2018 Volkswagen Atlas Is Unremarkable and too Firm, Says Consumer Reports

Telling it like it is, the review points out that the Atlas is unremarkable to drive and yet admits that this is exactly what the customers wanted. It's big, relatively economical and not that expensive. But Volkswagen built its reputation in America on small cars, sometimes with unusual styling or fun handling.

In recent years, turbo engines have become the mainstay of the brand. It's not like the Atlas doesn't have a turbo engine; the standard mill is going to be a 2.0-liter turbo. However, only the 3.6-liter V6 is available for now, and when the TSI arrives, it will only be available in FWD.

Its handling is "competent and wholly unremarkable," says Consumer Reports. Out on the road, it feels like a big bus, which is apparently a desirable trait nowadays.

We've often harbored suspicions that Volkswagen has lost the will to tune a comfortable suspension. The European Passat and Tiguan suffered from this and had transmitted it through the MQB platform to the Atlas. On rougher roads, the passengers move around like bobbleheads, which surely isn't what you expect a crossover to do.

There are upsides too. For example, the powertrain is much smoother, thanks to a new 8-speed automatic gearbox. The reviewer mentions other manufacturers having problems with their own 8- or 9-speed autos, perhaps referring to Fiat-Chrysler.

Volkswagen also does infotainment systems well, and there's a tone of premium-feeling materials everywhere. So it does deliver on many of the things customers want in a 3-row SUV. However, are you willing to pay extra to have a Volkswagen, especially when it doesn't come with a six-cylinder turbo?