Sitting atop the Mercedes-Benz SUV hierarchy is the spacious and indisputably luxurious GLS-Class. It's all new for 2020 and it has big shoes to fill—we've named the outgoing GLS-Class to our 10Best Trucks and SUVs list for three straight years—but our first impressions of this new big Benz are very good.
Pros Tech-rich cabin, spacious in all three rows, refined powertrains.
Cons Anonymous styling, fussy infotainment system, heavily optioned models carry high price tags
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is a three-row crossover SUV that redefines luxurious family transport.
Pros Sublime demeanor Posh interior Strong turbocharged engines Impressive dynamics AMG, Maybach editions sure to come
Cons Hefty price Hefty curb weight Hefty fuel consumption Occasional cheap touch
New styling in line with other Mercedes SUVs.Powerful mild hybrid powertrains.Standard adjustable air suspension.All-new third GLS generation launched for 2020.
Pros MBUX infotainment is outstanding Tops in comfort and easily seats adults in all three rows Flexible cargo capacity Responsive powertrains feel like driving a smaller SUV
Cons Not as off-road-worthy as some rugged competitors Somewhat vague steering with large wheels and thin tires MBUX has a steep learning curve
Space comes before pace with the roomy 2020 Volkswagen Atlas.
Pros Massive interior Rides well Easy third-row access Spacious cargo area
Cons Not fast Not efficient Not stylish Not luxurious
The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas's #7 ranking is based on its score within the Midsize SUVs category. Currently the Volkswagen Atlas has a score of 8.0 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 32 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Roomy seats in every row Cavernous cargo bay User-friendly infotainment system Carlike handling Great fuel economy
Cons Underpowered engines Some downmarket cabin materials
Now standard with VW Car-Net telematics app, free for five years.SE w/ Technology R-Line models and up get hands-free liftgate and parking sensors.SE w/ Technology models and up get 20-inch wheels; SEL Premiums upgrade to 21-inch wheels.The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed shiftable automatic.
Pros Spacious interior offers ample room for passengers in all three rows Great compromise between precise handling and everyday comfort Straightforward cabin design makes everything easy to use
Cons Not very quick to accelerate, even with the optional V6 Lags some competitors in fuel economy
