The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas figured out that in order to beat the competition, they have to compete price-wise in order to save VW in America following the dieselgate scandal. Thus, pricing for the lowest trim level starts at $31,425, which includes a $925 destination charge. From here on out, it goes up to its highest trim level.
Similar with other VWs, the Atlas is set to have the same naming structure that starts with the base model S, then mid-level SE, and then the top-end SEL and SEL Premium trim levels. In all of the 5 trim levels, there will be two available engines: a four-cylinder mated to an FWD only with 276 horses and the 3.6-liter V6 mated to either FWD or AWD.
Limited Edition S Launch. The S model will not be offered at launch. Instead, buyers are greeted by the limited edition S Launch with a starting price of $34,425 for the FWD and $36,225 for the 4Motion.
This trim level will only be exclusively available in the 3.6-liter VR6. This trim comes with an upgraded 8-inch touchscreen, panoramic sunroof, Homelink garage door opener, footwell illumination, and SiriusXM capability, as its additional standard features.
Base S model. The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas base S model starts at $31,425. But it will not be available at launch immediately. The base S model boasts a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine that delivers 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque mated to an FWD.
But if buyers feel that the four-cylinder might not be enough for such a large 3-row SUV, then they can opt for the $34,625 which is an upgrade to a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 276 horses and with 4Motion AWD. This makes the Altas cheaper than the Highlander LE but more expensive than the base model Pilot.
Standard features in the base S model include a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and smartphone integration for Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink. Buyers also get LED headlights and DRLs, cruise control, privacy glass, and USB port.
Atlas SE. Prices for the Atlas SE begins at $34,515 for the 2.0-liter engine, $35,915 for the V6 with FWD version, and $37,715 for the AWD version. Of course, important standard features will be available that are not found in the lower models.
These include 3 extra USB ports, automatic headlights, keyless entry with push-button start, 10-way power driver seats, 8.0-touchscreen, rain-sensing wipers, and leatherette seating surfaces. Plus, there is also the blind sport monitor with rear traffic alert, heated seats, and rear sunshades.
Atlas SE with Technology. Pricing for this trim level starts at $38,015 for the FWD and $39,815 for the AWD. Thus, the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas SE with Technology is cheaper compared with both the Pilot and the Highlander, when equipped similarly.
This is likely the most important trim level as it brings a number of extra safety features that most buyers of 3-row SUVs are looking into. These include adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian monitoring, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and also remote start and power liftgate.
SEL. This trim level adds features not on the SE with Tech that includes a panoramic roof, park distance control, hands-free liftgate, and memory seats. Pricing for this level starts at $40,085 for the FWD and $41,615 for the 4Motion.
SEL Premium. The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium is the highest trim level of the 3-row SUV. At $49,415, it packs a punch. This is offered with a standard V6 engine mated to an AWD.
Fancy features of the SEL Premium include 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels, 12.3-inch virtual cockpit display, LED tail lights, and parking assistant. It also boasts door mirrors with puddle lights, navigation, leather seats, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a premium Fender audio system.
For an additional $1960, you can get the R-Line appearance upgrade, which is only available for the SE and SEL trims. Also, 20-inch black wheels are also offered at an additional fee of $995 (on SEL) and $235 (Premium).
VW is indeed looking to redeem itself in the US market with its price-competitive 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. So, catch the Atlas lineup at any of your local dealerships at they will start to arrive in May, except for the S and S Launch models and also the R-Line and other visual upgrades.
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