The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas ranked #9 in Midsize SUVs. Currently the Volkswagen Atlas has a score of 8.3 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 22 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Spacious seating – even in the third row Large cargo area Drives smaller than it is
Cons Bland interior V6 sometimes struggles for power
Pros Second-row comfort and flexibility Cargo space Crash-test ratings Three child seats fit in second row Multimedia screen is sharp and bright Camera and parking-sensor integration
Cons V-6 power is underwhelming Not enough hidden storage space Steering is too light Conservative styling Advanced safety features not available on lower trim levels All-wheel drive with V-6 only
The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas is an all-new midsize crossover. It slots in between the compact Tiguan and high-end Touareg in Volkswagen's lineup. The Atlas is actually larger than the Touareg, but it doesn't offer the same level of features or options.
PROS Spacious interior offers ample room for passenger in all three rows Great compromise between precise handling and everyday comfort Straightforward cabin design makes everything easy to use
CONS Fuel economy lags that of some competitors Not very quick to accelerate, even with the optional V6
The 2018 Buick Enclave hones its appeal with beautiful style, much-improved handling, and no-nonsense technology.
Pros Expressive sheet metal Spare and elegant cockpit Good third-row space Much-improved handling Still rides smoothly
Cons Base seats are cloth All-wheel drive is part-time Fuel economy still just average Best safety features not pervasive Pricey Avenir trim level is more a feature-unlock code
The Avenir name is something new entirely. It's a new sub-brand that Buick is introducing on the Enclave that adds another layer of luxury onto the standard model. It will sit above the Premium model that was previously the most feature-rich trim level offered on the Enclave. Standard features on the Enclave Avenir include a unique mesh grille, 20-inch wheels and exclusive interior colors and materials. The individual features aren't striking on their own, but taken together they do make this Enclave look a step above anything offered on its predecessor. Apart from the Avenir upgrades, the Enclave follows much the same formula as the previous model. It's a spacious three-row crossover with a standard V6 and a new nine-speed automatic transmission. The engine delivers 302 horsepower to either the front wheels or all four wheels on all-wheel-drive models. Towing capacity is up to 5,000 pounds and we expect overall mileage to improve slightly.
The fully redesigned 2018 version is hugely important as the brand’s grandest offering.Buick’s latest three-row ute succeeds in being a marked improvement over its predecessor in every meaningful way.
Pros Shapely design, tons of usable space, refined road manners, lots of available features.
Cons Prices climb quickly with options, a tight third row for three, some cheap bits still visible.
