The 2019 VW Atlas prioritizes space above pace, which makes it a must-see for families.
Pros Exceptionally spacious Comfortable ride quality Slide-forward second row Decent value Excellent warranty
Cons Neither fast nor frugal Low-buck interior trim No AWD with turbo-4 Ungainly styling
The 2019 Volkswagen Atlas ranked #8 in Midsize SUVs. Currently the Volkswagen Atlas has a score of 8.3 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 27 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Three rows of spacious seats Lots of cargo space Intuitive infotainment system Drives like a smaller vehicle
Cons Sluggish acceleration Some cheap cabin materials
Volkswagen has made few changes to the Atlas for its sophomore year and mostly it's just a shuffling of standard equipment. Automated emergency braking, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, and heated exterior mirrors are all now standard across the lineup. The mid-range SE model receives three-zone automatic climate control as standard this year and the top-spec SEL trim now comes standard with a digital gauge display, LED taillights, navigation, and a heated steering wheel.
Pros Expansive cabin, lively handling and velvety ride, cutting-edge infotainment.
Cons Unimpressive acceleration and fuel economy, functional but uninspired interior.
The 2019 Volkswagen Atlas SUV comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed shiftable automatic.Two new trim levels debut.Expanded availability of features for 2019.
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 Fuel economy lags that of some competitors
The 2020 Mazda CX-9 comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed shiftable automatic.Several previously optional safety features are now standard on the base Sport trim level.New options, such as a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen and second-row captain's chairs.Two USB ports added to the third row on Grand Touring and Signature models.Maximum torque output goes from 310 to 320 lb-ft with 93-octane fuel.
PROS Premium interior, especially in the top-level Signature trim Sporty handling Comfortable and quiet on the highway
CONS Cargo capacity isn't as generous as in competitors Third-row seats aren't especially accommodating
The 2020 Mazda CX-9 is a crossover SUV that rewards drivers more than it does other passengers.
Pros Very attractive Well-done interior Good safety gear Engaging responsiveness
Cons Lousy infotainment Cramped third-row and cargo space Limited lineup
Mazda has given the CX-9 several upgrades for 2020, not least of which is a standard suite of driver-assistance features called i-Activsense. The bundle includes automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Also now standard are heated front seats with power adjustments for the driver, rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic headlamps, and heated exterior mirrors. Touring, Grand Touring, and Signature models now come with a larger 9.0-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a new key-fob design, and power-adjustable second-row seats.
Pros Snappy driving dynamics, great fuel economy, premium cabin.
Cons Small cargo bay, third row is only for kids, low towing capacity.
