The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas lasts around 200,000 miles, with some average A/C system and stereo issues reported. At $23,950 to $35,998, it’s a good value for a German midsize SUV with some excellent safety technology.
Is the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2020 is a good year for the Volkswagen Atlas since it offers better reliability than other years, and a nice cabin. Owner reviews praise the comfortable seats, passenger room, and the smooth suspension.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are very nice for a midsize SUV, the seats offer great support on long trips, cargo space is also excellent for its size.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2020 Atlas. Avoid models from 2018–2019 since they have issues, while 2020–2022 are more reliable.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from the base four-cylinder, while the optional V6 is also average compared to other midsize SUVs.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2020 Atlas is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with automatic emergency braking along with a rearview camera. Optional upgrades include lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 24 MPG, giving 446 miles of range from the 18.6 gallon tank. Gas costs are $15 cheaper than average at $265 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas is cheaper than many other midsize SUVs on the market, with reasonable ownership costs, making it a good value.
Positive Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the VW Atlas?
- Consumer Reports says the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas puts size and functionality front and center, with good owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Volkswagen Atlas at 3.8/5, enjoying the straightforward cabin design, but doesn’t like the lower fuel economy than some competitors.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Atlas a 3.9/5, praising the passenger space throughout the cabin, but owners don’t like the frustrating stereo system.
What Common Problems Does the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Have?
Common problems found on the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas include a moldy smell from the A/C system, a frozen stereo, along with some excessive wheel noise. Overall, these problems are similar to other midsize SUVs in the same price range, leading to average repair costs.
A moldy smell from the A/C system is one of the most widespread complaints from 2020 Atlas owners, showing up at around 5,500 miles. Usually, the problem is caused by a clogged A/C drain line. Clearing out the line costs around $100, depending on local labor rates, and fixes the problem.
A frozen stereo has also been mentioned on a lot of Atlas models within the first 1,000 miles. There are software updates available for the stereo system, which improves reliability. Most dealerships will install these updates for free, while some charge around $50.
Excessive wheel noise is another problem that some owners report at around 30,000 miles. The wheel bearings cause a lot of grinding and whining noises as they age. Replacing the bearings costs around $400, since it’s a fairly labor-intensive process.
There are four recalls on the 2020 VW Atlas, which is similar to other SUVs from the same year. None of the recalls are particularly serious and cover airbags, the tire pressure monitoring system, and a missing label. VW will fix the issues on affected models for free.
How Long Will the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Last?
A well-maintained 2020 Volkswagen Atlas can last around 200,000 miles, which is a bit shorter than other SUVs like the Toyota Highlander. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than the average midsize SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $648 per year.
As a used 2020 Atlas reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the windshield washer fluid reservoir for $190, mass airflow sensor costing $450, along with the engine oil cooler, which costs $750.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is great, offering a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include a larger 8-inch touchscreen, and a Fender sound system.
Standard safety technology is excellent, and includes:
- Forward collision warning
- Pedestrian detection
- Blind spot monitoring
- Post-collision braking system
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Rearview camera
- Rear cross traffic alert
Optional upgrades include:
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Lane keep assist
- Traffic sign recognition
- Automatic high beam headlights
- Lane departure warning
- Parallel park assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Surround-view parking camera system
Is the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas a Good Value?
Yes, the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas is a good value since it offers a lot of reliability improvements from earlier years. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $23,950 to $35,998, making it less than a Honda Pilot or Jeep Grand Cherokee. When new, the price range was $31,545 to $49,195. Depreciation is similar to other SUVs, losing about 7% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the VW Atlas?
There are seven main models of the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas offered form the entry-level S, through to the top of the line SEL Premium. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
S is the entry-level model with:
- Cloth upholstery
- Second-row bench seat
- Automatic LED headlights
- Cruise control
- Dual-zone manual climate control
- Rearview camera
- Car-Net remote control and telematics
- Wi-Fi hotspot
- 5-inch touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Forward collision mitigation
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
SE is a step up, adding:
- Simulated leather upholstery
- Push-button start
- Power driver’s seat
- Heated front seats
- Rear sunshades
- Three-zone automatic climate control
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Option for second-row captain’s chairs
SE With Technology has more items such as:
- 20-inch wheels
- Remote engine start
- Power rear liftgate
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane keeping assist
SE With Technology R-Line adds:
- Hands-free liftgate
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Unique bumpers and side skirts
- R-Line badging and interior trim
SEL is a popular upgrade with:
- Panoramic sunroof
- Power-adjustable front passenger’s seat
- Heated steering wheel
- Hands-free liftgate
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Upgraded touchscreen with navigation
- Multifunction digital instrument panel
SEL R-Line offers more features such as:
- Unique R-Line styling
- 20-inch wheels
- Similar features to SEL
SEL Premium is the flagship model with:
- 21-inch wheels
- Standard all-wheel drive
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Power-folding mirrors with puddle lights
- Full leather seating
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated second-row seats
- 12-speaker Fender sound system
- 360-degree surround-view parking camera
- Automated parking system
What Engines Come In the VW Atlas?
