I think that Atlas is also really strong for "old" families. With all the room in the back rows, middleschool/highschoolers have no issue getting back there and it's plenty roomy for 6 adults as well.
The Telluride and Palisade almost have to be ordered since there is no stock. One dealer tried to sell us a used 2021Telluride with 6,900 miles for $75,000. The third row in the Atlas has more room and the bench is longer. Long story short, we bought the Atlas SEL with captains chairs.
This 2nd row seat system should be in all SUVs / Minivan - so easy, simple and clever and so important in family vehicle. One thing is missing - another two iso fix points in 3rd row.
Now that they stripped 2021 VW models of the Dieselgate warranty I would avoid all there products like the plague. They cost cut everywhere and just aren't put together well (North America models). I mean they stopped that extended warranty because they realized how much it is going to cost them. Get a Telluride, Palisade, or even something like a Highlander Hybrid or Mazda CX9 if the third row size isn't a big ordeal. Just so many better options out there
VW introduced its "People First" warranty in 2018. It provided a 6 yr/72K bumper to bumper warranty. In 2020 VW replaced it with a 4 year/50K mile warranty but included 2 years of free maintenance (a $600-$800 value). Still a year longer and 14,000 mile longer than other automakers other than Hyundai and KIA. With that in mind, it's difficult to see how VW "realized how much (the "People First) warranty was going to cost them" when virtually no 2018 and 2019 vehicles had even come close to being in the fifth or sixth years of ownership. Furthermore, from a consumer perspective two years of free maintenance for each and every vehicle sold has to be balanced against the likelihood that a warranty claim would be covered five or six years after purchase, an event that very few owners would ever experience. (Well over 95% of all vehicles sold by any automaker never experience a warranty covered failure. Long warranties are a marketing tool; they cost automakers very, very little.) So it comes down to this. Would you rather have a guaranteed savings of $600-$800 in maintenance or the chance that a warranty claim might (but probably won't) be required five or six years after purchase?
Alex you are the reason we purchased a 2021.5 VW Atlas SEL! Needed a 3 row suv as we outgrew our Honda Odyssey as our kids are getting bigger. Thanks for the advice and excellent videos.
You are my favorite car reviewer. Everything is chronological and your analysis is logical and practical. I like how you review the car like reading a script so I can sometimes just listen to it when I'm driving. I especially like your static camera angles and when it's not static it's slow smooth and detailed so I can take in all the fine details of exterior and interior. I find a big problem with most other reviewers is sloppy, shaky and random camera work and shows too much of the reviewer. I don't want to see the reviewer except once maybe to compare size of exterior and interior seating/roominess. Keep up the great work I'm a paid subscriber and don't change anything!
I also love your graphics of size comparison engine options and seat specs. I would recommend a short clip of night ambient lighting as that seems like the next big thing.
I own the 2018 Atlas, SEL AWD. only complains I have is the fuel economy. Otherwise, this vehicle has been perfect for our family needs in every department. If you do a lot more highway driving the city the gas isn't so bad, but if you do mostly city driving the low mpg gas is gonna hurt...
totally agree,. I have an 2018 SEL AWD also and yes i have topped out at 28mpg hwy with 4 people. BUT city driving sinks to well below 20mpg. Very comfortable vehicle.
love the in-depth reviews! but there is no way combined legroom of atlas is less than the competition. maybe use consumer reports figures instead of manufacturer’s
Cancelled our kia telluride order since the dealership kept lying to us on when our telluride would come in. Ordered in sept said it would come in 2to3 months not said it would he here till 2021 so it could be whenever that is. Telluride has a lot of nice features but never know when it would come in and what resale value would be down the road. Wife and I are going with the atlas with r line package.
@@trent7080 if you're so stuck up on brand name that you buy the inferior vehicle or spend way more on comparable vehicles, then you deserve what you get.
@@james2042 I dont care about brand name. These Hyundai and KIA SUVs dont tow or handle as well as some of the other options. People buy based on their own needs and wants. That doesn't make their choice "inferior "
The issue is at least up to this point..price isn’t really that much better.. have a couple dealers out here that have tellurides marked up 5-10k.. and you never see any lease deals, money off, or 0%/low finance offers on them either.. So sure if going msrp to msrp they win, but if you’re like most people that have to lease or finance, then you’ll actually most likely pay less for the atlas
I commented before and I'll say it again, Alex, please ensure you have captions enabled, for the hearing impaired it's the only way to watch your series!
