It might surprise a few people that the term “Volkswagen” translates to “people’s car” in German. The original purpose of the company was to provide people with a method of transportation that was both reliable and affordable. While the world is one of constant evolution, much like the automobile industry itself, the consumer need for transportation that can be depended upon in terms of practicality is still a priority. Above all else, it must be attainable to the average income. The priorities that Volkswagen was founded upon are still evident today. In a world that’s known for its unpredictability, these are virtues that we all need to fall back upon. When it comes to practicality, the SUV has usurped all other models in terms of offering consumers a vehicle that can literally do it all. So, what happens when a manufacturer whose very foundation is based upon the willingness to help the average person places its trade in the vehicle type many think of as the most ideal? The answer is simple, you get the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas. As we’ll see today, Volkswagen has once again brought practicality and purpose to its ever-growing fleet of vehicles.
Practical Pricing and Economic Effectiveness
Practical drivers tend to think in practical terms. Any vehicle purchase that you decide to make is an investment in your future, giving you a quality of life that makes the unexpected trials and tribulations of the day-to-day somewhat easier to deal with. For the average consumer, a major concern with anything all comes down to the numbers on a price tag. Buying something too expensive can hamper your financial planning, but paying too little often comes with the red flag of sacrificing quality for the sake of a bargain.
The starting MSRP of the Volkswagen Atlas is $34,335. While the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade are priced slightly less, their standards of quality have yet to match Volkswagen. The Atlas underbids the wildly popular Jeep Grand Cherokee by a considerable amount, which once again demonstrates the German manufacturer’s willingness to go toe-to-toe with its American counterparts. As we’ll soon see, Volkswagen offers an above-average product for a below-average price.
Along with the price tag, a major factor in practical decision-making is how often trips to the pump need to take place. The past few years have shown that gas prices can be affordable one minute and shockingly high the next. The days of astronomically high prices to get an SUV around have thankfully come to an end, and prospective buyers with a keen eye for prices will take solace in the Atlas’ ability to demonstrate cost-effectiveness. While there are different engine options and trims available, the Atlas averages 19-23 MPG combined, depending on the powertrain chosen. This is cost-effectiveness at its finest.
This Is One Atlas That Doesn’t Shrug in the Face of Responsibility
If you’re in the market for an SUV, it’s safe to assume that you have several responsibilities that you need to attend to on a regular basis. Be it cargo, passengers, or simply getting to work on time, the tasks that make up an average week can pile up rather quickly. While the Atlas has an effective combined MPG that will get you from point A to point B without a lot of fill-ups in between, you probably have a full dance card when it comes to the activities that take place on the weekend.
Fear not, overworked and weary traveler, for the Atlas is just as practical when it comes to your schedule of activities as it is with being cost-effective. With an available storage space of over 96 cubic feet, you won’t have to worry about passing up that free couch on the side of the road ever again. Naturally, you might have some passengers to play chauffeur to. Whether it’s taking children to school or soccer practice, or it’s your turn to be the driver of the office carpool, you’ll have all the comfort and space to accommodate either. Three rows of seats might not be news to get excited about, but when those rows can all fit adults as comfortably as possible, you might just become the workplace hero you were always meant to be.
While features of seating and storage space are always welcome news to anyone, some need a little bit more. Yes, there are those among us who are the trailering type and need to tow some extra goods from time to time. With everything you’ve read so far, would you be at all surprised that the Volkswagen Atlas also has an impressive towing capacity? Of course not! The Atlas comes equipped with two available engine options that can certainly fulfill any needs you might have. The introductory trim features a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine. While the 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque might raise an eyebrow, this is one four-cylinder that packs a punch with its towing capacity of 2,000 lbs.
For those of you who are both performance-oriented and fond of decent towing capacities, the Atlas also comes equipped with a 3.6L V6. This six-cylinder ups the ante at the performance poker table with 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. However, the most impressive feature is its towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. Both engines come equipped with a highly efficient 8-speed automatic transmission, and while front-wheel drive is the standard offering, you can opt to upgrade to all-wheel drive. You know, just in case you want to get away from the beaten path and indulge in some off-roading. No matter what your pleasure might be, the Atlas will accommodate it easily.
Something to Watch Out Over Me
For the discerning consumer, practicality and safety go hand in hand with one another. The thought of making a serious investment in your future without considering safety seems like a contradiction, if there ever was one. Aside from being recommended by Consumer Reports, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas received a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA. Several safety features come with the Atlas, including forward collision warning, automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology is available, and if you’re someone who enjoys the occasional road trip, we definitely recommend getting this feature.
Aside from the safety gems that the Atlas comes equipped with, Volkswagen offers a warranty package that goes the extra mile. The standard new vehicle warranty lasts for a duration of four years or 50,000 miles. However, we were blown away by the manufacturer’s willingness to cover maintenance for two years and 20,000 miles. That’s looking out for your customers in ways that so many others aren’t.
The World is Yours, Let the Atlas Show You the Way
We hope you’ve enjoyed the various descriptions of how the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas can help you out on the road of life. From pricing and practicality to performance, the future of the SUV is a no-brainer. Once again, Volkswagen shows why it has always been able to stay one step ahead of the curve when it comes to offering people what they need at a price they can afford. If history has taught us anything, it’s that everyone else has some catching up to do.
