The Volkswagen Atlas is a large SUV with an overall length of 5095mm. When the overall length exceeds 5 meters, it is visually overwhelming. The vast space unfolding before the driver is sometimes regarded as a symbol of a flagship.
Until now, large flagships with big bodies mainly used diesel engines to improve efficiency. As fine dust issues emerged, those positions have gradually been ceded to gasoline engines and hybrids. Regardless of which powertrain occupies the heart of a flagship, efficiency cannot be ignored due to the large size. That is also why the gasoline hybrid was the first to emerge as a direct alternative to the diesel powertrain.
However, even without opting for the costly hybrid, there is an appropriate alternative. That is the downsized gasoline powertrain optimized for efficiency. Advances in engine technology have also allowed this to shine as an alternative to diesel engines.
A representative model is the Volkswagen Atlas.
The Atlas's engine displacement is 1984cc, and the configuration is an inline four-cylinder. By past standards, it was unimaginable that a 2-liter engine could move a 5-meter large SUV. But with today's advanced turbo technology, this setup is not particularly unreasonable.
The Atlas's maximum output is 269 hp. It is a figure that does not fall far behind a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated engine. Instead of the leisureliness of a naturally aspirated engine, responsiveness is in place, and in some cases it is even more immediate. That is because the maximum torque is 37.7 kg·m, surpassing many 3.5-liter naturally aspirated engines.
Enabling all this performance with a 2.0-liter engine is efficient in many respects. Even with similar official fuel economy, it is advantageous in taxes and insurance. In everyday driving, it is not easy to feel the shortcomings of "downsizing." Only in rare cases, such as when exceeding the speed ranges specified by the Road Traffic Act, does it feel lacking.
The Volkswagen large SUV "Atlas," launched in the domestic market in May, was designed with a focus on the essential values consumers expect from a large SUV: space and power. Combining the technical prowess of German engineering with practicality proven in the U.S. market, Volkswagen presented a new model for large SUVs.
The first essential feature that the Atlas promotes is unquestionably "space."
The Atlas, built on Volkswagen Group's innovative MQB modular platform, is the largest model produced on that platform and has an overall length of 5095mm, the longest among similarly classed large SUVs currently sold in the Korean market. Its width reaches 1990mm and its height 1780mm.
Based on the large body, it is offered as either a six-seater or seven-seater model, and it is notable that the third row is configured as two seats. Depending on seating, the second row is equipped with either independent captain's seats or a three-seat bench.
The seven-seater model is equipped with a three-seat bench in the second row that supports 60:40 folding so many passengers can board comfortably, while the six-seater model's second-row captain's seats maximize convenience for second-row passengers with comfortable seating.
Also, unlike many competing models that provide third-row seats merely for appearances and make actual boarding uncomfortable, the Atlas's third-row seats are not uncomfortable even for an adult to sit in for extended periods. The third-row seats are configured as two seats, creating a wider and more generous space, and both the second and third rows secure ample legroom at the same time. Air vents, cup holders, and USB ports for third-row passengers are also generously provided, allowing six to seven adults to board and travel simultaneously.
This versatile use of space is cited as the Atlas's greatest strength. Trunk capacity reaches a class-leading level: a basic 583 liters / 1,572 liters with the third row folded / up to 2,735 liters with the second row folded.
Depending on the situation, portions or all of the second- and third-row seats can be folded to enable various uses of space. In particular, it supports "flat folding," which provides a flat floor space when all seats are folded. It is suitable for a variety of outdoor leisure activities such as camping, surfing, and fishing.
Up to three child seats can be installed simultaneously in the second-row seats (*seven-seater standard), and when reclining the seats for third-row boarding, the angles of the backrest and cushion do not change. Therefore, even with child seats installed in the second row, third-row boarding is easily possible, reducing inconvenience for large families with young children.
The second essential driving this vast space is "power." The Atlas's heart, a 2.0L gasoline turbo engine, provides stress-free driving on uphill roads and highways even when carrying the whole family and a full load of luggage.
Equipped with the EA888 evo4 2.0L inline four-cylinder gasoline turbo TSI engine, it delivers powerful performance with a maximum output of 273 horsepower (PS) and maximum torque of 37.7 kg·m. In particular, it produces maximum torque in the practical range of 1,600–4,750 rpm, allowing for lively driving even in daily use.
In addition, it comes standard with an electronically controlled advanced 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system that delivers traction stably on various road surfaces. It also provides optimal driving performance in different environments with the "active control & driving mode selection" function, which offers off-road and snow modes in addition to eco/comfort/sport/custom modes.
The powerful yet efficient powertrain, combined with the Atlas's body that has a drag coefficient (Cd) of only 0.33, boasts respectable fuel efficiency of 8.5 km/L combined under domestic official tests (7.6 km/L city / 10.1 km/L highway).
It also has the power to tow up to 2.2 tons. The Atlas comes with a trailer hitch (towing device) mounted under the body as standard. It can tow trailers and caravans without separate structural modification procedures and offers a towing capacity of approximately 2,268 kg. (towing hook sold separately)
The Volkswagen Atlas comes standard with the most advanced convenience and safety features required of a large SUV.
A separate storage compartment with high utility is provided under the center fascia, and the "30-color ambient light" allows for various interior moods. The second-row window sunshade preferred by Korean customers and a large panorama sunroof with excellent openness are standard, making them useful for long trips or car-camping. The "Harman Kardon® premium sound system," which includes a center speaker and subwoofer, is also standard and delivers ideal car-audio sound.
Also, a "remote start function" that controls the engine before driving and operates the vehicle's heating and cooling functions to complete pre-boarding preparation is standard. The driver can start the vehicle with a simple smart key operation, providing a comfortable environment immediately upon boarding even in midsummer or winter.
The Atlas features excellent crash safety as well as a full range of Volkswagen's advanced driver-assistance features. It was selected as a "Top Safety Pick" in the 2024 crash tests by the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), proving its outstanding safety, and is equipped with Volkswagen's latest "IQ.Drive" system.
IQ.Drive integrates and controls various advanced driver-assistance functions such as "adaptive cruise control," which supports stopping and restarting in the 0–200 km/h speed range; "travel assist," which assists acceleration, braking, and steering during long-distance driving to reduce driving fatigue; "blind-spot monitoring"; "rear traffic alert and exit warning system"; "front collision warning front assist and emergency braking system"; "emergency assist"; and "lane-keeping lane assist," helping ensure safe driving in any situation.
Despite overwhelming product appeal such as the vast interior space from the large body and abundant convenience and safety features, it has rapidly emerged as the "most reasonable choice" in the domestic large SUV market with surprising price competitiveness in the 60 million won range. In particular, the Korean selling price is lower even when compared to the same-trim specification sold in the North American market.
The new Volkswagen Atlas is offered in a single trim, 2.0 TSI 4MOTION R-Line, with prices of R-Line seven-seater 67,701,000 won, R-Line six-seater 68,486,000 won (*including VAT, special consumption tax 3.5% applied).
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