Hey guys! Thinking about snagging a 2020 Volkswagen Atlas SE? You've come to the right place. This review dives deep into everything you need to know before making a decision. We're talking performance, comfort, features, and, of course, the all-important question: is it worth your hard-earned cash?

What is Volkswagen Atlas?

The Volkswagen Atlas is a mid-size SUV manufactured by the German automaker Volkswagen since 2017. It is essentially the Americanized version of the VW Teramont, which is sold in other markets. The Atlas marked VW's entry into the competitive three-row SUV segment in North America, aiming to cater to families needing ample space and versatility. It's built at Volkswagen's plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, highlighting its focus on the North American market. The Atlas distinguishes itself with its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and user-friendly technology, making it a popular choice for families seeking a practical and reliable SUV. The 2020 model year brought some updates and refinements to the Atlas, further enhancing its appeal. It offers a good balance of value, features, and performance, making it a strong contender in its class. So, if you are in the market for a mid-size SUV, the Volkswagen Atlas should definitely be on your list to consider. It has carved a niche for itself by understanding what families need and delivering on those expectations.

Overview of the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas SE

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas SE sits comfortably in the middle of the Atlas lineup, offering a sweet spot between affordability and features. It's a step up from the base S trim, adding a bunch of goodies that make daily driving more enjoyable. We are talking about things like a larger touchscreen, keyless entry, and heated front seats – all essentials for a comfortable family hauler. Under the hood, you typically find a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine or a 3.6-liter V6, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The SE trim also offers optional all-wheel drive, which is a huge plus if you live in an area with snow or frequent rain. From the outside, the Atlas SE maintains the same boxy and spacious design that defines the Atlas family. It's not the flashiest SUV on the road, but it's certainly functional and has a certain understated appeal. The 2020 model year brought some subtle styling updates, including a revised front grille and new wheel designs. Overall, the Atlas SE is designed to provide a comfortable and practical driving experience for families. It's well-equipped, spacious, and offers a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency.

Performance and Handling

Let's talk about how the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas SE actually drives. Under the hood, you've typically got two engine choices: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a 3.6-liter V6. The four-cylinder is decent for city driving and offers better fuel economy, but it can feel a bit strained when you're fully loaded with passengers and cargo, especially on uphill climbs. If you frequently haul a bunch of stuff or people, the V6 is definitely the way to go. It provides ample power for confident acceleration and effortless highway cruising. Both engines are paired with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. Handling-wise, the Atlas SE is surprisingly nimble for its size. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight parking lots and city streets. The ride quality is generally comfortable, soaking up bumps and imperfections in the road without feeling too floaty. However, it's not exactly a sporty SUV. Body roll is noticeable in corners, but it's not excessive. The Atlas SE is more about providing a comfortable and stable ride than thrilling driving dynamics. One of the key highlights is the available all-wheel drive system. This provides enhanced traction in slippery conditions, making it a great choice for those living in areas with snow or rain. Overall, the 2020 Atlas SE delivers a competent and comfortable driving experience. It's not the fastest or most exciting SUV on the road, but it's well-suited for daily family duties and long road trips.

Interior and Comfort

Stepping inside the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas SE, you'll immediately notice the spaciousness. This SUV is built for families, and it shows. The three rows of seats offer plenty of room for passengers, even in the third row, which is often a tight squeeze in other mid-size SUVs. The seats themselves are comfortable and supportive, making long drives more bearable. The SE trim comes with heated front seats, which is a nice touch, especially in colder climates. The interior design is clean and functional, with a focus on practicality. The materials are generally good quality, although there are some hard plastics here and there. The dashboard layout is straightforward and easy to use, with all the controls within easy reach. One of the standout features is the large touchscreen infotainment system. It's responsive and intuitive, with clear graphics and easy-to-navigate menus. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone. In terms of storage, the Atlas SE offers plenty of space for all your gear. There's a large cargo area behind the third row, and the seats can be easily folded down to create even more room. There are also plenty of cubbies and storage compartments throughout the cabin for smaller items. Overall, the interior of the 2020 Atlas SE is designed with comfort and practicality in mind. It's spacious, well-equipped, and easy to use, making it a great choice for families.

