2018 Volkswagen Atlas S 2.0 turbo from North America

Summary:

A beast of a family car!

Faults:

Driver's door latching mechanism came loose, drove to the dealer holding the door closed. They tightened it up and it's been perfect since.

"Trans in Emergency Mode" message, at 50,000-60,000 miles. Fixed under warranty.

Apple car play sometimes doesn't connect.

New water pump at 102,000 miles.

New fuel injectors at 110,000 miles.

General Comments:

Even with the small problems here and there, we've loved our Atlas. The problems weren't that bad and are to be expected as a car ages. This is a large stylish SUV with three rows of seating that gets 25 mpg. So far, no engine leaks or major failures to speak of, and coming up on 120,000 miles.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 7th December, 2022

25th Dec 2022, 14:21

Would you say the Atlas is a better car than the usual domestic offerings?

In reply to 25th Dec 2022, 14:21

29th Dec 2022, 21:43

I would say it is better than domestic offerings based on my experience. Third row and good gas mileage, and at a good price point. Plus, the turbo makes it peppy and fun to drive.

2019 Volkswagen Atlas Highline V6 3.2 from North America

Summary:

Lot of space, comfortable, but it's a Volkwagen, you'll go to the dealer often...

Faults:

After 55 000kms the gas door actuator broke, leaving me no choice but to pry hard on the trap so I could fuel the truck.

Always need to add coolant at every oil change. Dealership finds it normal. I don't. How is a fluid recirculating in a closed system supposed to be topped up if there no leak?

General Comments:

Very comfortable, hard on gas milage (about 480kms on a full tank). Plenty of space, and I love how the seats fold flush.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 18th January, 2022

7th Nov 2022, 18:46

Can you please give us an update on this vehicle as time and mileage accumulates. Do you believe that they now want 45k for this car. When you bought it the price was around 32k. It's kind of good that you got it for that price if you can get it to 100k miles without any major headaches. Please keep us advised as to what other problems you run into with the car.

2018 Volkswagen Atlas S 2.0T TSI from North America

Summary:

Wouldn't be happier if I woke up tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet

Faults:

The latch mechanism in the driver door came loose, door would not close properly.

3 recalls so far, but the dealer repairs promptly with great service.

General Comments:

We needed a 3rd row vehicle because our 3 sons are growing and need their space. The Atlas was much less expensive than most other large SUVs with third rows. We were really happy with the price.

I wasn't expecting much performance from the 2.0t TSI engine due to the size of the vehicle, but it's quite peppy, and doesn't slow down while cruising up inclines on the freeway. The highway fuel mileage is great, averaging around 25 MPG. For the size of the vehicle, you can't beat it.

It requires synthetic oil which is pricey, that's the reason for a less than perfect rating on operating cost. I don't like the automatic start/stop feature, and would like a fold down arm rest with cup holders for the rear seat.

Overall a great vehicle, great value, fun to drive, and room for 7.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st January, 2019

27th Jan 2019, 04:49

Volkswagens tend to be demanding of their oil. Use synthetic oil, or wish you did ;)

Question: Is this a Front Wheel Drive drivetrain?

In reply to 27th Jan 2019, 04:49

27th Jan 2019, 22:48

Oil consumption can be prevented in many modern cars by breaking in the vehicle correctly. For the first thousand or so miles, don't keep the engine at the same RPM for a long time, vary the engine speed to the rings wear properly.

In reply to 27th Jan 2019, 22:48

10th Feb 2019, 04:37

Good point.

Many people overlook the benefits of a proper break in. Not wise.

Having said that, Volkswagens (and some other vehicles) tend to very challenging to their oil.

I'm not sure that it is an issue of too much heat rejection to the oil baking the oil, or poor crankcase ventilation that leads to sludge in the oil.

In reply to 27th Jan 2019, 04:49

10th Feb 2019, 06:09

Sorry, I haven't checked up on the comments for a while. Yes, it's front wheel drive. I've had a couple VW Jettas in the past, and an Audi A4, so I've learned the oil lesson.

29th Aug 2021, 16:51

Sorry about the ownership experience. But your Christmas Vacation reference is greatly appreciated!