2019 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS QUICK TAKES

2019 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS QUICK TAKES: TESTDRIVENOW OVERVIEW

• Front Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Traffic Alert now standard on all trims
• Excellent passenger and cargo volume, as well as flexible seating for up to seven adults
• Two engine options: four-cylinder TSI® turbo or powerful VR6®, both with eight-speed
• automatic transmission
• Innovative technology includes available Volkswagen Digital Cockpit
• Five notable trim levels, competitively priced for the midsize SUV market, starting at $30,895

The Volkswagen Atlas represents a new chapter in Volkswagen’s U.S. story. Built in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the seven-passenger Atlas offers competitive levels of technology and spaciousness combined with hallmark Volkswagen driving dynamics and attention to detail, all at a price designed to draw attention in the crowded family SUV segment.

As the newest and biggest member of the Volkswagen lineup, the midsize Atlas SUV offers family-ready passenger and cargo volume, as well as everyday usability and utility.

 

 

 

 

 

New for 2019

For the 2019 model year, the Atlas is available in seven trims levels —S, SE, SE w/ Technology, SE w/ Technology R-Line®, SEL, SEL R-Line, and SEL Premium. The Atlas family receives a modest value alignment, with driver- assistance and innovation features moving to lower trims. Front Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Traffic Alert are now standard on all models. Volkswagen Digital Cockpit—the high-tech configurable instrument cluster—is now standard on SEL models.

In addition to the new driver-assistance features, the entry-level Atlas S also adds standard automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and heated side mirrors. The Atlas SE adds tri-zone Climatronic® automatic climate control. Atlas SE w/ Technology models add two options: a panoramic sunroof with Homelink® garage door opener and 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

 

 

 

 

Atlas SEL models add upscale features for the 2019 model year: Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, Media Control, LED taillights, Discover Media navigation, and a heated steering wheel.

 

 

 

 

 

Pricing for the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas 2.0-liter starts at $30,895 for the S model; 3.6-liter models start at $34,095 for the S 4Motion. The destination charge for all Atlas models is an additional $995.

 

 

 

 

 

Exterior

Debuted for the 2018 model year, Atlas built on the latest Volkswagen design DNA to create a bold new look in the SUV segment. Its modern and muscular design retains classic proportions and clean lines, while still offering a low coefficient of drag of 0.34.

Engineered from Volkswagen’s award-winning Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) architecture, Atlas sits 198.3 inches long, 78.3 inches wide, and 70.0 inches high—larger than any other Volkswagen model on sale in the U.S.

 

 

 

 

 

All Atlas models feature full LED front lighting, including low beams, high beams, turn signal indicators, Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), and side marker lights. LED taillights are standard on SEL and SEL Premium models. Overhead, a large panoramic sunroof measuring 4.46 feet by 2.85 feet, with a two-part glass opening system and powered sunshade, is available on SE w/ Technology models and standard on SEL and SEL Premium models.

 

 

 

 

SE w/ Technology trims offer a standard power tailgate, while SEL and SEL Premium models add the Easy Open feature. Easy Open works in conjunction with KESSY keyless access on all doors to enable opening of the tailgate with just a kick of the foot below the rear bumper, providing the key is in range.

 

 

 

 

All Atlas models feature standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels wrapped in 245/60 all-season tires, except the R-Line models and SEL Premium models, which boast 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and 255/50 all- season tires. SE w/ Technology and higher models can be outfitted with available 20-inch wheels (silver on SE w/ Technology and SEL, and black on SEL and SEL Premium) and SEL Premium models can also be outfitted with available 21-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 265/45 all-season tires (late availability). All Atlas models feature 8.0 inches of ground clearance and departure angles of 20.4 and 22.2 degrees (front/rear).

 

 

 

R-Line models include R-Line badging; unique front and rear bumpers that incorporate stylish air intakes at the front and a diffusor in glossy black paint at the rear; and side skirts. SEL models also include a heated leather- wrapped multifunction steering wheel.

