3.6 VR6 is a good engine, not the greatest on fuel economy-but as long as you do all the maintence - never skip oil changes. It's a solid motor.
The 2.0T does feel a bit peppier. I did several side by sides, and I prefered the 2.0T vs the VR6.
Otherwise,the space on the Atlas is fantastic. It does feel like a big jetta/golf. I've got a '15 golf, and had an '07 Passat VR6, and a '99 passat previously. The Atlas drives and feels very VW - just bigger. If you like your Jetta, the Atlas is more of the same.

 

Thanks for the input. I'm hoping to either stop by and test drive today or tomorrow.

 

The biggest complaint about Atlas you will find from VW enthusiasts is a softer ride compared to traditional VW. IMO, it is proof that VW should just stick to what they really know how to make it: compliant, stiff suspension.
As with any VW engine, in the last 2 decades, keep an eye on the water pump.
I would agree with the statement above: 2.0T (I have it) is peepier, and I drove numerous times both side by side, and, especially at altitude, 2.0T just pulls better.

 

The biggest complaint about Atlas you will find from VW enthusiasts is a softer ride compared to traditional VW. IMO, it is proof that VW should just stick to what they really know how to make it: compliant, stiff suspension.
As with any VW engine, in the last 2 decades, keep an eye on the water pump.
I would agree with the statement above: 2.0T (I have it) is peepier, and I drove numerous times both side by side, and, especially at altitude, 2.0T just pulls better.

this must be an SE vs SEL thing. Likely the tire/wheel combo. Wider tire and shorter sidewall on the SEL vs the narrower with taller sidewall and maybe more squishy tires with 19’s on the SE.
On the day my wife and I went shopping we test drove 2 SE’s and ended up purchasing an SEL they had on the lot without even test driving it (All new, no reason to drive it I thought). The first thing I noticed driving home was how much more stiff/responsive it is on all 4 corners. It truly is a better setup on what we got. 4 weeks after purchase I had to make an evasive maneuver to avoid a crash, and this thing was on Rails with what seemed like no body roll. I know that’s a bit much but that’s how it felt in the moment. If it were soft in the suspension like my last car I know I wouldn’t have skated past the incident the way I did. Over 2 years later and it still feels the same. Nice and stable.

 

Whats the price of the 21 and the mileage on it? We were looking at the 21-23 Cross Sport used and ended up with a 24 Cross Sport SE w/Tech. The rates were better as well for the new vehicle than the used. This was at the end of December and the 24 was a little more however considering its a new vehicle under warranty and has the refresh interior and exterior, and no mileage it was a good choice. And I will say the 2.0T is quick. (for a 2.O)

 

It's 24k with 60k miles. In my area it's the best price I've found. And looking at other comparable suvs with similar mileage it's the best price. I was looking between this and a ford explorer

 

I once rented one Ford Explorer in Hawaii, and I can say it was the most miserable vehicle I have driven in a long time. Actually, I think my Zastava 101 (google it) was more comfortable to drive.
I cannot wrap my mind around how manufacturers of that history, like Ford, cannot make the proper footrest, so my left foot is in some awkward position, to the point of getting a cramp. Atlas has that big, flat footrest that you actually know what it is for.
Add to that third row, which is much smaller, and once you have the third row down, the floor is not flat.

More serious issues, EcoBoost engines love to mix coolant with oil and eat timing chains.

 

It's 24k with 60k miles. In my area it's the best price I've found. And looking at other comparable suvs with similar mileage it's the best price. I was looking between this and a ford explorer

It's 24k with 60k miles. In my area it's the best price I've found. And looking at other comparable suvs with similar mileage it's the best price. I was looking between this and a ford explorer

Id go with the Atlas then. We had a 2020 Explorer Limited it was nice no issues with it. The fuel mileage on it wasnt the best and you will get more leg room in the Atlas.

 

Love my 19 v6 atlas, i agree that it drives similar to my 14 passat and 13 beetle.

 

So I bought it. It rides nice and drives nice. Very comfortable. It's a 2021.5 se with the technology package. Picking it up saturday,it was the earliest i could make it work for registration because i bought it from the next state over

 

So I bought it. It rides nice and drives nice. Very comfortable. It's a 2021.5 se with the technology package. Picking it up saturday,it was the earliest i could make it work for registration because i bought it from the next state over

Congrats Our 2019 has been a good car View attachment 3598
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I love my 2021 VW Atlas with a V6 it's the best VW I've owned. I have owned many many VW's and I think the cars are all great vehicles and drive nice I enjoy the European ride much better than American cars. I would highly recommend the VW Atlas I have about 20,000 miles on it, I wish I could drive it more. I just love being in it.

 

Yeah unfortunately it will be the family car so my wife will mostly drive it. I'll be driving her ford escape. Better gas mileage and I drive a lot for work so I'm fine with it. It was a nice ride I just drove it around the dealer and up the highway a few miles to test drive,gotta say it was comfortable

 

Excellent SUV, love it. Drove it from Florida to Wisconsin and it is a dream on the road. Best Buy I have done lately.

