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2025 Buick Enclave vs Honda PilotNew vs Used: Volkswagen Atlas
The Volkswagen Atlas is better than ever but is a used model a better deal right now? We dig in to find out.
What’s the Best Deal for a Volkswagen Atlas?
netcarshow.com | Shop Volkswagen Atlas on Carsforsale.com
In 2018, the Volkswagen Atlas was a brand-new model in every way for the brand. It’s the largest SUV in the family and along with that comes more room for people and cargo. In that way it follows in the footsteps of the brand’s most famous car, the Bug.
The Atlas also features lots of technology like a Digital Cockpit, and Blind-Spot monitoring. What we aim to find out though is if it’s worth picking one up in the second-hand market or if the new Atlas is worth its higher price tag.
New vs Used Volkswagen Atlas Specs
For 2018 Volkswagen introduced the Atlas with a pair of engines. The base motor was a four-cylinder that pumped out 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The upgrade was a V6 with 276 ponies and the same amount of torque as the four-cylinder. Front-wheel drive was standard but AWD was available on the V6 models.
The top Volkswagen Atlas trim, SEL Premium, comes with AWD and the V6 as standard equipment. An eight-speed automatic gearbox does duty in every 2018 Atlas. Pricing for a used Atlas comes in somewhere south of about $40,000 depending on condition and trim level. We limited our search to examples with less than 80,000 miles and found a number of high-end trims for about $35,000.
Brand new 2023 Volkswagen Atlas models start at $36,445 and can rise to $53,635 on the top trim. Somewhat hilariously, VW hasn’t found it worthwhile to do much in the way of updates to the Atlas powertrain in five years. The base engine is the same four-cylinder mill and the V6 has the same horsepower but now makes 8 more pound-feet of torque for a total of 266. The transmission is the same as well. Interestingly enough, the 2018 Atlas gets an EPA-estimated best MPG of 22 in the city and 26 on the highway whereas the 2023 model drops to 21 and 25 respectively.
Driving Characteristics
Since these two SUVs rest on the same platform and feature nearly identical drivetrains they drive almost exactly alike. In fact, in our testing, the only major differences likely came down to the mileage on our used Atlas example. We found it to be a touch louder in the cabin with just a bit less refinement and sharpness on the road.
Regardless, each Atlas performed well in terms of handling, braking, and pedal feedback. Neither one is what we’d call quick but for most buyers, that won’t be a concern. Where the Atlas shines is in how well it manages poor road conditions without becoming unsettled. It’s easy to place in the lane and that makes navigating tighter spaces like parking lots that much easier too. It’s honestly not much different from piloting the smaller Tiguan. This might not be as fun to drive as some of our favorite used SUVs under $25,000 but it’s comfortable and that’s what VW was after.
Comfort and Interior
While Volkswagen didn’t do much to update the Atlas’ powertrain between 2018 and today, it’s done a lot to improve the cabin. That first year featured a solid interior package. The climate control is quick and quiet, the seating throughout the cabin is relatively adjustable, and there are higher end options like heated second-row seats and front seats with both heat and ventilation.
Starting in 2019, Volkswagen began improving the interior experience in the Atlas. Today, in 2023, it’s better than ever before. The trim is more refined, the seating is more adjustable, and practicality has been dialed up to 11. Everywhere you look in the 2023 Atlas you’ll find storage spaces, cupholders, or clever touches that make hauling around a full SUV of folks all the more comfortable.
Trims and Features
For 2018, Volkswagen sold five trim levels of the Atlas.
S – This trim comes with a four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive. In addition, it gets cloth upholstery, LED headlights, a 6.5-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, dual-zone climate control, power mirrors, and cruise control.
SE – The SE trim adds faux leather upholstery, blind-spot monitoring, automatic headlights, heated front seats, an 8-inch infotainment system, push-button ignition, and the choice of captain’s chairs for the second row.
SE w/Technology – Yes, that’s the actual name of this trim and it gets remote start, tri-zone automatic climate control, a power liftgate, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking.
SEL – This trim adds a power-adjustable front passenger seat, a panoramic sunroof, and park distance control.
SEL Premium – As the top trim, the SEL Premium gets a large expansive digital gauge cluster VW calls its Digital Cockpit along with leather upholstery, integrated navigation, a park assist system, LED tail lights, and optional 20-inch wheels.
The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas also comes in five trim levels.
SE – The new Atlas starts out with 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, a power liftgate, keyless entry and ignition, faux leather upholstery, heated front seats, heated mirrors, a 6.5-inch infotainment system, six speakers, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a Wi-Fi hotspot, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision mitigation, and rear cross-traffic alert.
SE w/Technology – The trim returns with an 8-inch infotainment system, voice controls, a wireless charging pad, tri-zone automatic climate control, remote start, 20-inch wheels, second and third-row USB ports, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors.
SEL – The SEL trim gets standard AWD, ambient interior lighting, integrated navigation, adaptive headlights, a heated steering wheel, power-folding mirrors, a power-adjustable passenger seat, a lane-keeping system, blind-spot intervention, and drive modes.
SEL R-Line Black – This mostly appearance-focused trim gets 20-inch black wheels, a black grille, black mirror caps, different bumpers, and similar interior trim. It also gets the V6 as standard equipment.
SEL Premium R-Line – The top trim adds 21-inch wheels, heated second-row seats, ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, 12 speakers, and a 360-degree camera system.
New vs Used Volkswagen Atlas: The Verdict
2018 Volkswagen Atlas – netcarshow.com | Shop Volkswagen Atlas on Carsforsale.com
While we appreciate the improvements to the interior of the Atlas over the last few years, it doesn’t seem to be worth the extra thousands in our eyes. For what one could pay for a brand new top trim Atlas they could buy a used 2018 model and have some $10,000 left over to spend on whatever maintenance it might need. Considering too that ride quality nor drivetrain capability have improved over the last five years makes this an easy win for the used Atlas.