 

 

 

 

 

Interior

The Atlas’ interior design is classic Volkswagen—clean and functional, with a premium feel. Driver controls are positioned for optimal ergonomics and usability, and simple, driver-centric displays enhance involvement behind the wheel rather than distracting from it. The seat position, shifter height, and the spacing between the pedals are fine-tuned for driver comfort. Ambient lighting, standard on the Atlas SEL Premium, further highlights this upscale character, as does the use of premium materials throughout.

Inside, Atlas makes maximum use of its three-row seating layout to offer space for up to seven adults, boasting a cavernous 153.7 cu-ft of total passenger volume. Headroom is 41.3/40.4/38.3 inches (first/second/third rows), while legroom is 41.5/37.6/33.7 inches, respectively. Standard second-row bench seating offers a 60/40 split, a 14-degree backrest recline function, and a 7.7-inch sliding range (each side sliding separately). An innovative folding mechanism for the second row offers improved entry and exit room on both sides by enabling the second-row bench to tilt and slide forward, even with child seats in place.

 

 

 

While the base Atlas S is equipped with cloth seating surfaces in a quilt-like design, Atlas SE models come with leatherette seating surfaces and include a second-row middle armrest with integrated cup holders. SEL models come with a three-profile driver seat memory function. SEL Premium models boast leather seating surfaces and heated outboard seats for the second row.

 

 

 

 

Captain’s Chairs are available on SE models and above. This replaces the three-passenger, second-row bench seat with two individual seats for even greater comfort and adjustability. The two-passenger third-row bench seat offers a 50/50 split, and both second- and third-row seats feature fold-flat functionality.

 

 

 

 

Across all three rows, an array of available inputs (12V, USB, auxiliary), cup holders, bottle holders, storage nets, and cargo containers provide convenience for all passengers. Atlas has a maximum cargo volume of 96.8 cu-ft behind the front-row seats. With just the third-row folded, cargo capacity is 55.5 cu-ft, and with all seats up, cargo capacity is 20.6 cu-ft.

 

 

 

 

Dual-zone (first row and second/third row) climate control is standard on Atlas S, along with a second-row control panel for rear passengers. All other models come with tri-zone Climatronic automatic climate control. KESSY keyless access on all five doors, along with push-button start, is standard equipment on SE trim levels and above.

 

 

 

 

R-Line models include an R-Line logo on the MIB II start screen as well as an R-Line steering wheel clip and stainless steel pedal caps.

Exclusive to Atlas SEL and SEL Premium models, the advanced Volkswagen Digital Cockpit system presents drivers with a fully-digital instrument cluster. Using a 12.3-inch TFT display, the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit offers a customizable presentation of important vehicle information.

 

 

 

 

Every Atlas model offers the ability to customize up to four driver settings. Dependent on trim, customizable features include: driver seat memory, mirror settings, driver assistance system preferences, temperature, Volkswagen Digital Cockpit arrangement, and navigation view.

There are three speaker configurations for Atlas, dependent on trim level—the S model includes six speakers, mid-level trims offer eight speakers and the SEL Premium model features the Fender® Premium Audio System with 12 speakers.

Fender Premium Audio. There is no shortage of entertainment system options with the 2019 Atlas—but the SEL PremiumtrimoffersthemostadvancedFenderPremiumAudioSystemfoundinaVolkswagentodate. Itwas meticulously engineered, specifically for Atlas, to recreate the emotion of a live performance for all three rows of passengers.

The system was developed through collaboration between Fender, the legendary music amplification experts, and Panasonic®. A powerful, 480-watt, 12-channel amp delivers arena-sized sound to the spacious Atlas cabin. There are 12 speakers in total, including an innovative center channel speaker, woofer speakers in each door, first- and second-row tweeters, and two wide-frequency speakers and a subwoofer in the third row.

MIB II Infotainment. All 2019 Atlas models feature Volkswagen’s innovative MIB II touchscreen infotainment system. The display utilizes a capacitive-touch sensor (as in smartphone and tablet technology) rather than the more common resistive touchscreens that require pressure, enabling gesture controls like swiping and even pinch-zooming.

