Engine Options

22805 Views 18 Replies 15 Participants Last post by WSmith, Sep 17, 2021

msr1015

Discussion Starter · Dec 6, 2017

If you read some of the reviews the big knock is that the two engines offered, 2.0L Turbo and 3.6L V6, are weak and not very exciting. Are there any plans to upgrade the engine package so that the Atlas is comparable to others in this class?

Thanks.

1 - 19 of 19 Posts

knedrgr

· #2 · Dec 7, 2017

I would love to see a supercharger for the VR6.

But I'm one that thinks the VR6 isn't underpower at all. Although, I had the new Tiguan, as a loaner, and I wouldn't want the 2.0T in the Atlas. I know the 2.0 is tuned differently for the Atlas, but still, I like the flat torque curve of the VR6.

Atlasuno

· #3 · Dec 8, 2017

Have you driven one, do you own one, or are you commenting based solely on hearsay? It's no GTI, but perfectly adequate in everyday driving. I'll be towing with it next year, and the hp and torque are an improvement over what I've used for the last dozen years, and I expect it to be more than capable. The 8 speed transmission does a great job of getting the most out of the power output.

Atlas

· #4 · Dec 10, 2017

Why do you think that it's weak and not very exciting? I've read a lot of positive comments about the all-wheel-drive model with 276-hp V6. Unfortunately, I'm not an owner yet, but Atlas' engine was one of the reasons I want to buy this vehicle.

Reactions: 1

msr1015

Discussion Starter · #5 · Dec 11, 2017

If you do some comparisons, which I've done, the engine in the Atlas has less horsepower and a slower 0-60 time. Of course I'm not buying a sports car here but performance is still a factor. If you read many reviews online the common theme is the engine is sluggish. Here are some 0-60 times on cars I would consider comparable in price, features and size. Dodge Durango 7.6 seconds, Audi Q5 5.9, Buick Enclave 6.6 seconds, GMC Acadia 6.7 seconds, VW Atlas 7.9 seconds. The Durango (295 HP), Atlas (276 HP), Enclave (310 HP) and Acadia (310 HP) all have 3.6L V6 which is what I am comparing here. To go from 0-60 would take Durango 334 feet, Atlas 348 feet, Q5 259 feet, Enclave 290 feet and Acadia 295 feet.

Please keep in mind I'm not bashing or trying to dislike the Atlas. I would love to purchase one and am just starting my research. Test drives will be next. I've never driven an Atlas to answer one of the comments.

Thanks guys

mbounds

· #6 · Dec 19, 2017

There are some performance products coming down the line from our company. Currently working on an Intake and Catback. However in the meantime you should check out:
https://alpenoffroad.com/shop?olsPage=products%2Fvw-atlas-sprintbooster-throttle-pedal

msr1015

Discussion Starter · #7 · Dec 21, 2017

Would this modification in any way void the manufacturer's warranty?

mbounds

· #8 · Dec 22, 2017

msr1015 said:
Would this modification in any way void the manufacturer's warranty?

It's a plug and play. Worried about the dealer. Unplug it when you go in.

northstar

· #9 · Dec 27, 2017

You might want to start by checking with local European tuning shops near you because odds are they have some insight on what aftermarket parts makers have in the works.

Mitts14

· #10 · Jan 2, 2018

msr1015 said:
If you do some comparisons, which I've done, the engine in the Atlas has less horsepower and a slower 0-60 time. Of course I'm not buying a sports car here but performance is still a factor. If you read many reviews online the common theme is the engine is sluggish. Here are some 0-60 times on cars I would consider comparable in price, features and size. Dodge Durango 7.6 seconds, Audi Q5 5.9, Buick Enclave 6.6 seconds, GMC Acadia 6.7 seconds, VW Atlas 7.9 seconds. The Durango (295 HP), Atlas (276 HP), Enclave (310 HP) and Acadia (310 HP) all have 3.6L V6 which is what I am comparing here. To go from 0-60 would take Durango 334 feet, Atlas 348 feet, Q5 259 feet, Enclave 290 feet and Acadia 295 feet.

Please keep in mind I'm not bashing or trying to dislike the Atlas. I would love to purchase one and am just starting my research. Test drives will be next. I've never driven an Atlas to answer one of the comments.

Thanks guys

Yeah the atlas will probably lose in a 1/4 mile but I found the handling superior to all the others you listed (except Q5 which I never drove). Keep in mind the VR6 motor is more like an inline 6 than a traditional V6 and has its own pros and cons. To be honest I found the whole segment to be lack luster and personally thought a 3.5ish liter turbo or a V8 would be better for the size and weight. I chose the Atlas because the engine was 'capable', the handling to be surprisingly sporty, a refined interior on par with luxury models and the most spacious in all 3 rows.

