Returning with one notable change, the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas now includes the 10.25-inch configurable Digital Cockpit Pro with the SE with Technology grade. Otherwise, this 3-row crossover SUV is a carryover model.
Volkswagen offers the Atlas as the SE, SE with Technology, SEL, SEL R-Line Black, and SEL Premium R-Line. Stylish without being trendy, the Atlas is roomy inside, fully capable of hauling up to seven passengers in complete comfort.
Although providing a higher seating position than a sedan, the Atlas still manages to handle very much like one.
Two engines provide the Atlas with go. First, a 235-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine motivates the SE, SE with Technology, and SEL. Second, a 276-hp 3.6-liter V6 is optional in the SE with Technology and the SEL and is standard for the two upper trims. V6 models come standard with a trailer hitch.
Volkswagen pairs both engines with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The SE and SE with Technology come with front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard. For a $1,900 upcharge, you may add all-wheel drive (AWD). AWD, or 4Motion in VW-speak, is standard in all other trim levels.
According to the EPA, the FWD 4-cylinder Atlas delivers 23 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving. If you spring for AWD, that number drops by 1 mpg. With the V6 and FWD, the combined mileage is 20 mpg. AWD models with the V6 get 19 mpg in combined driving.
Key rivals for the 2023 VW Atlas include the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Explorer, and Chevy Traverse.
2023 Volkswagen Atlas SE (starting at $34,600)
Although the Atlas trim levels begin with the SE, this model comes reasonably well equipped with features like 18-inch alloy wheels and exterior LED lights (automatic on/off headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights). Other standard features are heated power outboard mirrors with integrated turn signals and rain-sensing wipers.
Helping drivers achieve the ideal seating position are a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. Faux-leather seats and heated front seats are standard, as well. Other comfort features are dual-zone manual climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and cruise control.
Proximity keyless entry with push-button start and VW’s Digital Cockpit with an 8-inch configurable digital display complete the driver-centric features.
A 6.5-inch touchscreen commands the infotainment system, which comprises a 6-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, and Wi-Fi hot spot capability. Five USB ports also are included.
Leading off the advanced safety technologies is forward collision warning with emergency braking, joined by rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring.
Volkswagen doesn’t offer any factory-installed options for the SE.
Adding the $1,295 destination fee to the SE base price brings the total to $35,895. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to about $645 per month. See 2023 Volkswagen Atlas SE models for sale
2023 Volkswagen Atlas SE includes:
Mirrors with integrated turn signals – These are heated power outboard mirrors with turn-signal repeaters on their outer shell.
Digital Cockpit – A fully configurable display, it houses digital gauges and other driver information.
Proximity keyless entry – If the key fob is on your person, the doors automatically unlock when you approach. Push-button start pairs with proximity keyless entry.
2023 Volkswagen Atlas SE with Technology (starting at $38,770)
We think the SE with Technology is the sweet spot among Atlas trim levels. It adds adaptive cruise control and front/rear park assist to the bundle of advanced safety and driver-aids. Bolstering the convenience features are upgrades like tri-zone automatic climate control, remote start, and a hands-free power rear liftgate. Also standard is the larger, more comprehensive version of the Digital Cockpit: the 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro.
Other standard fare includes 20-inch alloy wheels, more USB charging ports, and dynamic guidelines in the rearview camera. An 8-inch touchscreen with voice control, satellite radio capability, a 115-volt power outlet, and wireless phone charging are standard, too.
Adding AWD will set you back $1,900. You may also opt for second-row captain’s seats ($695) as well as a panoramic sunroof ($1,200).
Adding the destination fee to the SE with Technology base price equals $40,065. Financing for 60 months at 3% interest with no money down works out to a monthly payment of about $720. See 2023 Volkswagen Atlas SE w/Technology models for sale
2023 Volkswagen Atlas SE with Technology includes:
Digital Cockpit Pro – A configurable 10.25-inch display, it frames digital gauges and other driver information. The Pro is the widescreen version of Digital Cockpit with more options than the standard display.
Remote start – When within range, you can start the Atlas from outside the vehicle with the key fob. It’s handy for precooling the vehicle in summer and preheating it in winter.
Hands-free power liftgate – With the key fob on your person, stick your foot under the rear bumper. The rear liftgate automatically opens.
2023 Volkswagen Atlas SEL (starting at $44,390)
AWD becomes standard for the SEL and the upper trims. Also becoming standard with the SEL is VW’s IQ.Drive. It includes all the driver aids in the SE with Technology. Moreover, it gains lane-keeping assist with steering assist and Travel Assist and adds steering assist to the blind-spot monitoring.
Other additions are high-beam assist, a panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel, and an 8-way power-adjustable passenger seat. Also included are memory functions for the driver’s seat and outboard mirrors.
Traffic-sign recognition, navigation, heated front washer nozzles, and a configurable 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro are also standard.
The second-row captain’s chairs remain an option for the SEL and all upper trim levels.
Adding the destination fee to the SEL base price totals $45,685. Financing for 60 months with 3% interest and no money down works out to monthly payments of about $821. See 2023 Volkswagen Atlas SEL models for sale
2023 Volkswagen SEL includes:
Travel Assist – A semi-autonomous driver assistance technology, Travel Assist can brake, accelerate, and steer the vehicle under certain conditions.
High-beam assist – The high beams are always on if your vehicle has this system. When photosensors or a forward-pointed camera detects oncoming headlights or taillights, the system automatically switches off the high beams. They are automatically switched back on when no approaching vehicle lights are detected.
Traffic-sign recognition – A front-pointing camera captures images of traffic-warning and information signs along the road. It matches these images with its database. When it recognizes an important sign, such as Stop, Yield, or Speed Limit, it flashes the information on one of the vehicle’s displays.
2023 Volkswagen Atlas SEL R-Line Black (starting at $48,090)
The SEL R-Line Black and the SEL Premium R-Line are only available with the V6 and AWD configuration.
The SEL R-Line Black is basically an appearance package. It adds black 20-inch alloy wheels and other black elements and trim pieces.
Adding the $1,295 destination fee to the SEL R-Line Black base price brings the total to $49,385. At 3% interest, financing for 60 months with no money down works out to about $887 per month. See 2023 Volkswagen Atlas SEL R-Line Black models for sale
2023 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium R-Line (starting at $51,790)
This trim is the top-of-the-line Atlas. Befitting its rank, the Premium R-Line sweetens the standard equipment with a surround-view camera, a 12-speaker Fender audio system, and Park Assist. Also included are perforated leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and 21-inch alloy wheels. Last but not least, the SEL Premium R-Line gains you power-folding outboard mirrors and heated second-row seats.
Adding the destination fee to the SEL Premium R-Line base price totals $53,085. Financing for 60 months at 3% interest with no money down works out to a monthly payment of about $954. See 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Premium R-line models for sale
2023 Volkswagen Atlas Premium R-Line includes:
Park Assist – This active parking system helps the driver park in parallel or perpendicular spots.
Surround-view camera – It provides a 360-degree bird’s-eye view around the vehicle. This angle is particularly valuable when parking.
Ventilated front seats – Blowing cool air, they help keep you comfortable in hot weather. These seats are heated, as well.
