2019 Volkswagen Atlas — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2019 Volkswagen Atlas

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $31,683–$40,934
Fuel Economy 17 MPG
Seating 7 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $3,088/yr

Key Specifications — 2019 Volkswagen Atlas

Engine3.6L 6-Cylinder
TransmissionAutomatic (S8)
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypeRegular
City / Hwy MPG17 / 24 MPG
Combined MPG19 MPG
Est. Annual Fuel Cost$3,550
CO₂ Emissions454 g/mi
Seating Capacity7 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$31,683–$40,934

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2019 Volkswagen Atlas is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 7.3/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.7/10, while Safety at 6.8/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability stands out at 8.7/10. The Atlas nameplate has earned that score through its track record and a comparatively clean recall sheet. Safety is a notable gap at 6.8/10 in our scoring — below what the best in segment deliver. Check the official NHTSA ratings for the trim you're considering before deciding.

With 7.5/10 for performance, this is a car tuned for daily driving rather than excitement — perfectly capable on the commute, unremarkable on a back road. At 7.0/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.

Priced from $31,683–$40,934, 17 MPG, seating 7, the Volkswagen Atlas sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. At 7.6/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 7 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Verdict: The 2019 Volkswagen Atlas sits in the middle of the field. Until its safety scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2019 Volkswagen Atlas ranks #1384 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 44% of the segment. Its 7.3/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $31,683 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 12%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →

Which Atlas Year Should You Buy?

Across the Atlas model years we've scored, the 2019 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 7.5/10$38,393 Read review →
2025 7.5/10$38,393 Read review →
2024 7.5/10$37,275 Read review →
2023 7.5/10$36,156 Read review →
2022 7.3/10$35,038 Read review →
2021 7.2/10$33,920 Read review →
2020 7.2/10$32,802 Read review →
2019 (this review) 7.3/10$31,683
2018 7.2/10$30,565 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2019 Volkswagen Atlas

✓ What it does well

  • Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
  • Fuel economy at 17 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

NHTSA Recalls — 2019 Volkswagen Atlas (11 on record)

The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Fuel system, gasoline / Storage / Tank assembly
21/08/2019 · 19V614000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Atlas vehicles. The suction jet in the fuel tank may have been welded in the incorrect position allowing fuel to leak. Additionally, the vehicle may stall due to uneven fuel…
Suspension / Rear / Springs / Coil springs
19/12/2018 · 18V904000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas, 2015 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, and 2019 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles. The rear coil springs may prematurely fracture.
Exterior lighting / Headlights
22/05/2019 · 19V389000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2020 Volkswagen Passat and 2018-2019 Atlas vehicles. The blocking cap disabling the adjustment of the headlight's horizontal aim may not have been installed. As such, these vehicles…
Electrical system / instrument cluster/panel
26/11/2018 · 18V824000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas and Tiguan and 2019 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles that do not have keyless entry. The instrument cluster may not provide an audible warning to let the driver know…
Air bags / Side/window
20/03/2019 · 19V218000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Atlas and 2020 Passat vehicles. An incorrect driver and/or front passenger side impact air bag may have been installed.

Showing 5 of 11 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.

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