- The first engine option is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 235 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft of torque. Mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, this engine achieves a combined fuel economy of around 22 MPG (20 city/24 highway). It accelerates from 0 to 60 MPH in approximately 7.2 seconds. While this engine offers a more fuel-efficient choice, its towing capacity is limited to 2,000 pounds, making it suitable for lighter towing duties.
- The second engine is a more robust 3.6-liter V6, delivering 276 horsepower and 266 lb.-ft of torque. This engine is also paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and has a combined fuel economy of about 19 MPG (17 city/23 highway). The V6 engine allows the Atlas to accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in about 7.9 seconds and significantly increases its towing capacity to 5,000 pounds, making it ideal for those who require more power for towing heavier loads. Both engine options contribute to the Atlas’s reputation as a versatile and capable SUV, suitable for a variety of driving conditions and requirements.
What Colors Does the VW Atlas Come In?
How Comfortable Is the VW Atlas?
The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas is highly regarded for its comfort, a key aspect that enhances its appeal as a family-friendly SUV. Inside, the Atlas offers a spacious and well-designed cabin, capable of accommodating seven passengers with ease. The seats are designed with comfort in mind, providing ample support and cushioning, which is particularly noticeable during long drives. Both the second and third rows boast generous legroom, a feature that is often compromised in similar three-row SUVs. This ensures that even adult passengers can sit comfortably in the back, making the Atlas a great option for family road trips or group outings.
Ride quality on the Atlas is another area where comfort is evident. The vehicle’s suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and road imperfections, effectively, delivering a smooth and stable ride. This is complemented by the SUV’s ability to maintain composure around corners, adding to the overall sense of security and comfort.
Additionally, the cabin of the Atlas is designed to minimize noise, effectively insulating passengers from external sounds such as wind and road noise. This makes for a quiet and peaceful environment, further enhancing the comfort of the ride.
The Atlas also offers a range of convenient features that contribute to its overall comfort, including tri-zone automatic climate control, which allows passengers in each row to customize their temperature settings. Higher trims of the Atlas come with additional luxury features like heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and upscale upholstery options, adding an extra layer of comfort and sophistication to the driving experience. In summary, the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas stands out for its spacious and quiet interior, comfortable seating for all passengers, and a smooth and composed ride, making it one of the most comfortable vehicles in its segment.
How Much Storage Space Does the VW Atlas Have?
The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas stands out in its class for offering substantial storage space, catering to the needs of families and those who frequently transport large items. With all its seats in place, the Atlas provides about 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. This area is spacious enough to accommodate daily essentials like grocery bags, a stroller, or a couple of small suitcases. When more space is required, the third-row seats can be easily folded down, expanding the cargo capacity to approximately 55.5 cubic feet. This larger space can comfortably hold bulkier items such as multiple large suitcases, golf bags, or the gear needed for a weekend camping trip.
For those occasions when maximum cargo capacity is necessary, folding down both the second and third rows unveils a cavernous 96.8 cubic feet of space. This vast area is more than adequate for transporting large items like furniture, bicycles, or a substantial number of boxes, making the Atlas an ideal vehicle for moving day or substantial shopping excursions.
In addition to its primary cargo area, the Atlas is equipped with various smaller storage solutions throughout the cabin. These include door pockets, a center console compartment, cupholders, and seat-back storage, providing passengers with ample room to stow personal items, drinks, and smaller gadgets. The combination of its large cargo area and these additional storage spaces makes the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas an extremely practical choice for those prioritizing space and versatility in their vehicle.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The Volkswagen Atlas was introduced for the 2018 model year as a larger midsize SUV from VW.
2018: First model year of the Volkswagen Atlas, which replaces the older Touareg model.
2019: More trim levels introduced with additional features.
2020: Car-Net communications and a Wi-Fi hotspot are standard across all models, small changes to options packages.
2021: Small exterior styling changes, improved interior materials.
2022: Entry-level S model discontinued, small changes to the standard features.
How Does the VW Atlas Compare to the Competition?
The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas is a decent midsize SUV, offering a lot of features and a nice cabin, although some of the ownership costs are higher than the competition as it ages.
The Toyota Highlander is another midsize SUV, which costs around $3,500 more. Long-term reliability ratings are better in the Toyota Highlander, while the VW Atlas offers a more upscale interior. We recommend the Toyota Highlander since it is the longest-lasting midsize SUV.
The Ford Explorer is a popular competitor, which is available for about $1,000 more. Passenger room is better in the Ford Explorer, while the Volkswagen Atlas offers more technology features. We recommend the VW Atlas since it offers more features for the money, although both are similar and worth testing to see which you prefer.
