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When VW named its new, seven-passenger SUV the “Atlas,” it no doubt meant to conjure the image of the Titan of Greek mythology.
A more prosaic reading might be ‘atlas’ – with a lower case “a” – as in Rand McNally atlas. VW no-doubt hopes the Atlas becomes the road map to success for a company many think is overly-dependent on its excellent lineup of small and mid-sized sedans.
VW rolled out the Atlas for Chattanooga media Thursday, and it was immediately apparent that the new SUV hits the mark on two important targets: roominess and value.
With buyers overwhelmingly turning to SUVs in this cheap-gas era, the Atlas is arriving just in time to take advantage of the trend. Coming late to the table has allowed VW to study the competition’s best ideas while blending in its own secret sauce: refined drivetrains that feel a class above the competition.
Pricing for the Atlas starts at $30,500 for a lightly equipped four-cylinder S model and tops out at $48,490 for SEL Premium models like our tester. Five trim levels ensure there is a price point for most buyers.