.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
2023 Volkswagen Atlas
.jpg)
- Best in Class Carseat Capability: The second row is extremely car seat friendly. There are three sets of lower anchors across the bench and tether anchors on all five rear seats. The car-seat-friendly tilt feature is a game changer because you can access the third row without uninstalling a car seat
- Comfortable Third Row & Cargo: The third row is surprisingly usable for a midsize SUV. I had actual legroom back there, and it comes with side vents, cup holders, and lighting. Even with the third row up, you still get about 18 cubic feet of cargo space, which is enough to fit a full-size stroller plus a little extra.
- Big, Spacious SUV in the Mid-Size Class: The Atlas is one of the largest mid-size SUVs on the market, great for families who want more space without jumping to full-size or a minivan.
The Exterior
Volkswagen keeps the Atlas simple — and I mean that in the best way.
The front end is bold with a prominent VW badge, subtle chrome accents, and cohesive hood lines that make it look strong without being overdesigned. The 20-inch rims give it a sporty stance, and I love how the beltline follows the curve of the wheel well. Around back, you get wraparound taillights and a clean chrome bar with ATLAS embossed into it.
It’s sleek. It’s athletic. It’s not trying too hard.
The Atlas comes with two engine choices:
- 4-cylinder
- 3.6L V6
I’ve driven both, and I personally prefer the V6. It offers stronger performance and better towing capacity, which matters for families hauling boats, trailers, or campers. Yes, it comes with a higher price tag but the added power feels worth it to me
First Row
The Atlas interior has always been one of my favorites for pure functionality.
It doesn’t feel flashy. It doesn’t feel overly intricate. It just works.
What Stands Out:
- Simple, intuitive infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Physical climate controls
- Huge center console
- Massive door cubbies (40oz water bottle approved)
The screen is smaller than many competitors, but it’s functional. I’d mostly use CarPlay anyway.
I especially appreciate how easy it is to adjust rear climate from the front. If you’re a parent, you know how important that is when a kid starts yelling that they’re hot.
The center console is deep and wide, with additional USB-C ports inside. Volkswagen has fully moved to USB-C, so that’s what you’ll find throughout.
Cup holders? Elite. Volkswagen consistently nails cup holder design.
Second Row
Second Row: Bench or Captain’s Chairs
The Atlas offers both configurations:
- Bench = 7 passengers
- Captain’s chairs = 6 passengers
And I will say it loud and clear:
The Atlas bench is amazing.
It’s wide enough for legitimate three-across setups. Even with captain’s chairs, though, the space is impressive.
Car Seat Setup:
- Lower anchors in outboard seats
- Tether anchors in all four rear seating positions
- Built-in sunshades
- Excellent side cubbies
Only downside, no ceiling vents!!
Third Row Access:
One of my favorite features in the Atlas is the car-seat-friendly tilt.
If your car seat is installed with lower anchors, you can tilt and slide the entire seat forward to access the third row — without uninstalling the seat.
This works great for:
- Infant seat bases
- Forward-facing seats with LATCH
- Boosters with lower anchor connectors
That feature alone makes the Atlas incredibly practical for growing families.
Third Row
Third Row: Shockingly Spacious
Here’s the thing about the Atlas — the third row is actually usable.
At six feet tall, I still have:
- Solid headroom
- Good knee clearance
- Wide seating
- Pillar-mounted vents
- Cup holders and cubbies
The third-row ventilation is actually better positioned than the second row vents.
And because it’s only two seats back there, you get actual elbow room.
Trunk
With the third row up, you get 18 cubic feet of cargo space, which is strong for a midsize seven-passenger SUV.
My UPPAbaby Vista fits back there — and that’s saying something.
There are also:
- Side storage compartments
- Illuminated cargo areas
- Easy fold-flat third row seats
When the third row is down, the trunk becomes impressively spacious.
For reference, only vehicles like the Chevy Traverse and Buick Enclave offer more cargo room in this category.
Safety
Recommended Car Seats for
Community Reviews
32 Reviews
purchase
again
Relevent Links
Car Organization for Moms: My Best Tips For All Vehicles!
Which Cars Fit Three Car Seats Across? | See The List!
2024 Chevrolet Traverse Controversy | Head Restraints, Pricing, and More
Chevy Teen Driver Technology
Chevy Teen Driver Technology
Car Organization | My Best Tips For All Models!
Check Engine Light On? Here's What You Need to Know!
What To Do If Your Car Has a Recall?
Requesting an Extended Test Drive | The Key to Finding the Perfect Family-Friendly Car
Oops! Your Car Got Hail Damage: Here's What to Do Next
Clean Cars Drive Better: Tips For Cleaning Your Car Interior
Decoding the Warning Lights on Your Car's Dashboard
WELCOME TO THE BACHELORETTE SURVIVORS MEETING
WEDDING DRESS NIGHTMARE
WE DON’T WANT TO SEE YOUR MAN-JAMMIES
UP THE CREEK WITHOUT A PADDLE
TYLER’S IN A CREEK. THERE’S A PADDLE. WHICH WAY IS HE HEADED?