The Atlas S is equipped with the Composition Color unit, which features a 6.5-inch capacitive touchscreen display. The infotainment system also offers SD card and USB (one port) multimedia interfaces, as well as a rearview camera and standard Bluetooth® technology for compatible devices.

All other Atlas models are equipped with a glass-covered 8.0-inch capacitive touchscreen display—SE and SE w/ Technology models with the Composition Media unit; SEL and SEL Premium models with the Discover Media system with navigation.

Both units offer four USB ports, a JPEG viewer, SiriusXM® radio for a three month trial period, and HD Radio. Both units also have the ability to send and receive SMS text messages with Bluetooth with compatible phones and pair two phones simultaneously. The Discover Media unit offers 2.5D navigation, featuring one-shot voice destination entry, destination entry with search and auto-complete, and predicts possible destinations based on often used routes.

Volkswagen Car-Net®. Volkswagen is committed to driving the development of more connected and intelligent vehicles, and the Car-Net connectivity system is a major element in achieving that goal. Features available through Car-Net are divided into three key areas: “App-Connect,” “Security & Service,” and “Guide & Inform.”

Car-Net App-Connect smartphone integration for compatible devices is standard on all Atlas models. App- Connect offers users the ability to run select smartphone apps directly on the vehicle’s display through services such as Apple CarPlayTM, Android AutoTM and MirrorLink®.

Equipped on SE models and above, Car-Net Security & Service is a suite of elements that provides security features and also allows owners to access their VW remotely through vw.com/carnet as well as a smartphone app.

 

Customers purchasing new Volkswagen models equipped with VW Car-Net Security & Service will receive a six- month trial subscription from Verizon Connect Inc. that starts on date of your Volkswagen purchase for no additional charge. To extend the benefits of this system after the trial, customers can choose from a number of payment options: One year for $199 and two years for $378, or month-to-month for $17.99, plus applicable taxesandfees. App-Connectcanbeusedfree-of-chargeandisnotincludedaspartofthesubscription-based services.

Available Car-Net Security & Service features include Automatic Crash Notification, which can help automatically notify an operator who can quickly contact first responders in the event of a collision; Manual Emergency Call, a feature that allows for quick access to customer specialists at the touch of a button; Roadside Assistance, for added peace-of-mind in the event of trouble on the road; and Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance, which uses Car-Net Security & Service to assist law enforcement with locating your vehicle in the event that it is stolen.

In addition, Car-Net Security & Service offers remote vehicle access, remote door lock and unlock, remote honk and flash of lights, last parked location information, and remote status check (doors and windows). Consumers will also be able to send a location from their connected smart device to the factory-installed compatible navigation system on select models. For consumers who prefer a more personal touch, Agent Destination Assist is also available.

Car-Net Security & Service also includes Family Guardian, which offers features such as: speed alert, which notifies you when the pre-determined maximum speed limit is exceeded; boundary alert, which lets you know when the vehicle has traveled outside of a pre-set virtual boundary; curfew alert, which notifies you if your vehicle is driven while curfew alert is on; and valet alert, which lets you know if your vehicle is driven more than 0.2 miles from the valet drop-off location.

Diagnostics and maintenance information is also available through Car-Net Security & Service. In addition to the vehicle’s warning and indicator lights, a Vehicle Health Report provides customers easy access to diagnostic information. When it’s time for scheduled service, Car-Net Security & Service not only notifies the customer, but provides a simple way to schedule a dealer visit.

The available VW Car-Net app for smartwatch (supports select Apple Watch® and Android WearTM operating systems) allows VW customers to control a host of Security & Service features and functions available through the iPhone® and AndroidTM apps and Customer Web Portal, directly from their wrist. Smartwatch wearers can keep tabs on their vehicle from afar, remotely locking and unlocking doors and viewing the status of doors, windows and sunroof (open or closed). These consumers can also find a parked vehicle more quickly, with a map of the current vehicle location, and get walking or driving directions to the vehicle. Drivers can check their fuel level and receive alerts with a compatible smartwatch.