They are always enabled, but UA-cam is responsible for their creation and we have no control over when they appear. Hiring an actual transcription service to create "real" captions is not possible due to the high cost of transcription.
It takes a while for UA-cam to autotranscribe the closed captions and to process all of the SD/HD viewing options. If all the options aren't there, it probably means the video was just uploaded. Wait 30 or so minutes and come back to the video.
Ppl need to understand that Vw it’s not on mpg specifically on big suv , I got mine 18 del vr6 it’s the star powerful enough it’s not a race suv but it’s roomy 79 mill on it still running good
Great video as always! And I like the new intro too. As to VW improving the Atlas in the future, my hope is that VW with its electrification goals would have a 4-cylinder, full hybrid versions that would have the towing and acceleration performance of a V-6 but the fuel economy of a four. This could be achieved from the parts bin of VW, with a pancake motor, a dual clutch transmission, and a small-flat battery mounted under the driver and passenger seat area. The fuel economy is a deal-breaker for me.
to sum it all up, for me, the explorer wins easily. i must have RWD. the base engine is far better with MPGs than all others AND the korean twins actually have real-world lower mpg. i need to feel some fun and want to drive. not a big fan of the bling and tempting "near-luxury" of the competition since this is EXACTLY what looks bad 50K miles down the road. keep it simple. i guess, the third row these days for me is needless, so perhaps the smaller atlas sport or 2row pilot would be my other options as the edge is pretty old.
I'd be surprised if the Kia and Hyundai has worse overall gas mileage. It's turbocharged engines that almost always get higher EPA ratings than they deliver in real world driving. A V-6 tends to be fairly close to its ratings.
@@markmiller3279 well, not so. however, IF you cannot control yourself and insist on feeling the push all the time, ya, then they don't do well. however, my 2010 3.5 twin turbo MKS is right now showing an average of 22.1 MPG. i do drive carefully and in fact, at 104K miles, I STILL have the original brakes. this is because driving is a skill. judging red lights is a skill. driving ahead is a skill. so, ya, depending upon how skilled you are makes a difference. but many people do report lower everyday numbers on the korean, and most, suvs.
We're a family of 6, so 7 vs 8 seats is huge. I wonder why so many auto makers won't just make 8 seaters by default. I'm sure I'm not the only one this is a non starter for...
@@alliejr I actually tow with mine. An 8 seat Durango or even Pathfinder would be ideal for that extra 1k plus towing capacity vs the midsize SUV crowd.
There's no shortage of luxury and mainstream full size SUVs that seem to suggest otherwise...The pathfinder not withstanding, it just seems odd not to offer 3 in the rear especially when you don't have a full size SUV that would it would possibly compete with.
Once kids are grown from their child seats - I would think about getting something like Corvette C8 or a Jaaaag... :) As for the current line up in this segment - Explorer looks like a better option. I.e. me as a driver going long distances would appreciate some dynamics and fun a slightly more than convenience.
My last Volkswagen was purchased six years ago, three purchased vehicles total. All three had reliability issues, AKA money pits. I will never buy a VW product anytime soon.
It would be nice, if you guys(reviewers) would mention something about reliability as well. We are watching these videos, we get excited about the vehicle, and then after some research, we find out, that they have reliability issues.
@@fcex558 Many crossovers don't have all that much ground clearance either, usually no more than an inch or two extra - certainly not enough for anything but a reasonably well maintained dirt road. For people who need ground clearance there are a few choices that give up a lot of interior space, and usually cost more for what they offer.
Good review but why do you always exclude GM models, which outsell many of the competitors you listed. Also, your facts aren't correct. The traverse has the most cargo room!
Great video and always love the reviews!! So in depth and gets into the necessary detail. But there is an editing error in this video. When comparing to the Telluride and Palisade, the banner says Toyota Palisade and not Hyundai. But Kia is correct. Love the content!!!
The Atlas refresh is handsome, but the powertrain and interior design are boring. I think the Hyundai/KIA twins have nailed the interior design; they LOOK luxurious compared to the Atlas, Explorer, Traverse, Durango, etc. I just wish that they had the power/fun factor as well. Explorer and Durango make it fun to drive a family hauler even though I have a '14 Mustang GT in the stable.
