Volkswagen Atlas: Check or Hold?

[SamC.]

I am considering the purchase of a new or certified pre-own Volkswagen Atlas. The new Atlas is powered by a 2.0T and older models (up to 2023) powered by the 3.6.

The Atlas would fill the "gap" between our 2018 VW Golf and 2001 Suburban (both purchased new). Aside from the Surburban and a 86 911, all we've ever owned were VWs. I mention that as a frame of reference - not overly interested in the Korean or Japanese builds, new Porsche SUV not in the budget range.

If any of you have experience with the Atlas or other mid-size SUV that you are absolutely passionate about, I would certainly like your opinion on the matter.

Semper fi, Sam

[jhynesrockmtn]

The Atlas seems a bit big for a 2.0 turbo? Otherwise I have 0 experience with modern VW's. My son recently bought the new Honda Pilot. He's happy so far. His is the Trailsport model. I was leery of the blue when he showed me pics but it looks better in person.

[craigster59]

I had a 2006 Audi A3 hatchback that was 2.0T powered. Got 175k miles on it before I traded it. Mostly trouble free except for routine maintenance.

[stevej37]

Originally Posted by jhynesrockmtn

The Atlas seems a bit big for a 2.0 turbo? Otherwise I have 0 experience with modern VW's. My son recently bought the new Honda Pilot. He's happy so far. His is the Trailsport model. I was leery of the blue when he showed me pics but it looks better in person.

That's the blue that was my second choice when I bought my Civic. (I went with the Sonic Gray)
It's a great stand-out color...I sometimes wish I would have picked it.

[craigster59]

Porta-Potty Blue.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by craigster59

I had a 2006 Audi A3 hatchback that was 2.0T powered. Got 175k miles on it before I traded it. Mostly trouble free except for routine maintenance.

VW/Audi has been all in on the 2.0T for a while now. I'm sure they've got it down. That said, I always think it's a bit weird for the same motor to be used in everything from the little hatchbacks like the A3 up to the bigger SUVs.

When we bought the Outback a few years back, I got the last year of the 3.6 L instead of getting a 2.4 or 2.4T.

[craigster59]

Originally Posted by masraum

VW/Audi has been all in on the 2.0T for a while now. I'm sure they've got it down. That said, I always think it's a bit weird for the same motor to be used in everything from the little hatchbacks like the A3 up to the bigger SUVs.

When we bought the Outback a few years back, I got the last year of the 3.6 L instead of getting a 2.4 or 2.4T.

Funny, I traded the 2.0T A3 for a 3.6 Outback L.L. Bean Edition. It was a good vehicle. Traded for my 2016 4Runner (that one's gone also).

Dang, I sound like Onewhippedpuppy!

[einreb]

Originally Posted by SamC.

I am considering the purchase of a new or certified pre-own Volkswagen Atlas. The new Atlas is powered by a 2.0T and older models (up to 2023) powered by the 3.6.

We have a 2019 FWD Atlas SE Tech package with the 2.0T. I'm not sure if you are only interested in pre-owned 3.6 or were not aware they existed.

Roughly 50k on it and its been a fine vehicle. Couple things to note... at the time it was one of the few larger SUVs in that price range with captains chairs 2nd row and that was a desired feature for us. We opted for the 2.0T FWD for the improved MPG and then picked a dedicated set of snow tires for winter and that has worked out fine. I also tweaked the lane keep with a VAG computer to lane center rather than the ping pong lane keep.

[A930Rocket]

I don’t know if the Atlas uses the same 2.0 motor as the 2013 Tiguan, but we did all of the required maintenance at the dealer while under warranty, with no problems. Later on we had it serviced at a Indy and he said the 2.0 motor has issues and he doesn’t recommend them. I spent about $3000 getting it fixed, before we sold it.

[Planter91C2]

You should test drive a 2020 or so volvo xc90. Great all around.

[WPOZZZ]

That is probably the same frivetrain in my 2018 Audi A5 Sportback. I bought that car for my gf and I really like that drivetrain. It is smooth, powerful and has been dependable except for a pinhole coolant leak from a hose. Now 6 years old with 38k on it.

[2.7RS]

My girlfriend has a brand new leased 2.0.atlas.
Enough engine
Roomy
Good ride

I didn't like the interior finish. Felt cheap. Not euro Volkswagen quality.
The engine is very noisy. At high rpm. Noiser.
The led lights found them juvenile.

Decent appliance.

I rather drive my very used cayenne at half the cost