Page 45 - Motor Trend (May 2020)

COVER STORY

LAYOUT, VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS

70.0”

67.2” 67.8” 117.3”
78.3” 198.3”

Despite its roominess, the VW Atlas’
2019 Volkswagen Atlas
busy ride and handling and recalcitrant
HEADROOM, F/M/R 41.3/40.4/38.3 in powertrain need improvement before it
LEGROOM, F/M/R 41.5/37.6/33.7 in can be a strong player in this segment.
SHOULDER ROOM, F/M/R 61.5/60.8/54.9 in The same can be said for the Ford;
CARGO VOLUME BEHIND 96.8/55.5/20.6 cu ft although different powertrains are
F/M/R available, the combination of the 2.3-liter
CURB WEIGHT; DIST, F/R 4,725 lb; 55/45% turbo with the 10-speed and rear-wheel
GROUND CLEARANCE 8.0 in drive delivered a terrible overall calibra-
APPROACH/DEPART ANGLE 20.4/22.4 deg tion. Its content-per-dollar also makes
TURNING CIRCLE 38.1 ft for a poor value proposition.
The Mazda CX-9 is the most fun
TOWING CAPACITY 5,000 lb
to drive in this group, but for a family The Atlas’ infotainment system integrates
the buttons in a nice, efficient way.
need that third row and room for tons of seeking spacious transportation, its
stuff, a minivan is a better option. tighter packaging makes it less appealing. Any of the vehicles in the top four
No SUV can match the passenger room, Its aging technology doesn’t help, either. places are worth considering. A solid
cargo space, and utility that minivans The Chevrolet Traverse, on the other new player, the Hyundai Palisade scored
offer. That said, despite not being as hand, offers a spacious cabin and modern highly for its attention to detail, but its
functional, the usability of three-row infotainment system, but its weak safety hard seats and harsh ride kept it off the
midsize crossovers has improved greatly. features and cheap interior land it well podium. You won’t regret owning one,
And they look better, too. But it ain’t just down our roster. but there are better options.
clever marketing that has boosted sales. The Toyota brings a strong value game The Honda Pilot has aged well, and the
SUVs are much more capable for families and sharp interior design. However, updated transmission and infotainment
now than they were a decade ago. And the the Highlander’s claustrophobic third system erased our main quibbles over
segment is more crowded than ever. row, outdated infotainment system, the past years’ models. Its packaging and
So which is the one to choose? Some- and thrashy powertrain relegated it to a value continue to be among the best in
times it depends on your priorities. disappointing finish. the segment.

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