And Honda is embattled in a Class Action Lawsuit regarding the Infotainment system that breaks and cannot currently be fixed. Been driving a Pilot for 10 years. Picking up my new 21.5 Atlas on Saturday.
@@chieftan69 Sorry to hear Honda is being stubborn. That happens a lot. They deny problems often. I have a 2020 Civic Touring sedan and I’m looking to trade it in myself.
Correct. And even then it may be possible for small kids to get to it by scrambling between captain's chairs, on models so equipped. That's especially true on the Kia/Hyundai models, which have four or five inches more total legroom, so kids can get by the child seats. Little kids are good at getting through tight spaces.
@@prakashambastha7530 it matters because the target costumers for this segment has children AND plan to use the third row. Otherwise, they’d buy a two row...
@@msrr1303 I believe most of the customers who buy 3 row SUV, keep their 3rd row folded most of the time and its primarily used for extra cargo space. I have rarely seen anyone using 3rd row for passenger hauling.Customer who genuinely need 3rd row , they go for mini van rather than SUV.
The Ascent doesn't sell all that well and its smaller inside. There isn't room for every 3-row in America so we had to leave out most of them and focus on the primary cross-shops via independent data. Also missing is the Durango, CX-9, Acadia, Traverse, Pathfinder, Sorento, Enclave, Outlander...
What about VW reliability compared to KIA/Toyota options? I am looking for a family SUV with two young kids and Atlas seems a good option on paper but I am skeptical about long term reliability.
I’d strongly suggest looking at the upcoming Sienna Hybrid. Far more functional than an SUV and waayyy more fuel efficient then any SUV other than the Highlander hybrid (they share the same power train). Toyota’s hybrid technology is simply the most reliable thing you can buy, their “transmission” design is incredible, Alex talks about it in his Toyota hybrid videos.
Consumer reports rating= Telluride 92 with above average reliability, Highlander 86 with above average reliability. VW Atlas 61 with a far below average reliability rating. Personally I’d look at Kia/Hyundai twins, Toyota, Subaru, or Mazda.
@@BullittHilts totally agree. We wanted an SUV but once I went to dealer and folded the third row into the floor and looked at the cargo capacity between the Sienna and Highlander I decided against an SUV as the cargo capacity is twice that of SUVs. Waiting for the 2021 Sienna myself.
I know, guys, the suspense of what the seat rating will be was KILLING you! 9 out of 10!!! Who would have thought! Who wants to bet it's going to be 9 out of 10 in the next review? Any takers?
Alex,What is it that you have with mother in law,mother in law gets dumped in every 3rd row review,I should watch your durango review to see if you say you throw her in the cargo and tow,lol.
While I like the exterior styling of the Atlast and Atlast CrossSport, I hate the interior...it looks so dated and the colors of the seats aren't appealing to the eye....the entire infotainment area, AC controls and shifter needs a complete update...
@@blackwhirlwind1245 True, I always felt people just hate on CVTs for no reason until I rented a Nissan Altima for a 1300 mile road trip, omg worse driving experience ever.
@@fcex558 it’s not going to come out in March 2021, whatever you see online are all rumors, no actual confirmation, Nissan never reveal anything about New Pathfinder. It may come out at the end of 2021 at the earliest.
Who buys these junky SUVs? A cursory Google search on them yields info on their poor quality. I guess it’s ok to lease them but to buy them? I think not.
still don't get the obsession over how the telluride looks...it totally looks like a old tahoe/suburban/american suv knockoff with modern LED lights...and no one was ever saying a tahoe is attractive.. mazda cx9 is a hell of a lot better looking and more modern..
@Jonathan A more power to ya. I ain't saying it's an ugly car, just don't think anything about the looks are groundbreaking..Palisade looks more attractive and interesting.
Not worth money. Nothing special. More Cons than Pros...VR6 Slow acceleration- no turbo V6, Horrible ride quality stiff suspension even with 18in wheels, Horrible MPG, Terrible headlight visibility- no fogs for 2020, not 8 passenger suv, Low reliability, Expensive parts, No Hybrid or Plugin....................PROS- space inside, Good Haldex AWD like Volvo, Reliable AISIN transmission....nothing else............PACK LEADER - Ford Explorer...look at the sales figures, police fleet use them, much powerful SUV......Toyota, Honda, VW, Mazda - please follow the leader FORD😜👍 JUST LOOK THE STATS FOR 3ROW SUV SEGMENT & YOU KNOW WHY EXPLORER DOMINATES SALES..