Equipped on SEL and SEL Premium models models, Car-Net Guide & Inform offers an enhanced navigation and infotainment experience for VW consumers. Volkswagen has incorporated technologies that enhance existing navigation offerings while adding an additional level of information that empowers consumers. The in-vehicle navigation system features fuel prices, sports scores, movie information and weather data as part of the three- month SiriusXM Travel Link trial. VW customers will also enjoy real-time traffic information and a complimentary three-month SiriusXM Traffic trial.

Powertrains

Atlas is offered with a choice of two powerful and efficient engines—a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder or an available 3.6-liter VR6® engine. Both units feature Start/Stop technology; Remote Start is available as an accessory on S and SE models and is standard on SE w/ Technology trims and above.

The 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline unit is a member of the latest EA888 engine family, utilizing turbocharged induction, and direct fuel injection to achieve excellent efficiency while still delivering impressive power. Output is rated at 235 horsepower at 4,500 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque from 1,600 rpm (achieved with premium fuel).

 

 

 

 

Augmenting the EA888’s 16-valve, dual-overhead-camshaft layout is Volkswagen’s latest variable cam phasing system, which controls both intake and exhaust valves, as well as a variable lift system for the valves themselves. The single-scroll turbocharger feeds intercooled air through the aluminum-alloy crossflow cylinder head. The cast-iron engine block uses a wall thickness of just 0.12 inches to reduce its weight to 72 pounds, while a lightweight polymer oil pan and aluminum-alloy screws and fasteners also reduce mass. Another change that helps the engine to shed pounds is a reduction from eight to four crankshaft counterweights. Internal friction is reduced due to measures such as roller bearings for the engine’s balancer shafts and a reduction in the size of the engine’s main bearings.

 

The engine is also compact. The exhaust headers have been integrated directly into the cylinder head, not only optimizing the system coolant operation (aiding rapid warm-up, which helps improve efficiency), but also load, which helps improve efficiency.

All Atlas trims are available with a 3.6-liter VR6 engine. This powerful direct-injection engine delivers 276 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 266 lb-ft of torque at 2,750 rpm. The engine utilizes a crossflow aluminum-alloy cylinder head design, twin overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, and variable valve timing.

With either engine, power is sent through an eight-speed automatic transmission to help maximize efficiency. This transmission then sends the power to either the front wheels, or—if equipped with 4Motion® with Active Control all-wheel drive (V6 models only)—all four wheels as needed.  allowing greater thermal management of the exhaust stream. The turbocharger can withstand extremely high exhaust temperatures, so the forced-induction system doesn’t require complex fuel enrichments under high Atlas models equipped with the VR6 engine and a factory-installed trailer hitch (SEL and SEL Premium) offer a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs., while all other models require dealer- or port-installed trailer hitch, and then allow for a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 lbs.

All Atlas models are outfitted with an 18.6-gallon fuel tank. The EPA-estimated fuel economy for the V6 front- wheel-drive models is 17 mpg in city driving, 24 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg in combined driving. V6 models with 4Motion all-wheel drive are rated at 17 mpg in city driving, 23 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg in combined driving. The EPA-estimated fuel economy for Atlas models with the 2.0-liter engine is 20 mpg in city driving, 26 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in combined driving.

4Motion All-wheel-drive System

Atlas can be equipped with the 4Motion with Active Control all-wheel-drive system. The latest-generation 4Motion system is designed to activate before wheelspin occurs, helping eliminate traction losses. The system achieves this by using an advanced control function based on specific driving conditions. When operating under a relatively low load or when coasting, the front wheels are driven and the rear wheels are decoupled, helping to save fuel. However, the rear wheels can be engaged in fractions of a second whenever necessary via the center differential, which is activated by an electro-hydraulic oil pump.