Technology and Features

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas SE is packed with technology and features designed to enhance your driving experience. The centerpiece of the tech is the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This system is user-friendly, with a responsive display and intuitive menus. It includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, navigation, and music. The SE trim also comes standard with a rearview camera, which is essential for parking and maneuvering in tight spaces. Other notable tech features include keyless entry, push-button start, and a blind-spot monitoring system. The blind-spot monitoring system alerts you when there's a vehicle in your blind spot, helping to prevent accidents. As for comfort and convenience features, the Atlas SE has a lot to offer. The heated front seats are a welcome addition, especially in colder climates. The dual-zone automatic climate control allows you and your passengers to set your preferred temperatures. The leather-wrapped steering wheel adds a touch of luxury. Overall, the 2020 Atlas SE strikes a good balance between technology and user-friendliness. It has all the essential features you need for a comfortable and connected driving experience.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is always a concern, especially with a larger SUV like the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas SE. The fuel efficiency you can expect from the Atlas SE depends on the engine you choose. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is the more fuel-efficient option, but it still isn't exactly a fuel sipper. Expect to get around 21 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The 3.6-liter V6 offers more power, but it comes at the cost of fuel economy. With the V6, you'll likely see around 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. Keep in mind that these numbers are just estimates, and your actual fuel economy may vary depending on your driving habits and conditions. If fuel economy is a major concern, you might want to consider other SUVs in this class that offer better gas mileage. However, if you need the extra power and towing capacity of the V6, the trade-off in fuel economy might be worth it. It's also worth noting that the Atlas requires regular gasoline, which is a plus compared to some SUVs that require premium fuel. Overall, the fuel economy of the 2020 Atlas SE is decent, but not exceptional. It's comparable to other SUVs in its class, but there are certainly more fuel-efficient options available.

Reliability and Safety

When it comes to reliability and safety, the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas SE generally fares well. Volkswagen has made strides in recent years to improve its reliability ratings, and the Atlas appears to be a relatively dependable SUV. However, it's always a good idea to check the latest reliability ratings from sources like J.D. Power and Consumer Reports before making a purchase. As for safety, the Atlas has earned good crash test scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It comes standard with a range of safety features, including anti-lock brakes, stability control, and a suite of airbags. The SE trim also includes a blind-spot monitoring system, which can help prevent accidents. Additional safety features, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, are available as optional extras. These features can further enhance safety and provide added peace of mind. Overall, the 2020 Atlas SE is considered to be a safe and reliable SUV. It has a good track record in crash tests and comes with a comprehensive set of safety features.

Pros and Cons of the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas SE

Okay, let's break down the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas SE into its pros and cons to give you a clear picture:

Pros:

• Spacious interior with comfortable seating for up to seven passengers
• User-friendly technology, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Available all-wheel drive for enhanced traction
• Good crash test scores and a range of safety features
• Smooth and comfortable ride quality

Cons:

• Fuel economy is decent, but not exceptional
• Some hard plastics in the interior
• The four-cylinder engine can feel strained when fully loaded
• Not the most exciting SUV to drive

Price and Value

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas SE typically falls in the mid-range price bracket for mid-size SUVs. The exact price will vary depending on the engine, options, and location. However, you can generally expect to pay somewhere in the neighborhood of $35,000 to $40,000. Considering the features, space, and safety offered, the Atlas SE represents a good value for families. It's not the cheapest SUV in its class, but it offers a lot for the money. When comparing it to other SUVs in the same price range, the Atlas SE stands out for its spacious interior and user-friendly technology. However, it's important to consider your priorities. If fuel economy is your top concern, there may be better options available. Overall, the 2020 Atlas SE offers a compelling combination of price, features, and value.

Alternatives to the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas SE

If the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas SE doesn't quite tick all your boxes, here are some alternative SUVs you might want to consider:

• Honda Pilot: Known for its reliability, spaciousness, and family-friendly features.
• Toyota Highlander: A popular choice with a reputation for dependability and a comfortable ride.
• Kia Telluride: A stylish and well-equipped SUV with a strong value proposition.
• Hyundai Palisade: Similar to the Telluride, offering a lot of features for the price.
• Ford Explorer: A versatile SUV with a range of engine options and available all-wheel drive.

Final Verdict: Is the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas SE Right for You?

So, after all that, is the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas SE the right SUV for you? It really depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you're looking for a spacious, comfortable, and safe SUV for your family, the Atlas SE is definitely worth considering. It offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo, user-friendly technology, and good crash test scores. However, if fuel economy is a major concern, or if you're looking for a more exciting driving experience, there may be better options available. Ultimately, the best way to decide is to take the Atlas SE for a test drive and see how it feels. Compare it to other SUVs in its class and see which one best meets your needs. Good luck with your car shopping!