Police departments buy the Explorer because they sell a police version, not because it's any better as a family vehicle. None of these are slow enough to be a problem. If you prioritize speed the Explorer is your best choice, but that's like buying a turnip because it tastes the most like a carrot.
@@markmiller3279 then you say why Explorer dominates sales in 3 row suv segment more than highlander or pilot. Or do you say all who buy explorer are fools😜.
So clearly in the comparison section I meant Hyundai Palisade, not Toyota Palisade. LOL
my whole world has been shattered , By your Honest Mistake".. But ever since I became a Leftist I think you're a racist an should be Cancelled!! :):)
Haha mistakes are mistakes !! Love the content
How absolute dare you
You are the best on UA-cam when it comes to auto reviews, thank you for being so detailed Alex!!
Toyota makes a Palisade too?
I think that Atlas is also really strong for "old" families. With all the room in the back rows, middleschool/highschoolers have no issue getting back there and it's plenty roomy for 6 adults as well.
Engine, transmission, space, comfort, design, functionality and versatility are among best in class.
No, no, yes, no, no, no, maybe
@@elenapodmareva2533 yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes and yes
@@msrr1303 Haha, enjoy Atlas then. And prepare for a lot of malfunctions
@@elenapodmareva2533 electric malfunctions aren’t mentioned in my comment. But thanks for the irrelevant thoughts.
VW should thank you Alex. We just bought a 2021.5 atlas and your review definitely inspired the purchase.
Hello sir, can I ask you how are you satisfied with the car so far?
The Telluride and Palisade almost have to be ordered since there is no stock. One dealer tried to sell us a used 2021Telluride with 6,900 miles for $75,000. The third row in the Atlas has more room and the bench is longer. Long story short, we bought the Atlas SEL with captains chairs.
This 2nd row seat system should be in all SUVs / Minivan - so easy, simple and clever and so important in family vehicle. One thing is missing - another two iso fix points in 3rd row.
Just picked one up. 2021 SE 2WD R line with Tech and Captain chairs. My wife loves it in Racing green.
@Stereo Typist stop hating. I picked one up too. Way better than that piece of junk Honda i had. Honda is overrated beyond belief
@Stereo Typist its called leasing wont have any
@Stereo Typist its called a tax write off for business.
I also grabbed one in racing green. Such a gorgeous color in the sun. Looks black otherwise to most people
@@Zeus0886 I agree Honda is overrated unreliable junk now
Just test drove a 2021 Atlas today. Can’t wait to get it
Now that they stripped 2021 VW models of the Dieselgate warranty I would avoid all there products like the plague. They cost cut everywhere and just aren't put together well (North America models). I mean they stopped that extended warranty because they realized how much it is going to cost them. Get a Telluride, Palisade, or even something like a Highlander Hybrid or Mazda CX9 if the third row size isn't a big ordeal. Just so many better options out there
everytime I see a comment of yours, its very negative or biased. Do better.
@@trent7080 its called the truth. Look at every other comment on here. Thanks for singling me out.
@@trent7080 pretty sure that is harassment
@@trent7080 Suggesting multiple better alternatives is hardly negative. It's just opining that in this category there are better options.
VW introduced its "People First" warranty in 2018. It provided a 6 yr/72K bumper to bumper warranty. In 2020 VW replaced it with a 4 year/50K mile warranty but included 2 years of free maintenance (a $600-$800 value). Still a year longer and 14,000 mile longer than other automakers other than Hyundai and KIA.
With that in mind, it's difficult to see how VW "realized how much (the "People First) warranty was going to cost them" when virtually no 2018 and 2019 vehicles had even come close to being in the fifth or sixth years of ownership. Furthermore, from a consumer perspective two years of free maintenance for each and every vehicle sold has to be balanced against the likelihood that a warranty claim would be covered five or six years after purchase, an event that very few owners would ever experience. (Well over 95% of all vehicles sold by any automaker never experience a warranty covered failure. Long warranties are a marketing tool; they cost automakers very, very little.)
So it comes down to this. Would you rather have a guaranteed savings of $600-$800 in maintenance or the chance that a warranty claim might (but probably won't) be required five or six years after purchase?
Alex you are the reason we purchased a 2021.5 VW Atlas SEL! Needed a 3 row suv as we outgrew our Honda Odyssey as our kids are getting bigger. Thanks for the advice and excellent videos.