A control unit continually calculates the ideal drive torque for the rear wheels and controls how much the multi- plate clutch should be closed by activating the oil pump. The oil pressure increases the contact pressure at the clutch plates in proportion to the torque desired at the rear axle. So, the amount of pressure applied to the clutch plates can be used to continuously vary the amount of torque going between the front and rear wheels, up to a maximum of 50 percent at the rear axle.

In addition to the center differential that acts longitudinally, electronic differential locks that are a function of the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system act laterally. The system can briefly brake a wheel that is slipping, enabling uninterrupted and stable transfer of drive power to the wheel on the opposite side.

Active Control. All Atlas models with 4Motion all-wheel drive feature Active Control, which allows the driver to select specific vehicle profiles based on driving conditions. It has four settings: Onroad, Snow, Offroad, and Custom Offroad. Within the “Onroad” setting, additional options are offered: Normal, Sport, Comfort, and Individual. These alter operating parameters for drive systems like the engine, transmission, steering, and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), as well as traction-assistance systems like Hill Descent Assist and Hill Start Assist. The singular user interface is highly intuitive, comprising both a rotary knob, and a push-button. Turning the knob engages the various drive modes, while pushing the button triggers a pop-up menu on the screen of the infotainment system, allowing the driver to fine tune the Onroad mode.

Onroad mode is the default setting. Here, the Atlas automatically varies the drive distribution between the two axles, accounting for road conditions. A press of the button triggers the driving profile selection screen to pop up on the infotainment screen, offering the driver a choice of “Normal”, “Sport”, “Eco”, and “Individual” drive modes. Within each, the tuning parameters for the engine control, gearbox, steering and optional ACC are varied.

In Snow mode, the response curve of the accelerator pedal is flattened to help negate unintentional and excessive wheelspin, and the transmission upshifts earlier to help maximize traction. Communicating with the accelerator pedal and individual wheel speed sensors, the Traction Control System (TCS) helps reduce engine power the moment it detects slippage. The sensitivity of the system is more relaxed in straight-line situations to allow adequate power transfer, while the limits are tightened in cornering, where traction is of paramount importance. Last but not least, ACC is switched to the more defensive “Eco” driving profile when in Snow mode.

Offroad mode offers similar throttle and transmission characteristics to Snow mode, adding manual control of transmission shifting via Tiptronic® (only the throttle kickdown switch will force a downshift). The Start/Stop system is switched off in this mode, and ACC operates normally. The ESC system is relaxed to help avoid false positives often encountered off-road, and Hill Descent Control is automatically activated on gradients of more than 10 percent. It functions up at speeds between 1.2 mph and 19 mph, and is adjustable via brakes or throttle.

With unique Offroad ABS programming, the wheels can lock up briefly before the system reduces the brake pressure. This allows time for a small wedge of material from the ground (such as gravel or sand) to build up in front of the wheel, thus helping increase the braking effect. This means that the car still remains steerable while its stopping distance is substantially reduced.

Custom Offroad mode allows the driver to alter the steering, engine and gearbox behavior, as well as Hill Descent Assist and Hill Start Assist.

Chassis

Atlas is built on the same MQB chassis architecture as most other vehicles in the Volkswagen lineup. The unitary construction chassis has two solid-mounted subframes with bolt-on front fenders, and utilizes advanced technologies such as the laser clamp welder, which produces “wobble seam” welds in a wave pattern to maximize strength in a limited space, offering significantly more strength than that of a traditional spot weld.

The stamped steel body and chassis boasts a large percentage of high-strength, hot-formed steel. This technology, along with the use of newly developed ultra-high-strength steels, allows much of the chassis and body to be constructed from thinner, and lighter parts without any loss in strength.

Thanks to the extensive use of modern construction techniques and high- and ultra-high strength steels, the Atlas chassis manages to remain lightweight despite its upscale features and enhanced structure. Throughout the car, incredible attention to detail has optimized components—such as the seats, air conditioning unit, and even the electrical architecture—to help save weight.