Reactions: 1

Kirk

· #11 · Mar 31, 2018

Mitts:

I agree with your comments completely. You may be interested in looking at Car & Driver's review of the Atlas 2.0T. The turbo seems to perform better than the V6, and gets significantly better fuel economy as well.

https://www.caranddriver.com/volkswagen/atlas

I could probably tolerate the performance of the antiquated V6, if it was more economical, but that's just not the case. I suspect that VW designed the Atlas with a different engine in mind, but had to change plans unexpectedly after their Dieselgate fiasco hit the fan! The Atlas appears to be a good chassis in search of an engine. VW needs to come up with a modern gasoline engine equal to what the Japanese competition offers!

Kirk

Lomaxx

· #12 · Apr 10, 2018

Engine type/code

Hello.
Sorry for my english. Is here anyone who knows engine type/code of 3,6V6 and ECM/PCM version???

Thank You.

gregmirich

· #13 · Jul 31, 2018

I have a 2.0L Atlas SEL with Neuspeed upgrades and it pulls like freight train, very quick with a lot of torque, HP should be around 300, in about a month I will have it dynoed and will post the results. Fuel economy runs between 18 and 21, not the greatest for 120 cubic inches but the power is amazing and worth the tradeoff for fuel economy. It will wax a V6 Atlas.

machausta

· #14 · Aug 13, 2018

I bought a V6 Atlas for towing our camper and hauling around the kids, etc... after the first 500 miles, the fuel economy has significantly improved to 23.5 mpg (I'd estimate 60% highway, 40% city). Towing a 2000 lbs popup through the backroads between Kentucky and Tennessee it pulled like a dream and got about 19mpg.

Nick1979

· #15 · Oct 8, 2018

I have a week old Atlas 2.0. It is more than adequate to say the least. The car drives very nicely, with plenty of power when needed. Look for a drive demo on YouTube with the 2.0, or test drive one. It is quick, nimble and powerful with strong acceleration, considering its hefty size, while providing very decent MPG’s. The V6 felt heavy and sluggish when I test drove it - felt like a different vehicle. 2.0 rocks in my opinion.

Atlasuno

· #16 · Oct 16, 2018

The Atlas V6, driven in "Normal" mode, does have a bias towards economy and requires more throttle off the line to move quickly. Choose the "Sport" mode, and the throttle is more responsive, the steering quicker, and the shift points change. It also seems to have more engine growl, much like our GTI does in Sport mode. So, you have a choice - sedate or responsive. The Sport mode and the suspension design make the car fun to drive - more so than you'd expect in a 4000 lb SUV.

B-5

· #17 · Nov 3, 2018

mbounds said:
There are some performance products coming down the line from our company. Currently working on an Intake and Catback. However in the meantime you should check out:
https://xxxxxxxxxxoad.com/shop?olsPage=products%2Fvw-atlas-sprintbooster-throttle-pedal

Really, a porn site???

Zer0 2 Dub

· #18 · May 9, 2021

We picked up a 21 Atlas 3.6 Sel 4motion and this is probably my 9th Volkswagen I've owned. We traded our 19 Tiguan in for this and the fuel economy is definitely taking some getting used to. About the "lack of power" though. I've been looking for things I can do to improve on that. So far I've found ECS tuning has a cold air intake kit that claims to gain 12 WHP and 16 more pound feet of torque to the wheels. It's under 300 bucks and looks fairly easy to install.
(I've also found a methanol injection kit but I'm not sure that's worthwhile for my purposes)
There's a resonator delete kit bit it has no value as far as power goes. I'll wait to do anything with the exhaust until something is developed that's worth the effort.

I think I'm going to go see my local German Tuner garage and see what can be done with the ECM/PCM. If VW can put the exact same 2.0 turbo in the Tiguan and the Atlas with 105 hp difference just from the tune, I imagine there's gotta be some room for improvement on the 3.6.

Also just to be clear, I'm not complaining about the Atlas, I really do like it, I'm just used to having a little more snap when I press the gas pedal.

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WSmith

· #19 · Sep 17, 2021

gregmirich said:
I have a 2.0L Atlas SEL with Neuspeed upgrades and it pulls like freight train, very quick with a lot of torque, HP should be around 300, in about a month I will have it dynoed and will post the results. Fuel economy runs between 18 and 21, not the greatest for 120 cubic inches but the power is amazing and worth the tradeoff for fuel economy. It will wax a V6 Atlas.

Did you install the Neuspeed Atlas Power Module?

1 - 19 of 19 Posts

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