Same here, traded in a 2017 Odyssey for 2021 Atlas
How do you guys like the Atlas now? Pondering if we should get this or the Odyssey/Sienna.
You are my favorite car reviewer. Everything is chronological and your analysis is logical and practical. I like how you review the car like reading a script so I can sometimes just listen to it when I'm driving. I especially like your static camera angles and when it's not static it's slow smooth and detailed so I can take in all the fine details of exterior and interior. I find a big problem with most other reviewers is sloppy, shaky and random camera work and shows too much of the reviewer. I don't want to see the reviewer except once maybe to compare size of exterior and interior seating/roominess. Keep up the great work I'm a paid subscriber and don't change anything!
I also love your graphics of size comparison engine options and seat specs. I would recommend a short clip of night ambient lighting as that seems like the next big thing.
I own the 2018 Atlas, SEL AWD. only complains I have is the fuel economy. Otherwise, this vehicle has been perfect for our family needs in every department. If you do a lot more highway driving the city the gas isn't so bad, but if you do mostly city driving the low mpg gas is gonna hurt...
totally agree,. I have an 2018 SEL AWD also and yes i have topped out at 28mpg hwy with 4 people. BUT city driving sinks to well below 20mpg. Very comfortable vehicle.
Kia Telluride has $10.000 markup in California. No, thanks.
Still the case here in BC today! 10-15% over MSRP for the Telluride, just under MSRP for Atlas.
Just found your channel. Have to say probably the best videos for car reviews...well done with the detailed comparisons. It’s a good touch.
love the in-depth reviews! but there is no way combined legroom of atlas is less than the competition. maybe use consumer reports figures instead of manufacturer’s
My pick would be Highlander Hybrid. Roomy enough and compact SUV fuel economy
Just test drove that and disagree..!
@@otismurphy4428 and disagree with...?
@@joreldavis4069 that Toyota was pretty unimpressive ,but I digested your post though..!
Agreed. Styling is not impressive. The impressive part is the combo of room and fuel economy.
@@joreldavis4069 thanks 4 your info ... I was taking your comments and others seriously. Take care and thanks again.
Cancelled our kia telluride order since the dealership kept lying to us on when our telluride would come in. Ordered in sept said it would come in 2to3 months not said it would he here till 2021 so it could be whenever that is.
Telluride has a lot of nice features but never know when it would come in and what resale value would be down the road. Wife and I are going with the atlas with r line package.
Loved mine SEL PREMIUM 2.0T with captains chairs 💺😍
Between price and warranty, the hyundai twins go unparalleled in this segment of large 3 row crossovers.
Everyone doesn't want a Hyundai or KIA.
@@trent7080 True however that premium interior design + total leg room is hard to deny.
@@trent7080 if you're so stuck up on brand name that you buy the inferior vehicle or spend way more on comparable vehicles, then you deserve what you get.
@@james2042 I dont care about brand name. These Hyundai and KIA SUVs dont tow or handle as well as some of the other options. People buy based on their own needs and wants. That doesn't make their choice "inferior "
The issue is at least up to this point..price isn’t really that much better.. have a couple dealers out here that have tellurides marked up 5-10k.. and you never see any lease deals, money off, or 0%/low finance offers on them either..
So sure if going msrp to msrp they win, but if you’re like most people that have to lease or finance, then you’ll actually most likely pay less for the atlas
I LOVE that there are only two seats in the 3rd row! make the seats useless when you cram three in back there.
Alex check your graphics. I Believe the Palisade is made by Hyundai not Toyota.
My favorite auto reviewer! Missed you, Alex!
I commented before and I'll say it again, Alex, please ensure you have captions enabled, for the hearing impaired it's the only way to watch your series!
They are always enabled, but UA-cam is responsible for their creation and we have no control over when they appear. Hiring an actual transcription service to create "real" captions is not possible due to the high cost of transcription.
It takes a while for UA-cam to autotranscribe the closed captions and to process all of the SD/HD viewing options. If all the options aren't there, it probably means the video was just uploaded. Wait 30 or so minutes and come back to the video.
@@spartanvi Sadly YT will take longer than a week sometimes. This video was uploaded days ago....
I’m thinking of choosing TWO sub-compact SUVs or compact sedans instead...price wise it’s not far off.
