality of a 235-hp turbo-four or a 3.6-liter V6 enabling the towing of up to 5,000 lbs by the midsize SUV. There is a lot to love about the Volkswagen Atlas, figuratively and literally as the German brand's largest product on sale worldwide.
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