The Volkswagen Atlas Is an Extraordinary Family Vehicle

In the 1980s, families discovered the tremendous usefulness of minivans. They could carry three rows of people or convert to hold a large amount of cargo. They drove like cars and had car-like fuel efficiency. Minivans clicked a lot of boxes for families, except for one thing. They looked really boring.  

Three-row crossovers stepped into the market to take care of that with rugged looks and the ability to carry seven or eight people. They also had the added benefit of the available optimized traction of AWD systems. But not all three-row SUVs are equally great at carrying people, particularly those in the third row. But when a vehicle is named “Atlas,” great size and space are expected, and the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas found at Bud Brown Volkswagen does not disappoint.  

With its rugged rectilinear exterior styling, the Atlas has a timeless appearance that will still look contemporary long after the last monthly payment. The latest design update added an LED bar over the grille, connecting the LED daytime running lights on each side for a handsome lighting signature. A full-width bar connecting the taillights echoes the same theme. Bold curves over each fender bring some tension to the side profile, and everything shows attention to detail and quality construction.  

Inside, VW focused on creating a serene dashboard, free from excessive controls or design elements that jump out at you. At the center is the standard 12.0-inch display, which does not overwhelm the spacious interior, and the driver gets his or her own configurable digital display. Even in the base model, features abound, including heated and ventilated front seats, a tri-zone climate system, wireless cell phone charging, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.  

Returning to the third-row issue of crossovers, the third-row seat is fit for people of all sizes, with 33.7 inches of legroom. That is over an inch more than the Honda Pilot and over two inches more than the Hyundai Palisade, two competitors also known for their spaciousness. The third row is also easy to get into and out of. Pulling an easy-to-reach handle, the entire second-row seat, including the cushion, tips forward and then slides forward. The advantage of this motion is that a child seat can be mounted in the rear seat, and there is no impediment to accessing the third row.  

Behind the third-row seat, there is 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space, two more than the Pilot and even greater compared to the Palisade. With 55.5 and 96.6 cubic feet of space, respectively, this model easily provides more cargo capacity than those competitors when the third-row seat and all other seats are lowered. The Atlas is truly spacious inside. 

The model performs well with an efficient four-cylinder engine. The 2.0-liter inline-four is turbocharged, providing 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, the latter surpassing both sample competitors. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, this results in a commendable EPA fuel economy rating of 20 (city), 26 (highway), and 23 (combined) for the front-wheel-drive model and up to 20/26/22 with AWD. (AWD figures may vary by 1-2 mpg depending on trim). Additionally, when you purchase from Bud Brown, the engine, transmission, and the rest of the drivetrain are backed by the Bud Brown Advantage Lifetime Limited Warranty.  

Whether you have a large family to transport or a small one with friends and relatives nearby, the Atlas is ready to deliver everything you need. Test drive one at Bud Brown Volkswagen, where we have a massive selection of Atlas models.