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
For 2017, a new GT trim replaces the Limited, adding a monochromatic exterior with sporty flourishes, and the base SXT can be ordered with just two rows of seats. Otherwise, there are only minor feature changes, including the new Anodized Platinum package with two-tone leather upholstery for the Citadel trim.
Pros Unusually spacious third-row seats 8.4-inch touchscreen is one of the best in the class Assertive acceleration with the V8 engine Exceptional towing capacity for a crossover Real off-road capabilities with 4WD and low-range gearing.
Cons Lackluster fuel economy (especially with the V8) Bluetooth streaming audio isn't standard on SXT.
The 2017 Dodge Durango tows like an SUV, drives like a crossover--but crash test scores are a dull spot. Somewhere in the grey zone between body-on-frame SUV and car-like crossover, sits the Dodge Durango. The 5- or 7-seater isn't exactly either: it's a unibody SUV with real towing ability, on the same blurry part of the spectrum as its stablemate, the Jeep Grand Cherokee (and the old Mercedes M- and GL-Class, too).
Pros Hemi V-8 performance and character Feels substantial and refined Confident steering feel V-6 gets engine stop-start
Cons Third-row access is difficult Ride can be busy Gas mileage is so very low
The 2017 Dodge Durango ranks 8 out of 18 Midsize SUVs. The 2017 Dodge Durango has an abundance of cargo room, and its third row is one of the few in the class with sufficient space for adults. It has a comfortable, agile ride, and one of the highest towing capacities in the class. However, its upper trims can be pricier than those of its rivals.
Pros Powerful optional V8 engine Good cargo capacity Intuitive infotainment system Comfortable ride
Cons Expensive upper trims Poor fuel economy with V8