Atlas features independent suspension for all four wheels. In the front, Atlas features a strut layout with coil springs and telescopic dampers, and at back, a multilink arrangement with coil springs and telescopic dampers.

Atlas’s braking system is comprised of 13.2-inch vented front discs and solid 12.2-inch rear discs with standard three-channel ABS with electronic brake pressure distribution. The rack-and-pinion steering features electric power assist and speed-sensitive variable steering assist. This system offers a 16.3:1 steering ratio that allows for 2.76 steering wheel turns from lock to lock and a vehicle turning circle of 38.06 feet.

Safety

To help protect occupants, the Atlas provides a combination of both passive and active safety systems. It features six airbags as standard (front and side airbags for front passengers and side curtain airbags for outboard seating positions), along with a number of electronic safety systems, such as an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

A standard feature on the 2019 Atlas is Volkswagen’s Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. This builds on the premise that a collision is rarely a single, instantaneous action, but rather a series of events that follow the initial impact—the most significant of which can cause additional collisions. The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System helps address this, in certain crash scenarios, by applying the brakes when a primary collision is detected by the airbag sensors, thus potentially reducing residual kinetic energy and, in turn, the chance of additional damage.

The Atlas also includes Volkswagen’s Intelligent Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in certain types of collisions.

All Atlas models feature a standard rearview camera. Atlas S is equipped with a basic rearview camera, while all other models feature a system that incorporates dynamic guidelines.

Driver-Assistance Systems

To meet the demands of American drivers, the 2019 Atlas offers a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technology. Available features include: Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist); Blind Spot Monitor; Rear Traffic Alert; Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC); Lane Keeping System (Lane Assist); Park Distance Control; Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist); High Beam Control (Light Assist); and Overhead View Camera (Area View).

Front Assist, standard on all trims, is intended to warn drivers of potential frontal collisions (Forward Collision Warning) with vehicles and pedestrians, and in some cases provide automatic braking assistance (Autonomous Emergency Braking).

Within physical system limits, Forward Collision Warning warns the driver of potential critical front-end collision situations, both acoustically and visually by a warning symbol in the instrument cluster if the car is traveling above 18 mph. Furthermore, an automatic jolt of the brakes can warn the driver of the danger. If the driver fails to brake, or if the car is traveling below 18 mph, Autonomous Emergency Braking is activated to help slow the vehicle. If the brake pedal is applied but the driver brakes too lightly, the brake pressure is increased by the system (Braking Support).

Blind Spot Monitor is standard on all trims. Blind Spot Monitor uses two radar sensors at the rear of the vehicle to scan the approaching traffic and is intended to warn drivers of potential danger in adjacent lanes. If the driver uses the turn signal to indicate a lane change while a vehicle is detected in a blind spot, the system utilizes a flashing LED symbol in the outer area of the side mirrors. Even if the driver does not use a turn signal, the LED symbol in the mirror will illuminate if a vehicle is detected in the blind spot. The system is designed to help alert drivers in specific situations; stationary objects or oncoming vehicles do not trigger warnings, nor do vehicles more than one lane across away from the vehicle.

If combined with Lane Assist (SE w/ Technology models and above, see below) the system not only warns the driver with the flashing LED symbol if a vehicle is detected in the blind spot, but within system limits, it can also countersteertohelpkeepthecarinthelaneevenifthe turnsignalison.Ifthedriverstilltriestosteeroutofthe lane, the system will warn with an additional vibration of the steering wheel.

The Rear Traffic Alert system, standard on all models, is intended to detect vehicles approaching from the side that may be difficult for the driver to see while reversing. It offers a sizable range of about 65 feet on either side of the vehicle, and will present a visual and an acoustic warning, if a potential impending collision with a crossing vehicle is detected. If the driver does not react, the system can apply the brakes to help mitigate and, in the best case, can prevent a collision. The system is activated by putting the car in reverse.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), standard on SE w/ Technology models and above, uses a forward facing radar to maintain a set speed while helping maintain a set distance to the vehicle in front. The driver sets the speed and the desired spacing via buttons on the multifunction steering wheel and can further use those buttons to adjust and cancel the ACC function while the accelerator can be used to override the ACC function. Pressing the brakes always cancels the ACC function. All ACC-related system messages appear in the central multifunction display.