Ppl need to understand that Vw it’s not on mpg specifically on big suv , I got mine 18 del vr6 it’s the star powerful enough it’s not a race suv but it’s roomy 79 mill on it still running good
Telluride does not have strong value!! MSRP means nothing for it given that they are all selling with a dealer markup.
@jslacson not in Houston!
Great video as always! And I like the new intro too. As to VW improving the Atlas in the future, my hope is that VW with its electrification goals would have a 4-cylinder, full hybrid versions that would have the towing and acceleration performance of a V-6 but the fuel economy of a four. This could be achieved from the parts bin of VW, with a pancake motor, a dual clutch transmission, and a small-flat battery mounted under the driver and passenger seat area. The fuel economy is a deal-breaker for me.
to sum it all up, for me, the explorer wins easily.
i must have RWD. the base engine is far better with MPGs than all others AND the korean twins actually have real-world lower mpg.
i need to feel some fun and want to drive. not a big fan of the bling and tempting "near-luxury" of the competition since this is EXACTLY what looks bad 50K miles down the road.
keep
it
simple.
i guess, the third row these days for me is needless, so perhaps the smaller atlas sport or 2row pilot would be my other options as the edge is pretty old.
I'd be surprised if the Kia and Hyundai has worse overall gas mileage. It's turbocharged engines that almost always get higher EPA ratings than they deliver in real world driving. A V-6 tends to be fairly close to its ratings.
@@markmiller3279 well, not so.
however, IF you cannot control yourself and insist on feeling the push all the time, ya, then they don't do well.
however, my 2010 3.5 twin turbo MKS is right now showing an average of 22.1 MPG.
i do drive carefully and in fact, at 104K miles, I STILL have the original brakes.
this is because driving is a skill.
judging red lights is a skill.
driving ahead is a skill.
so, ya, depending upon how skilled you are makes a difference.
but many people do report lower everyday numbers on the korean, and most, suvs.
My choice is the Highlander Hybrid AWD.
This suv is literally the best
Sat in the 3rd row of the atlas and thought it was actually a decent space. I'm 5"11 and thick. Yeah VW should put an extra seat in the 3rd row tho.
We're a family of 6, so 7 vs 8 seats is huge. I wonder why so many auto makers won't just make 8 seaters by default. I'm sure I'm not the only one this is a non starter for...
Minivan.
@@alliejr I actually tow with mine. An 8 seat Durango or even Pathfinder would be ideal for that extra 1k plus towing capacity vs the midsize SUV crowd.
Statistically there aren’t that many consumer who need that many seats and towing.
There's no shortage of luxury and mainstream full size SUVs that seem to suggest otherwise...The pathfinder not withstanding, it just seems odd not to offer 3 in the rear especially when you don't have a full size SUV that would it would possibly compete with.
The average US family has 2 kids. Who the hell is needing 8 damn seats, except maybe Catholics and Mormons who are anti contraception.
Interesting that the Subaru Ascent was compared here!
Once kids are grown from their child seats - I would think about getting something like Corvette C8 or a Jaaaag... :)
As for the current line up in this segment - Explorer looks like a better option. I.e. me as a driver going long distances would appreciate some dynamics and fun a slightly more than convenience.
Jaaaaaaaag? *I’m getting some Jeremy vibes*
@@yes8032, that's a pretty accurate way to express emotion about the J vehicles :)
My last Volkswagen was purchased six years ago, three purchased vehicles total. All three had reliability issues, AKA money pits. I will never buy a VW product anytime soon.
Which models did you own?
The Atlas at last!
It would be nice, if you guys(reviewers) would mention something about reliability as well. We are watching these videos, we get excited about the vehicle, and then after some research, we find out, that they have reliability issues.
He did mention reliability in the section on competitors.
Compared to a BMW X5M the reliability and low repair costs of a VW is outstanding.
Highlander is the last of my list
Did you mention that the rear door panels are hard-touch plastic unlike the front door panels, which feature soft-touch plastic above the armrests?
Should mention excellent headroom!
How is it that the reliability rating for a palisade is higher than that of an atlas? Palisade has only been out for half the time of an atlas, right.
Just by a Mini van
It’s the most practical thing for a family with 3 or more kids. I’d be wasting my money if I got a 3 row SUV.
@@fcex558 Many crossovers don't have all that much ground clearance either, usually no more than an inch or two extra - certainly not enough for anything but a reasonably well maintained dirt road. For people who need ground clearance there are a few choices that give up a lot of interior space, and usually cost more for what they offer.
