So, you're thinking about the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas SE, huh? Great choice! This SUV has been making waves, and for good reason. But before you jump in and sign on the dotted line, let's dive deep into what the Atlas SE offers. We'll cover everything from its performance and features to its interior space and overall value. By the end of this review, you'll have a solid understanding of whether the 2020 VW Atlas SE is the right SUV for you and your family.

What is Volkswagen Atlas?

The Volkswagen Atlas is a mid-size SUV manufactured by the German automaker Volkswagen since 2017. It features three-row seating and is bigger than the Tiguan. The Atlas is Volkswagen's largest SUV and is specifically designed to cater to the North American market, where there's a high demand for spacious and family-friendly vehicles. It is known for its comfortable ride, ample cargo space, and user-friendly technology, making it a popular choice for families looking for a reliable and versatile SUV. The Atlas comes in various trim levels, each offering different features and options to suit a range of preferences and budgets. It typically offers a choice between a four-cylinder and a V6 engine, providing a balance of fuel efficiency and power. With its combination of practicality, comfort, and modern amenities, the Volkswagen Atlas has become a competitive player in the crowded mid-size SUV segment. Its spacious interior and focus on family-oriented features have helped it carve out a niche among buyers seeking a dependable and capable vehicle for their daily needs and longer trips. The Atlas is assembled at Volkswagen's plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, highlighting its importance to the brand's presence and strategy in the North American market. Over the years, the Atlas has received updates and enhancements to stay competitive, including refreshed styling, improved technology, and additional safety features. These ongoing improvements reflect Volkswagen's commitment to providing a compelling and relevant product in the ever-evolving SUV landscape. The Atlas stands as a testament to Volkswagen's ability to adapt to regional market demands while maintaining its core values of quality and engineering.

Performance and Handling of the 2020 Atlas SE

Let's talk performance. Under the hood of the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas SE, you'll typically find a 3.6-liter V6 engine. This engine delivers around 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. What does that mean for you? It means you've got enough power to confidently merge onto the highway, pass slower traffic, and even tow a small trailer if needed. The Atlas SE isn't a sports car, but it offers adequate acceleration for everyday driving situations. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, contributing to a comfortable and refined driving experience.

Handling-wise, the Atlas SE is designed for comfort rather than sporty agility. The ride is smooth and composed, even on rougher roads. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in parking lots and around town. While it's not the most engaging SUV to drive on winding roads, it excels at providing a relaxed and comfortable ride for both the driver and passengers. One thing to keep in mind is that the Atlas is a large vehicle, so it can feel a bit cumbersome in tight spaces. However, the available driver-assistance features, such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, help to mitigate this issue. Overall, the 2020 Atlas SE offers a balanced driving experience that prioritizes comfort and ease of use. It's a great choice for families who value a smooth ride and confident handling in various driving conditions. For those seeking more engaging performance, other SUVs in the segment might be a better fit, but the Atlas SE holds its own as a comfortable and capable family hauler.

Interior and Features of the 2020 Atlas SE

Stepping inside the 2020 Atlas SE, you'll immediately notice the spaciousness. This SUV is designed with families in mind, and it shows. The seats are comfortable and supportive, even on long drives. The second-row seats slide and recline, allowing passengers to customize their seating position for optimal comfort. And the third-row seats are surprisingly spacious for an SUV in this class, making them suitable for adults on shorter trips. The Atlas SE comes standard with a variety of features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a rearview camera. These features make it easy to stay connected and entertained on the road. The infotainment system is user-friendly and responsive, and the smartphone integration allows you to seamlessly access your favorite apps and music. Other notable features of the Atlas SE include tri-zone automatic climate control, which allows you to set different temperatures for the front and rear of the vehicle, and a suite of driver-assistance features, such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. These features help to enhance safety and provide added peace of mind while driving. While the interior of the Atlas SE isn't the most luxurious in its class, it's well-built and functional. The materials are durable and easy to clean, which is a plus for families with young children. Overall, the interior of the 2020 Atlas SE is a comfortable and practical space that's well-suited for families who need a spacious and versatile SUV.

Technology and Safety of the 2020 Atlas SE

When it comes to technology and safety, the 2020 Atlas SE doesn't disappoint. As mentioned earlier, it comes standard with a user-friendly touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This allows you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation. The system is responsive and easy to navigate, making it a breeze to use while driving. In terms of safety, the Atlas SE comes standard with a suite of driver-assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. These features help to prevent accidents and provide added peace of mind while driving. The Atlas SE also boasts a rearview camera, which makes it easier to back up and park in tight spaces. Other available safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and park distance control. These features can further enhance safety and convenience. The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas has earned good safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This is a testament to its robust construction and comprehensive safety features. Overall, the Atlas SE offers a good balance of technology and safety features that make it a safe and convenient choice for families. While it may not have all the latest and greatest tech gadgets, it covers the essentials and provides a solid foundation for a safe and enjoyable driving experience.

Fuel Efficiency and Value of the 2020 Atlas SE

Let's face it, fuel efficiency is a major concern for most car buyers, especially when it comes to SUVs. The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas SE with the V6 engine gets an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. These numbers are fairly typical for a mid-size SUV with a V6 engine. However, it's important to keep in mind that your actual fuel economy may vary depending on your driving habits and conditions. If you're looking to save on gas, you might consider the four-cylinder version of the Atlas, which gets slightly better fuel economy. But keep in mind that the four-cylinder engine may not provide as much power as the V6, especially when towing or hauling cargo.

In terms of value, the 2020 Atlas SE offers a compelling package. It's priced competitively within its segment and comes standard with a variety of features. When you consider its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and user-friendly technology, it's easy to see why the Atlas SE is a popular choice for families. Of course, value is subjective and depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for the most luxurious SUV in its class, the Atlas SE may not be the best fit. But if you're looking for a practical, reliable, and well-equipped SUV at a reasonable price, the Atlas SE is definitely worth considering. Overall, the 2020 Atlas SE offers a good balance of fuel efficiency and value. It's not the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market, but it's reasonably competitive in its class. And its combination of features, space, and price make it a compelling value proposition for families.

Is the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas SE Right for You?

So, after all that, the big question remains: Is the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas SE the right SUV for you? Well, let's recap. This SUV offers a spacious interior, a comfortable ride, user-friendly technology, and a range of safety features. It's powered by a capable V6 engine that provides adequate performance for everyday driving. And it's priced competitively within its segment.

If you're looking for a family-friendly SUV that can comfortably accommodate passengers and cargo, the Atlas SE is definitely worth considering. Its spacious third-row seats and ample cargo space make it a great choice for families who need to haul kids, gear, and groceries. If you value comfort and convenience, the Atlas SE's smooth ride and user-friendly technology will likely appeal to you. The touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and available driver-assistance features make it easy to stay connected and safe on the road. However, if you're looking for a sporty and engaging driving experience, the Atlas SE may not be the best fit. While it handles well and provides adequate power, it's not the most exciting SUV to drive. And if you're looking for the most luxurious SUV in its class, you may want to consider other options. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not the 2020 Atlas SE is right for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. But if you're looking for a practical, reliable, and well-equipped SUV at a reasonable price, it's definitely worth a look. Go test drive one and see for yourself! You might just fall in love.