Comments by "Stephen Hendricks" (@stephenhendricks103) on "" video.
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View from a VW fan. No, it's not the "BEST 3-row midsize SUV." VW has learned that Americans resist their Euro-spec vehicles. The Atlas is a replacement for the Touargeg, a smaller, more expensive, but much more impressive vehicle that's still sold outside North America while the Atlas is offered almost nowhere outside North America. VW has found that Americans want their vehicles larger and cheaper than European consumers. The Atlas is one of several models that respond to that realization. It's a large, heavy entry in the segment. Scalding performance isn't a high priority in the segment but even so the Atlas is under-powered even in the V6 version, especially taking into account that its curb weight is up to 200 lbs heavier than its rivals. Its primary advantage over competitors is in its "family friendly" features that are mainly relevant to families with multiple children who require car seats. That may well be an important plus for such families but they constitute a relatively tiny market category.
I suspect that Joe has been listening to VW's marketing folks when he indicates that adding 3" of length to the Atlas improves cargo or passenger space. In fact, that extension is mostly in the front bumper design for improvement in pedestrian impact situations.. The rear cargo area and rear seat passenger space is excellent but the Atlas didn't need to improve cargo space or third row passenger room. It was already near the top of the class. Altogether, according to VW the 2021 version has 98.6 cubic ft of total cargo capacity compared to 96.8 cf in the previous version. The cargo space behind the third row has allegedly increased by 0.1 cubic ft to 20.6 from last year's 20.5 cf. It's not clear whether these are real increases or changes in the way they're measured.
The Atlas isn't a bad vehicle. Far from it. For those, like me, who appreciate minimalist Euro design, it's attractive if not especially luxurious even in the top trim. As far as Joe's comment about the center arm rest, I'm puzzled that VW doesn't offer a ratcheting feature to raise the arm rest to a comfortable level. I love that feature in my GTI. The bottom line is that the entire category of midsize 3 row crossovers has been transformed by the Telluride and Palisade. The Atlas, along with most other 3 row crossovers, doesn't match them even at a somewhat higher price. I wish it did or that VW would offer the newest generation Touareg in the US.
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