Great video. Would you personally buy the Atlas?
This looks like the Highlander from a few generations ago and even that probably would last longer than this thing.
Good review but why do you always exclude GM models, which outsell many of the competitors you listed. Also, your facts aren't correct. The traverse has the most cargo room!
i would buy the ford explorer in a solid color with steel rims and drive slow everywhere
i will wait for Atlas 2021 3/4th
it seem not tot have fog lights
@@teklegion they are integrated into the upper housings.
Great video and always love the reviews!! So in depth and gets into the necessary detail. But there is an editing error in this video. When comparing to the Telluride and Palisade, the banner says Toyota Palisade and not Hyundai. But Kia is correct.
Love the content!!!
Alex, Did you say 19 mpg???
I have the 2019 Atlas SEL and i get about 22.0 MPG.
@@teklegion V6?
There is wireless apple car play on this atlas
The Atlas refresh is handsome, but the powertrain and interior design are boring. I think the Hyundai/KIA twins have nailed the interior design; they LOOK luxurious compared to the Atlas, Explorer, Traverse, Durango, etc. I just wish that they had the power/fun factor as well. Explorer and Durango make it fun to drive a family hauler even though I have a '14 Mustang GT in the stable.
thanks for great review, `I will go for VW Atlas
Alex, Love the new intro.
2020 Explorer has 10 recalls and counting, Pilot and Passport are outdated, Telluride is priced outrageous at dealerships. Highlander is blah styling.
And Honda is embattled in a Class Action Lawsuit regarding the Infotainment system that breaks and cannot currently be fixed. Been driving a Pilot for 10 years. Picking up my new 21.5 Atlas on Saturday.
@@chieftan69 Sorry to hear Honda is being stubborn. That happens a lot. They deny problems often. I have a 2020 Civic Touring sedan and I’m looking to trade it in myself.
How does Atlas compare with Pathfinder? Both are family-friendly
Waiting on the 21.5 Atlas SEL premium
Still no auto brake hold in the US? So weird ...
Yeah in europe there vw sharan its a minivan similarly sized
Hi! 😊
Will you do a 2022 version?
i noticed it doesn't seem to have Fog lights... plus does it have LED Headlights?
Yes it does. LED headlights and LED taillights
My mother in law did not appreciate the namesake of the third row, but then she's only 5 feet tall, so.....
I would pick Hyundai Palisade
we need child friendly seat only when we have to access 3rd row right? Otherwise it doesn't matter
Correct. And even then it may be possible for small kids to get to it by scrambling between captain's chairs, on models so equipped. That's especially true on the Kia/Hyundai models, which have four or five inches more total legroom, so kids can get by the child seats. Little kids are good at getting through tight spaces.
@@markmiller3279 I don't know why Alex put so much stress on moving the middle seat with child seat latched.
@@prakashambastha7530 it matters because the target costumers for this segment has children AND plan to use the third row. Otherwise, they’d buy a two row...
@@msrr1303 I believe most of the customers who buy 3 row SUV, keep their 3rd row folded most of the time and its primarily used for extra cargo space. I have rarely seen anyone using 3rd row for passenger hauling.Customer who genuinely need 3rd row , they go for mini van rather than SUV.
lots to like. except the engine; it's GDI.
Conspicuously missing: the Subaru Ascent. How does it compare?
The Ascent doesn't sell all that well and its smaller inside. There isn't room for every 3-row in America so we had to leave out most of them and focus on the primary cross-shops via independent data. Also missing is the Durango, CX-9, Acadia, Traverse, Pathfinder, Sorento, Enclave, Outlander...
MLE for towing.
What about VW reliability compared to KIA/Toyota options? I am looking for a family SUV with two young kids and Atlas seems a good option on paper but I am skeptical about long term reliability.
VW Really good car you can buy
I’d strongly suggest looking at the upcoming Sienna Hybrid. Far more functional than an SUV and waayyy more fuel efficient then any SUV other than the Highlander hybrid (they share the same power train). Toyota’s hybrid technology is simply the most reliable thing you can buy, their “transmission” design is incredible, Alex talks about it in his Toyota hybrid videos.
Consumer reports rating= Telluride 92 with above average reliability, Highlander 86 with above average reliability. VW Atlas 61 with a far below average reliability rating. Personally I’d look at Kia/Hyundai twins, Toyota, Subaru, or Mazda.