 

I have a 2019 Atlas SE V6 that I purchased new. 54,000 miles without issues except for a recall that VW does not yet have a fix for. Wouldn't hesitate to buy another. Regular gas is a big savings.

 

We purchased a 2021 VW Atlas V6 R-Line. It's a beautiful vehicle, it runs pretty smoothly and it is extremely roomy. We had a Subaru Outback which we loved, however, we needed something bigger that does not look like a hearse. We have 4 dogs, two Goldendoodles and two Bernedoodles, so we definitely need a big vehicle.

 

OP, also have the 21.5 SE ACS w/tech. Love the car, no issues. Only have 15k mi but have road tripped it, mountains, snow,

 

At 36,000 miles and No problems with my 2021 ATLAS SE R-line V6. Comfortable and everything works well.

 

No worry about VW Atlas vehicle. I have top of the line 2022 VW Atlas Premium R-Line with close to 27500 miles on it just had 2 oil changes done on it (all for free and one more at 30K miles!) no issues. Comfortable ride lots of space and plenty of push with V6 it accelerates with a push back on your seat especially in Sport mode! Sometimes Infotainment acts up where I do a computer reset no big deal. Too bad on 2024 the VR6 engine is gone! A big heavy car like the Atlas needs the V6 cause inline 4 turbo will always work under stress so don't expect same engine life expectancy. Also handling and top speed on highway is more German. Note Engine is made in Germany and Transmission is from Japan. These are the top 2 kinds to consider when buying a vehicle. Rest of car is from USA so buying one will also help the US economy and keep Americans employed!

 

I think we need to put to rest this nonsense about how 2.0T "works harder." Engines are not living beings. 2.0T has more accessible torque, and it is a far better option for hauling a family or full vehicle than VR6, especially at altitude. Smaller engines than 2.0T do commercial hauling in Europe and rack up hundreds of thousands of miles. I had 30 vehicles in Europe (I co-own business there) that were powered by small 1.5-1.6T engines and haul more than you will ever in Atlas, and they regularly rack up 500-600,000 km before we trade them in. They are usually driven as if someone stole them. We are currently seeing 3cyl turbo engines regularly available in commercial vehicles. Big commercial vehicles like Sprinter are now mostly powered by 2.0T engines.
Between 3.6 VR6 and 2.0T, 2.0T had less issues than VR6.
By the way, 8 speed Aisin is not some reliability benchmark. That is ZF8 made by ZF Germany. 8 Speed AIsin had some major problems, especially in the Toyota Highlander and Sienna AWD models. It is a good transmission, but not a reliability or performance benchmark.

 

Bought a 2018 VW Atlas SEL ten days ago, already had it several times off-road, can't say enough good things about it. A common theme in reviews for the Atlas is "underpowered" but I haven't found that to be true, when I want the juice the V6 responds. I drive with vigor but I'm no leadfoot, the Atlas handles perfectly for my type of driving. And I'm big, 6'3" & 230#. The cabin is roomy and comfortable, I haven't done a long haul yet but I'm sure it'll be luxe.

 

I looked at and purchased my 21.5 ACS specifically because it was available in a V6

 

Well when I was shopping for "new" back in 21, I drove the 2.0T and V6. Needless to say, I bought the V6. No replacement for displacement.

 

Turbo motors are not quick off the line as turbo is driven by exhaust pressure which builds in the mid to high rpm range

Supercharger makes its power immediately.

Would be great if VW offered a supercharged motor

"power adder" motors like turbo or supercharger do better than NA motors at high altitude in terms of power output

If you need to tow, never consider a 4 cyl engine of any kind

 

Bought a 2018 VW Atlas SEL ten days ago, already had it several times off-road, can't say enough good things about it. A common theme in reviews for the Atlas is "underpowered" but I haven't found that to be true, when I want the juice the V6 responds. I drive with vigor but I'm no leadfoot, the Atlas handles perfectly for my type of driving. And I'm big, 6'3" & 230#. The cabin is roomy and comfortable, I haven't done a long haul yet but I'm sure it'll be luxe.

Turbo motors are not quick off the line as turbo is driven by exhaust pressure which builds in the mid to high rpm range

Supercharger makes its power immediately.

Would be great if VW offered a supercharged motor

"power adder" motors like turbo or supercharger do better than NA motors at high altitude in terms of power output

If you need to tow, never consider a 4 cyl engine of any kind

Not sure if I agree with Towing and a four-cylinder if Volkswagen has tested this engine to be tried and true to still haul 5000 pounds then I trust them. And I have pulled my boat once at the end of the season with my new 2024 and it did it flawlessly

 

the V6 is rated for 5000 lb towing, the 2.0 is, IIRC, 2000 lb. Any 4 cyl has no business towing 5k lbs. Will it move it, yes, but the trans will die quick

 

I leased a 2022 Atlas v6 SE 4motion last year. Main selling point for me was interior space (2 young kids) and this SUV does not disappoint in that regard. Got captain seats for the kids, a lot more cargo space than the CRV I am moving from. Very smooth ride, great for long trips.

