2020 VW Atlas Changes, Colors, Release Date
This large crossover has been around for a coupe of years and it already managed to establish a relatively decent position on the market. Therefore, it is still early for a mid-cycle update, so there aren’t too many 2020 VW Atlas changes to come. We are about to see a familiar design, as well as the same engines under the hood. On the other side, there is a number of novelties in terms of standard equipment. Each trim level comes with a couple of new standard features and that is practically everything we get from the new model.
2020 VW Atlas Changes
As well already mentioned, the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas changes are mostly about new standard features. For example, the infotainment system comes with a couple of novelties, including Car-Net 2.0, Wi-Fi hotspot etc. Another novelty is that the foot-activated liftgate and rear parking sensors are now available in the mid-range SE trim levels. Also, both SE and SEL trims come with new wheels, with 20 and 21 inches in diameter, respectively.
Still, the biggest novelty for the next year isn’t actually that pleasant to hear. The class-leading bumper-to-bumper warranty at six years and 72,000 miles of coverage in no longer available. It has been shortened to four years or 50,000 miles. Still, a good thing is that you can count on two years of regularly scheduled maintenance for free.
2020 VW Atlas Design
As you can see, the number of changes isn’t that big, so the 2020 VW Atlas specs are actually pretty much the same as for the previous year model. This model rides on the company’s modular MQB platform and features one of the longest wheelbases in the segment. Therefore, the model’s main strength is a spacious interior. Still, the SUV is surprisingly maneuverable and it handles pretty well. On the other side, the ride can be pretty firm some times, while sound insulation isn’t particularly good, especially when it comes to noise that comes from wheels.
It terms of the styling, not a single change will come. This model follows the company’s familiar design language, characterized by simple and pretty conservative lines. Even the list 2020 VW Atlas colors will be the same as for the current model, according to the latest reports.
Interior
As we already mentioned, the interior space is definitely the strongest point of this crossover. With more than 117 inches in wheelbase, it’s no wonder that we are talking about one of the most spacious models in the class. There is plenty of legroom in all three rows and even the third one cany comfortably accommodate adult passengers. The cargo area is also pretty spacious. You can count on about 20.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, while the overall cargo capacity goes up to 97 cubic feet, which is comparable even with full-size SUVs.
On the other side, the overall interior quality isn’t that impressive. Moreover, you will find a lot of low-rent materials, something that isn’t typical for this brand. The dashboard design is very simple and lacks refinement, so we could say that this model definitely can’t match most rivals in this aspect.
Powertrain
The engine lineup is about to remain the same. Base versions will come with a 2.0-liter turbo-four, which is good for about 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Such amount of power definitely isn’t enough for a vehicle of this size, so acceleration is sluggish. Things are slightly better with an optional V6, which delivers around 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. However, this V6 is pretty thirsty for the class, as it returns only about 19 mpg in a combined drive. On the other side, the turbo-four may be slow, but the fuel economy is pretty good. It goes around 22 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The handling seems composed, but not as in models like Mazda CX-9, Ford Explorer and similar models.
2020 VW Atlas Cross Sport
For the next year, we also expect a two-row version of this SUV, which will come as the 2020 VW Atlas Cross Sport. This model features a couple of differences compared to the standard model, although the basics are the same. For example, this model is shorter for about 5.7 inches, which are all chopped from the rear end, so the new model gets a much sportier look. Also, it features a coupe-like, sloping roof layout, which improves visual appeal even more. On the inside, things will be essentially the same, except that there will be just two rows of seats. Unfortunately, things will remain pretty much the same under the hood.
When Will 2020 VW Atlas Be Available?
We expect that the 2020 VW Atlas release date will be scheduled for the last quarter of the year. Changes in price are not expected, so base models will go around 32.000 dollars.