When the roadway ahead of the vehicle is clear, the system maintains the set speed. Atlas models fitted with ACC can match a vehicle in front and come to a stop if the vehicle in front does. If the car in front moves within three seconds, ACC will resume automatically to the set speed. If the car stands longer than three seconds, the driver can resume ACC control by pressing the accelerator pedal or the “resume” button on the steering wheel.

Lane Keeping System (Lane Assist) is standard on SE w/ Technology models and above. When driving above 40 mph, if there is an indication that the vehicle is unintentionally straying from its lane without using a turn signal, Lane Assist actively countersteers to help keep the vehicle in the lane. The system’s camera recognizes visible lane markings and, using a special algorithm, calculates the risk of the car leaving the lane. If the driver takes his or her hands off the wheel for a defined period of time, the system provides an audible warning and a visual signal in the instrument cluster, asking the driver to take over.

The system can work in the dark and/or in fog, but it will not engage if it cannot properly detect lane markings. If the turn signal has been set before crossing a lane marking, the Lane Assist system will not engage or give a warning. The driver can “override” the system at any time by applying minimal force to the steering wheel.

Park Distance Control, equipped on equipped on SEL and SEL Premium models, uses ultrasonic sensors located in the front and rear bumpers to monitor a range of up to approximately five feet in front or behind the vehicle. The system is activated when reverse gear is engaged or below a speed of 9 mph and helps provide guidance when parking or in tight spaces. The system has audible and visual warnings when the car starts to approach parked cars or static objects from the front or rear.

Maneuver Braking, a part of the Park Distance Control system, is intended to mitigate or help prevent collisions with static obstacles to the front and rear while the vehicle is maneuvered. The system is active when reverse gear is selected. If the system detects a stationary object while the vehicle is in reverse and moving between 1-6 mph, it can apply the brakes automatically to help prevent or mitigate a collision. The system can be deactivated at any time using the touch display or permanently in the setup menu.

Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist) is included on SEL Premium models. This system can automatically steer the car into parallel and perpendicular parking spaces (the latter both forward and in reverse). While driving below 12 mph, pressing the Park Assist button will preselect the likeliest parking maneuver based on the size of the parking spot but it will also show other available maneuvers in the instrument cluster. The driver only needs to activate the accelerator pedal and brake once a gear is selected, as Park Assist can automatically help steer the vehicle into the parking space.

The driver can override or deactivate the steering assistance at any time by turning the steering wheel, disengaging reverse gear or pressing the button. Below 12 mph, the system scans both the left-hand and right- hand sides of the road—for example, in a one-way street—for any parking spaces as it drives past. By activating the turn signal, the driver stipulates which side of the road they wish to park on.

Built in the U.S.

The Atlas is assembled alongside the Passat at the Volkswagen Chattanooga assembly plant, the result of an additional $900 million investment by Volkswagen in the facility. The Chattanooga plant is the only automotive manufacturing facility in the world to receive Platinum certification by the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) program.

Warranty

For the 2019 model year, Volkswagen Atlas models in the United States will come with the People First Warranty, a six-year or 72,000-mile (whichever occurs first) bumper-to-bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty, the remainder of which can be transferred to a subsequent vehicle owner throughout its duration.

The six-year/72,000-mile People First Warranty includes powertrain coverage for engines, transmissions and optional 4Motion® all-wheel-drive systems. Additionally, all the elements of the remaining warranty coverage can be transferred to a subsequent vehicle owner.

Two final driver assistance features, standard on SEL Premium models, help provide drivers with better visibility. High Beam Control (Light Assist) automatically raises the headlamp high beams above 40 mph on dark or poorly lit roads, if there is no oncoming traffic detected. The Overhead View Camera (Area View) uses the car’s four cameras to help give you a better view of what is around your vehicle.