TWICE A WEEK GIRLIES
THIS PODCAST IS DAD APPROVED
THIS IS OUR BABY MAKING ERA
THIS IS NOT A DRIVEWAY DUMP
THE MOSTLY KELLY SHOW
THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH IS AT TRADER JOES
THE CLEAN (MARRIED AND PREGNANT) GIRL AESTHETIC
THE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT
TARGET VS KOHLS
REMINDER: YOU CAN GO TO JAIL (FOR LIFE) FOR PLAGIARISM!
SPILLING THE TEA BEFORE NYC
SYDNEY SLIDES INTO THE SHOW
SO…HOW WAS THE CAR SHOW?
SO TRUE, BESTIE
SHOPPING AND BAKING AND READING AND SIMPING
SELF CARE STARTS AT THE CAR WASH
RAIN OR SHINE, THE SHOW MUST GO ON
PUT YOUR LASAGNA IN A LOAF PAN
PICK-A-PRINCE
PASS THE FLAT MEAT SANDWICHES
PODCAST ON FLEEK
OH, BOY
NAPS ARE NEVER WRONG
OF COURSE WE HAVE A COURSE
NEW YORK (AUTO SHOW) STATE OF MIND
NAPTIME
MUCH TO PURR ABOUT
MILITARY SCHOOL AND QUICKSAND D-COMS
LESS THAN ONE WEEK UNTIL THE WEDDING AND EVERYTHING IS OK!
LAST ONE OF 2022
KIDS, COME MEET YOUR NEW MOM, ALEXA!
KEEPIN’ IT ONE HUNNED WITH MATTIE
KEEP AUSTIN WEIRD
IS WINE WITHOUT ALCOHOL JUST GRAPE JUICE?
HOT GIRLS WALKING
INTRODUCING MR. AND MRS. ST. JOHN
GRAYSON RIDES WITH THE CARPOOL
FUNCTIONAL CLUTTER
FALL IS IN THE AIR
EXPECTING A TIP FOR THIS EPISODE, PLEASE
CRESCENT ROLLS ARE LIFE
COUNTING OUR MACROS (AND MICROS AND MID-TIERS)
COLESLAW LAW
CARPOOL IS A CANDY PODCAST NOW
SO MANY SELTZERS, SO LITTLE TIME
VIVA LAS VEGAS
CANCELLED BY A CARB
CAN LIZZ RIZZ?
Types of Third Row Access
BOOK REVIEW - WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING
CALLING ALL HUMAN ALEXAS
BOOK RECAP: THE LOVE HYPOTHESIS
BOOK RECAP: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
BOOK RECAP: RUN, ROSE, RUN
BOOK RECAP: The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
BOOK RECAP: November 9 by Colleen Hoover
BOOK CLUB - HOW TO STOP TIME
BIG TRASH WEEK
BASIC AND PROUD OF IT
BACK FROM THE BEACH
BASIC AND PROUD OF IT
BABY STUMPE’S NAME GAME CONTINUES
What is Head-Up Display?
Are Panoramic Sunroofs Safe? | What Happens To Your Sunroof in a Collision
ADVICE GIRLIES
17,000 AND COUNTING
What is Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Depature Warning?
Standard Safety Features in the 2023 Kia Telluride
Lane Keep Assist | The BEST Safety Feature On The Market
How To Make Apple CarPlay Wireless In Any Car
Family Cars With Remote Start
Family Cars With Heads-Up Display (See The List!)
Ceramic Tinted Windows: Why I'm OBSESSED
Apple Carplay | How it Works & How To Get It!
Why I traded in my Expedition….for Another Expedition
How Does Apple CarPlay Work?
Upgraded our Ford Fiesta to a Subaru Ascent
Android Auto Explained
How I Avoided the Minivan Life (No Offense Minivan Mama’s!)
GMC Yukon vs Chevy Tahoe: Which Full-Size SUV Is Right For Your Family?
Why I Traded My ‘Cool Mom’ 4Runner for the ‘Fantastic but Plastic’ 2021 Chevy Tahoe
Atlas(t), The Perfect Twin Mom Car!
From Space-less to Spacious:
How to be dealership ready
Car Organization for Moms: My Best Tips For All Vehicles!
Which Cars Fit Three Car Seats Across? | See The List!
2024 Chevrolet Traverse Controversy | Head Restraints, Pricing, and More
Chevy Teen Driver Technology
Chevy Teen Driver Technology
Car Organization | My Best Tips For All Models!
Check Engine Light On? Here's What You Need to Know!
What To Do If Your Car Has a Recall?
