2023 Volkswagen Atlas

In the vast realm of midsize three-row crossover SUVs, the Volkswagen Atlas stands out as a vehicle that actually offers decent third-row space. Top that off with VW's reputation for quality and refinement, and you've got yourself an SUV worthy of praise. The VW Atlas features a 235-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder in base form, but those after more power can spec the 276-hp V6 option with a tow rating of 5,000 lbs. Power is sent to the front or an all-wheel-drive system via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Some Volkswagen Atlas competitors such as the Mazda CX-9 might have plusher interiors, but the Atlas puts up a good fight taking on the Mazda and other rivals such as the Kia Telluride, Toyota Highlander, and Subaru Ascent.

At $35,150, the FWD 2.0T SE is the cheapest Atlas and makes for a great entry point to the range. The FWD 2.0T SE with Technology adds a few desirable features and only costs $39,320. From there, it's a sizeable leap up in price to the AWD 2.0T SEL, which will cost you $44,940. The SEL R-Line Black costs $48,640, and at the top of the range, and the only model to break the $50k barrier, is the SEL Premium R-Line, which goes for $52,340.

Adding the V6 engine to the SE Tech or SEL will cost you $1,750 while opting for the AWD system on the SE or SE Tech will set you back $1,900. These prices for the Volkswagen Atlas are MSRP and do not include the $1,295 destination charge or any other fees.

This is a three-row SUV, so nimble steering and razor-sharp response times are not its forte. What the Atlas is good at is offering a reassuring driving experience that is predictable and comfortable. Steering is light and precise, making this midsize SUV easy to steer in the city, and it manages to keep its composure when going through tighter corners, with minimal body roll. This SUV shines on the open road: the cabin is well-insulated, and the suspension copes well with undulations, providing a comfortable ride. Both the four-cylinder and six-cylinder engine options offer enough poke to keep things going above 60 mph, and overtaking is never a problem, but the V6 hardly pulls any harder than the 2.0-liter turbo and is slightly underwhelming. The eight-speed automatic transmission is smooth and responsive most of the time, but can occasionally be a bit indecisive.

Where most three-row midsize SUVs fail to impress in terms of interior space, the VW Atlas bucks the trend by providing a spacious cabin with a truly usable third row and enough cargo space behind the rearmost seats to pack a good amount of shopping. The Atlas also offers an impressive range of standard features, a wide trim selection, and solid build quality. Unfortunately, its engines don't blow us away: the four-cylinder turbo engine is probably the pick of the bunch, as the six-cylinder costs more but doesn't add much performance. The Atlas is a capable city car but makes for an even better highway cruiser. If you're able to pay for the top-tier trims, the Atlas transforms into a premium product that sets the bar high. Every safety review of the Volkswagen Atlas has so far also yielded good results too. Competent as it is, the Atlas doesn't quite rise to the top; there are safer and generally more accomplished rivals in this competitive class.

We recommend going for the SE with Technology, which isn't much more expensive than the SE, but comes with desirable features like the larger infotainment touchscreen with HD Radio and SiriusXM, more USB ports, the configurable 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, and a wireless charging pad. Tri-zone climate control and a few extra conveniences like a hands-free tailgate, parking sensors front and rear, and adaptive cruise control seal the deal, in our opinion. Also, you can upgrade to the V6, and you aren't forced to pair this with AWD if you don't want to, which is not a choice on the upper trims. We'd option the captain's chairs to make the cabin feel roomier, but you can stick with the bench if you regularly need to move seven people.