Is the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas a Safe Vehicle?

Amanda T
Mar 5, 2021

Gray 2020 Volkswagen Atlas In Motion

Searching for a top-of-the-line SUV? You’re in luck — the 2020 Atlas has great safety ratings and plenty of safety features to help you stay protected by the latest technology. Here, we’ll take a look at what the experts are saying about the Atlas.

How safe is the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas?

The Atlas has a 5-star safety rating from NHTSA, and a good crashworthiness rating (the highest rating possible) from IIHS. With Vehicle History ratings of 4.78 out of 5 from drivers and 4.5 out of 5 from experts, you can rest assured that the Atlas is a smart purchase.

Let’s go over everything you need to know about the safety features of the Atlas, including crash test ratings, safety features, and what other drivers are asking about the vehicle.

2020 Volkswagen Atlas Crash Test Ratings

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

The IIHS rated the Atlas as good across all crash tests, repeatedly citing that the driver’s survival space was maintained well even after the body of the car was damaged due to a crash.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

The NHTSA rates the Volkswagen Atlas as a 5-star vehicle when it comes to safety. The only hiccups in the perfect rating come from a 4 out of 5-star rollover rating, and a 4 out of 5-star front driver side frontal impact crash rating.

2020 Volkswagen Atlas Available Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

ESC works to allow each of the tires to brake individually, helping the vehicle to remain stable if traction is lost (or suddenly gained).

Automatic Braking System

The automatic braking system of the Atlas can engage the brakes effectively if a driver needs intense power. The Atlas braking system also comes with pedestrian detection.

Side Impact Beams

Side impact beams work to keep the driver and passengers safe from crash injuries by creating a survival space within the walls of the vehicle.

Dual Driver and Passenger Seat-Mounted Airbags, Side Curtain Protection First- and Second-Row Airbags

A state-of-the-art airbag system allows passengers and drivers to stay safe in the event of a crash.

Blind Spot Monitoring System

It’s easy for another vehicle to creep up in your blind spot while you’re driving on the highway, and a blind spot monitoring system can be life-saving.

Front Assist with Autonomous Emergency Braking

The Atlas can detect when a front crash is likely, and can automatically engage the car’s braking system before the crash occurs.

Low Tire Pressure Warning

The low tire pressure warning system alerts drivers to potentially dangerous changes in tire air pressure.

Rear Traffic Alert and Back-up Camera

One of the toughest parts of staying safe on the road can be worrying about what’s happening behind you. Rear traffic alert and a back-up camera system allow Atlas drivers to stay fully aware of their surroundings.

Ready to Buy a New Car, Truck, or SUV?

If you’re in the process of researching the purchase of a new vehicle, it’s key that you understand safety ratings, options, specs, and more. Get a report from Vehicle History to help you keep all the information you need in one place — then shop with confidence.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Sydney F on March 11, 2021
The perfect family vehicle for your growing family.
My atlas is the perfect family size vehicle with tons of features to make my family safe and comfortable. The safety features help me be more aware of my driving and help me drive safely. It is extremely reliable and can get me anywhere I need to go quickly because it connects to my phone so flawlessly I can see the map where I need to go. The large amounts of space make it comfortable for everyone to hop in and ride.
accountCircle Gianna R on June 19, 2021
White Volkswagen atlas sport.
I absolutely love my car. It is very smooth and I feel extremely safe. I do wish that I had Bluetooth for my maps/music- rather than plugging in my phone for apple play. I do love my remote start and my truck that closes with the push of a button, although it would be nice for it to close if I could just wave my foot under the sensor.
accountCircle Luz M on September 7, 2021
2020 atlas is by far my most favorite vehicle I have owned.
This SUV is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned! It is roomy but it does not feel like I am driving a huge vehicle but I also feel extremely safe as there are multiple safety options. There is plenty of legroom in the back seats. The back has plenty of cargo room. There is a third row seat as well.
accountCircle Jess B on August 24, 2021
Atlas 2020 not the best choice.
This car is cheaply made both inside and outside. This car is made with poor paint that scratches easily but does have nice seats and is comfortable. It is a good car for my family of 4 and doggo. It cleans up easily but you can tell is made of plastic and will shatter if it gets into an accident.
accountCircle Ben W on July 22, 2021
Best value crossover for around 40k well loaded.
Only 2k miles, but great vehicle. Love the tech. Four cylinder only had 2(pound towing capacity though. Turned off lane assist because it puts me in precarious situations. But love the stop and go cruise control, and panoramic moonroof. Has nice twenty inch tires.
avatar Amanda T
Amanda T. is a freelance writer, mom, and health nut who refuses to drive anything other than a Nissan. She has six years of automotive writing experience, and loves providing drivers with well-researched information to help them make informed decisions.
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