Requesting an Extended Test Drive | The Key to Finding the Perfect Family-Friendly Car
Oops! Your Car Got Hail Damage: Here's What to Do Next
Clean Cars Drive Better: Tips For Cleaning Your Car Interior
Decoding the Warning Lights on Your Car's Dashboard
WELCOME TO THE BACHELORETTE SURVIVORS MEETING
WEDDING DRESS NIGHTMARE
WE DON’T WANT TO SEE YOUR MAN-JAMMIES
UP THE CREEK WITHOUT A PADDLE
TYLER’S IN A CREEK. THERE’S A PADDLE. WHICH WAY IS HE HEADED?
TWICE A WEEK GIRLIES
THIS PODCAST IS DAD APPROVED
THIS IS OUR BABY MAKING ERA
THIS IS NOT A DRIVEWAY DUMP
THE MOSTLY KELLY SHOW
THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH IS AT TRADER JOES
THE CLEAN (MARRIED AND PREGNANT) GIRL AESTHETIC
THE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT
TARGET VS KOHLS
REMINDER: YOU CAN GO TO JAIL (FOR LIFE) FOR PLAGIARISM!
SPILLING THE TEA BEFORE NYC
SYDNEY SLIDES INTO THE SHOW
SO…HOW WAS THE CAR SHOW?
SO TRUE, BESTIE
SHOPPING AND BAKING AND READING AND SIMPING
SELF CARE STARTS AT THE CAR WASH
RAIN OR SHINE, THE SHOW MUST GO ON
PUT YOUR LASAGNA IN A LOAF PAN
PICK-A-PRINCE
PASS THE FLAT MEAT SANDWICHES
PODCAST ON FLEEK
OH, BOY
NAPS ARE NEVER WRONG
OF COURSE WE HAVE A COURSE
NEW YORK (AUTO SHOW) STATE OF MIND
NAPTIME
MUCH TO PURR ABOUT
MILITARY SCHOOL AND QUICKSAND D-COMS
LESS THAN ONE WEEK UNTIL THE WEDDING AND EVERYTHING IS OK!
LAST ONE OF 2022
KIDS, COME MEET YOUR NEW MOM, ALEXA!
KEEPIN’ IT ONE HUNNED WITH MATTIE
KEEP AUSTIN WEIRD
IS WINE WITHOUT ALCOHOL JUST GRAPE JUICE?
HOT GIRLS WALKING
INTRODUCING MR. AND MRS. ST. JOHN
GRAYSON RIDES WITH THE CARPOOL
FUNCTIONAL CLUTTER
FALL IS IN THE AIR
EXPECTING A TIP FOR THIS EPISODE, PLEASE
CRESCENT ROLLS ARE LIFE
COUNTING OUR MACROS (AND MICROS AND MID-TIERS)
COLESLAW LAW
CARPOOL IS A CANDY PODCAST NOW
SO MANY SELTZERS, SO LITTLE TIME
VIVA LAS VEGAS
CANCELLED BY A CARB
CAN LIZZ RIZZ?
Types of Third Row Access
BOOK REVIEW - WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING
CALLING ALL HUMAN ALEXAS
BOOK RECAP: THE LOVE HYPOTHESIS
BOOK RECAP: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
BOOK RECAP: RUN, ROSE, RUN
BOOK RECAP: The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
BOOK RECAP: November 9 by Colleen Hoover
BOOK CLUB - HOW TO STOP TIME
BIG TRASH WEEK
BASIC AND PROUD OF IT
BACK FROM THE BEACH
BASIC AND PROUD OF IT
BABY STUMPE’S NAME GAME CONTINUES
What is Head-Up Display?
Are Panoramic Sunroofs Safe? | What Happens To Your Sunroof in a Collision
ADVICE GIRLIES
17,000 AND COUNTING
What is Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Depature Warning?
Standard Safety Features in the 2023 Kia Telluride
Lane Keep Assist | The BEST Safety Feature On The Market
How To Make Apple CarPlay Wireless In Any Car
Family Cars With Remote Start
Family Cars With Heads-Up Display (See The List!)
Ceramic Tinted Windows: Why I'm OBSESSED
Apple Carplay | How it Works & How To Get It!
Why I traded in my Expedition….for Another Expedition
How Does Apple CarPlay Work?
Upgraded our Ford Fiesta to a Subaru Ascent
Android Auto Explained
How I Avoided the Minivan Life (No Offense Minivan Mama’s!)
GMC Yukon vs Chevy Tahoe: Which Full-Size SUV Is Right For Your Family?
Why I Traded My ‘Cool Mom’ 4Runner for the ‘Fantastic but Plastic’ 2021 Chevy Tahoe
Atlas(t), The Perfect Twin Mom Car!
From Space-less to Spacious:
Reach out & let’s get started
Whether you're comparing models, prepping for the dealership, or looking for car seat recommendations, we’re here to help.