@@BullittHilts totally agree. We wanted an SUV but once I went to dealer and folded the third row into the floor and looked at the cargo capacity between the Sienna and Highlander I decided against an SUV as the cargo capacity is twice that of SUVs. Waiting for the 2021 Sienna myself.
Reliability cannot be measured. Every model is unique.
I know, guys, the suspense of what the seat rating will be was KILLING you! 9 out of 10!!! Who would have thought! Who wants to bet it's going to be 9 out of 10 in the next review? Any takers?
*hauler not hauller
Still looking forward to a current generation Traverse review.
That interior is its glaring weakness.
@jslacson Because it looks cheap
Alex,What is it that you have with mother in law,mother in law gets dumped in every 3rd row review,I should watch your durango review to see if you say you throw her in the cargo and tow,lol.
Well nice car
While I like the exterior styling of the Atlast and Atlast CrossSport, I hate the interior...it looks so dated and the colors of the seats aren't appealing to the eye....the entire infotainment area, AC controls and shifter needs a complete update...
Scotty says Honda will run circles around Hyundai
The Atlas will suck gas money out of your pocket real fast.
Great review
Wait for the new pathfinder....I am hoping for major updates
It doesn’t matter, one thing that is not going to change is they will continue to use Jatco CVT
@@blackwhirlwind1245 True, I always felt people just hate on CVTs for no reason until I rented a Nissan Altima for a 1300 mile road trip, omg worse driving experience ever.
It’s not just how they drive. It’s severe reliability issues. Honda and Subaru have also had problems with theirs.
@@fcex558 source? Never heard anything of New Pathfinder.
@@fcex558 it’s not going to come out in March 2021, whatever you see online are all rumors, no actual confirmation, Nissan never reveal anything about New Pathfinder. It may come out at the end of 2021 at the earliest.
Who buys these junky SUVs? A cursory Google search on them yields info on their poor quality. I guess it’s ok to lease them but to buy them? I think not.
Dat godaweful intro 🙁
I would pick Hyundai Palaside white.
The selling point is “mother in law”
20:07 Toyota Palisade?
Yikes.
@@AAutoBuyersGuide No problem. Keep up the good work Alex!
Fake vent central. Both front and rear.
still don't get the obsession over how the telluride looks...it totally looks like a old tahoe/suburban/american suv knockoff with modern LED lights...and no one was ever saying a tahoe is attractive.. mazda cx9 is a hell of a lot better looking and more modern..
@Jonathan A more power to ya. I ain't saying it's an ugly car, just don't think anything about the looks are groundbreaking..Palisade looks more attractive and interesting.
The Telluride's a handsome vehicle, but I agree it isn't terribly groundbreaking. The CX-9 has always been especially stylish.
If you need a 3rd row, how can you NOT by a mini-van??
Reliability? Not so good and the mediocre warranty supports that fact
Cowawbunga
Believe it or not the interior is even more boring in person...
Volkswagen is like the Mazda of German cars, people tend to forget about them.
I will never buy another VW. My pick in this category is the Mazda CX-9
Still way too much hard plastic
ah yes, the toyota palisade.(20:40)
Don't trust volkswagen company.
Yo
Second
Not worth money. Nothing special. More Cons than Pros...VR6 Slow acceleration- no turbo V6, Horrible ride quality stiff suspension even with 18in wheels, Horrible MPG, Terrible headlight visibility- no fogs for 2020, not 8 passenger suv, Low reliability, Expensive parts, No Hybrid or Plugin....................PROS- space inside, Good Haldex AWD like Volvo, Reliable AISIN transmission....nothing else............PACK LEADER - Ford Explorer...look at the sales figures, police fleet use them, much powerful SUV......Toyota, Honda, VW, Mazda - please follow the leader FORD😜👍 JUST LOOK THE STATS FOR 3ROW SUV SEGMENT & YOU KNOW WHY EXPLORER DOMINATES SALES..
Police departments buy the Explorer because they sell a police version, not because it's any better as a family vehicle. None of these are slow enough to be a problem. If you prioritize speed the Explorer is your best choice, but that's like buying a turnip because it tastes the most like a carrot.
@@markmiller3279 then you say why Explorer dominates sales in 3 row suv segment more than highlander or pilot. Or do you say all who buy explorer are fools😜.
Asian competitors are much better and more durable.
US Volkswagen is known as a poor quality manufacturer :(