Volkswagen has launched the Atlas, its first large Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) in the Korean market. Having proven its competitiveness in North America, the home of the large SUV, the Atlas is expected to target domestic demand for family cars.
The Atlas, as a strategic model for the U.S. market created by Volkswagen, is overall rough and sturdy but emphasizes practicality. It was the second best-selling Volkswagen model in the U.S. last year, following the Tiguan, and is expected to compete with the Hyundai Palisade and Ford Explorer in Korea.
The body is among the largest in its class, with a length of 5,095 mm, the longest for large SUVs currently sold in Korea. The width is 1,990 mm, and the height is 1,780 mm. When parked side by side with the Palisade (length 5,060 mm, width 1,980 mm, height 1,765 mm), it is visually evident that the Atlas is larger.
The exterior design is understated like other Volkswagen models, which gives it a somewhat bland impression. However, the rear features a noticeable LED lamp with consolidation connecting both sides, creating a distinctive look when the rear lights illuminate upon entering a dark tunnel, differing from previous Volkswagen models.
The Atlas is based on the Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform, which is also used for representative models from Volkswagen, such as the Golf, Passat, and Tiguan. Volkswagen is one of the most proactive brands in utilizing a single platform to produce various vehicle classes and models, allowing different types of cars to showcase similar product competitiveness.
The interior space is spacious and well-equipped. The test model was a 7-seater with a 2+3+2 layout but a 6-seater with a 2+2+2 seat type is also available. The trunk capacity is competitive at a baseline of 583 liters (L); it increases to 1,572 L with the third row folded and 2,735 L with the second row also folded. Features such as heated and ventilated seats, second-row window sunshades, and a panoramic sunroof are included.
Despite a slightly firm driving texture, a comfortable ride was maintained. During rapid acceleration, aside from the engine noise, external noises from the road and tire resonance were effectively blocked. However, due to its massive size, some rolling occurred while turning on curves or passing over uneven surfaces.
The vehicle equipped with a 2.0L inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine recorded an average fuel efficiency of 9 km/L after a round trip of about 120 km from Yongsan District, Seoul, to Yeongjongdo Island in Incheon. The test included highway and urban congestion scenarios, with frequent rapid acceleration and braking, exceeding the official fuel efficiency of 8.5 km/L (urban 7.6 km/L, highway 10 km/L).
The advanced driving assistance features installed in the vehicle contribute to stable driving. The 'Lane Assist' system prevents the vehicle from drifting out of its lane by precisely detecting the direction and position set by the driver. When enabled, the adaptive cruise control automatically adjusts the distance from the car ahead and the driving speed, and if the driver completely removes their hands from the steering wheel, a warning appears a few seconds later, activating the emergency braking system.
The Atlas is released in a single gasoline trim (2.0 TSI 4MOTION R-Line), with a selling price slightly higher than the Hyundai Palisade hybrid (49.82 million to 63.26 million won). Prices vary based on seat configuration, with the 7-seater priced at 67.701 million won and the 6-seater at 68.486 million won.