Pros:

• Cabin and cargo space
• Interior quality, comfort and soundproofing
• Smooth ride (we don't like bumpy)
• Performs well in the mountains in harsh weather (rain/fog), did not run into snow yet
• $100 cheaper per month than the new Honda Pilot (I was considering it as well)

Cons:

• Random stalling issues (search this forum) although only happened once to me so far
• Infotainment system can be frustrating to use. Some features are not intuitive (e.g. need to dig through the menus to reset trip ODO). Features like rear fan state and at-stop engine shut off get reset on startup. At least a few times for me the system would crash and need a full reset.
• Wireless phone charging does not seem to work well and results in the back of my phone heating up, switched to cable.
• Gas mileage is not great but that is to be expected for the vehicle of this size and engine
• Acceleration is lackluster but again, this is not a sports car so not a huge issue
• Documentation is not great, took me a long time of online searching to determine which snow cables to get for the tires

Despite the cons, overall I am happy with the Atlas, it does what I need it to do well

 

The published towing capacity for the 2.0 engine is 2000 lbs. V6 is 5000 lbs
This is for factory installed towing package. Aftermarket hitch on either engine is 2000 lbs. While both engine sizes have the same transmission, the towing package includes transmission cooler which is critical in preventing damage when towing to not overheat the trans

This information is also in every owner's manual of an Atlas.

2021 VW Atlas Trim Level	Engine	Towing Capacity
S
SE	2.0L Turbo I-4	2,000 lbs / 907 kg
SE with Technology	2.0L Turbo I-4	2,000 lbs / 907 kg
SE with Technology	3.6L V6	5,000 lbs / 2,268 kg
SEL	2.0L Turbo I-4	2,000 lbs / 907 kg
SEL	3.6L V6	5,000 lbs / 2,268 kg
SEL R-Line	3.6L V6	5,000 lbs / 2,268 kg
SEL Premium R-Line	3.6L V6	5,000 lbs / 2,268 kg

2021 VW Atlas Towing Capacity by Trim Level Chart

 

That is the CHOICE VW made for the North American market. That is different from the fact of whether 2.0T can tow or not. In the end, 2.0T has a wider torque range than VR6.
In other markets where 2018-2023 Atlas is sold (Russia) or Teramont (China) 2.0T is rated for 5k.

 

The "CHOICE" VW made for specifications, like towing capacity, are based on engineering requirements and manufacturing (additional components for towing). It is not some arbitrary sales info. It's in the owner's manual.

Whatever is stated in Russia or China is of no relevance here in USA.

I don't care if anyone tows more than factory specified weight, its their car.

 

Yes it made for specifications, bcs. it needed to sell VR6. VR6 was always a leftover solution and entry to satisfy people who are kind of 30-40 years late into downsizing.
If you don't install a transmission cooler, then you lower the towing rating. It does not have anything to do with how much can tow engine. Engines are generally not an issue in towing; it is transmission, body, etc.
So, you still did not tell us how much you will tow?

 

Thing is - the transmission cooler is the same size on the 2.0T and 3.6 -- the difference is the 2.0T has automated Louvers to reduce the cooling, becuase the 2.0T doesn't require as much cooling as the 3.6.
The 3.6 has bigger fans and lacks the automated cooling louvers.
The non-towing packages have a smaller alternator, a 140 amp instead of a 180 amp alternator -- becuase they have smaller fans, and don't need the extra cooling.
The factory hitch is the final piece that is different on the '18-'23 between the 3.6 and 2.0T for hte towing 5k vs towing 2500 lbs.

I mean, I'd say the factory hitch is probably the biggest difference as to why the 2.0T can't tow as much. If you really wanted the 2.0T can fit a bigger alternator- just swap it out, and the automatic louvers can be removed.
The only thing that isn't easy is the factory tow hitch.

 

Of course, those are just small differences. I don't tow, but I installed a factory hitch because. it is sitting higher, and I have a big bike rack behind for 4 bikes. I don't want to hit something when I get off the road, which I often do in summer.

 

I believe the 2k tow hitch offered is a class 2 hitch and the 5k IS a class 3 hitch which obviously has a higher towing rating than a class 2 hitch.

VW does engineer in how the hitch is installed as aftermarket hitches installed on a Atlas will have the lower 2k rating as the car is not equipped with the additional components of a 5k, class 3, rated towing vehicle

you can't run electric trailer brakes with a 4 wire trailer light adapter. The 7 wire is standard for trailers with electric brakes

Also the towing capacity for both 2.0 and V6 is considerably less if trailer does not have electric brakes.

The tail wagging the dog relative to engine size of any car maker has more to do with CAFE restraints automakers have to adhear to. smaller engines are a result but for those to keep up they have to turbo them. Life span for turbo engines is less typically than NA engines.

The foreign markets also suffer from very high gas prices vs US comparatively, so the majority of motors are 4cyl

Aside from liking the ACS compared to other brands in its class, the only way I would buy any one brand was minimally a V6 and having a 5k towing capacity.