Considering buying an Atlas

7871 Views 10 Replies 7 Participants Last post by WestB87, Jun 24, 2018

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Discussion Starter · May 11, 2018

My wife and I are searching for a SUV, We are stuck between the Atlas and the Pathfinder. Is their anyone that had both or switched from Pathfinder to the atlas? It seems difficult to find an atlas with a tow package that is not a SEL. I would curious to see what are some peoples reviews, especially people that have rear facing car seats and if they still have room in the car.

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ALLDRAKES

· #2 · May 15, 2018

Probably one the worst SUV's made to be honest. I know I have one. Horrible transmission and VW has no intention of fixing the issues.

Toyota Highlander is a much better vehicle. New Traverse is very nice as well.

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Greasyfingers

· #3 · May 16, 2018

Adam it sounds like you will be towing. What size and weight is your trailer, and how far do you want to go? I posted some of my towing experience with my SEL V6 4Motion, but I will summarize here that it is capable for the rated 5000 lb capacity after a 1-hour highway drive. I have not yet fully loaded my 19’ camper and gear in the back of the Atlas though, so I don’t have real-world results. All-around my family loves the Altas. We had a 2013 Buick Enclave before this, and I prefer the Atlas for its crisper handling, transmission tuning settings, and more interior space.
I would like to know what the previous commenter was basing his transmission complaint on. The 8 gears seem to work well matching engine speed to peak RPM’s when towing in sport mode. I know it got hot after a trip, but not enough to make me concerned (no burning smell or excessive heat). Better than I can say my old ‘94 F150 handled half this tow weight.

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Xbnch001

· #4 · May 16, 2018

ANY More Complaints?

ALLDRAKES said:
Probably one the worst SUV's made to be honest. I know I have one. Horrible transmission and VW has no intention of fixing the issues.

Toyota Highlander is a much better vehicle. New Traverse is very nice as well.

So u getting rid of ur Atlas? Sounds like u hate it. What else don't u like about it. Maybe I should reconsider ordering a Atlas?

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ALLDRAKES

· #5 · May 18, 2018

Ride is excellent.
Tranny worst in the business
Mileage, worst of all modern SUV's in the same class.
Standard radio is very good.
Mirrors have excessive wind noise vs other vehicles

So many other SUV's out there that are just flat out a better deal, and a better vehicle.

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Atlasuno

· #6 · May 19, 2018

Very happy with mine. About 14k miles and no issues. Yes, if you want to tow anything over 2000# (boat, travel trailer, etc) you need to buy an SEL to get all of the things that come with the package - wiring, trans cooler, etc. Up to 2000# (light camper, jet skis, etc) you can have the dealer or aftermarket supplier fit a hitch.

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[email protected]

Discussion Starter · #7 · May 21, 2018

I did want to ask, Could someone measure the trunk depth and width with the third-row seats down? There is no measurements on line

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Renlo823

· #8 · Jun 18, 2018

I have owned the Pathfinder, Highlander and now the Atlas and must say the Atlas seems bigger than the other 2. I fit a carseat in the rear middle seat and my wife and other son on either side and they are comfortable. The cargo area also seems bigger than the other two.

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WestB87

· #9 · Jun 24, 2018

ALLDRAKES said:
Probably one the worst SUV's made to be honest. I know I have one. Horrible transmission and VW has no intention of fixing the issues.

Toyota Highlander is a much better vehicle. New Traverse is very nice as well.

Based on what? How many vehicles have you owned and done your OWN maintenance on (meaning you don't take it to the stealership or a shop for maintenance)? Having owned several Chevrolets and my in-laws being die hard fans, you couldn't give me a Chevy product. I've had a 2002 Kia Rio give me less trouble than every Chevy I've EVER known. Trailblazers munch transmissions, Equinoxes have horribly cheap interiors even on their LTZ/Denali line, HHR's have earned the reputation of "Chevrolet $h!tbox" in my family...I could go on.

I like Toyota products, but they are beginning to price their vehicles several $k above the competition across all lines. I'm a pragmatist and cost is a big factor. This places Toyota out of reach. Also, the highlander has one of the smallest 3rd rows in the class with no pivoting second row, meaning I have to remove car seats to get someone back there.

There is little wrong with the Atlas. The transmission is butter smooth except the 1-2 upshift. All other gears are **** near unfelt.

I'm not sure what axe you have to grind, but a lot of it seems to be conjecture. Oh, I average 22-24mpg in town with 4motion and V6.

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WestB87

· #10 · Jun 24, 2018

Atlasuno said:
Very happy with mine. About 14k miles and no issues. Yes, if you want to tow anything over 2000# (boat, travel trailer, etc) you need to buy an SEL to get all of the things that come with the package - wiring, trans cooler, etc. Up to 2000# (light camper, jet skis, etc) you can have the dealer or aftermarket supplier fit a hitch.

Hey bud, your info is incorrect. I have an SE w/ tech & 4motion and I've got the factory package, wiring, cooler, etc. Just a heads up. ?

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WestB87

· #11 · Jun 24, 2018

Renlo823 said:
I have owned the Pathfinder, Highlander and now the Atlas and must say the Atlas seems bigger than the other 2. I fit a carseat in the rear middle seat and my wife and other son on either side and they are comfortable. The cargo area also seems bigger than the other two.

The Atlas also has a significantly better AWD system. There's a YouTube video out there comparing the two on the trail. The pathfinder couldn't even finish the run ?

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