Hey guys! Thinking about getting a new SUV? Let's dive into the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas SE and see if it’s the right fit for you. This review will cover everything you need to know, from its performance and interior to its technology and overall value. So, buckle up and get ready for an in-depth look at the 2020 VW Atlas SE!

Overview of the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas SE

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas SE is a mid-size SUV that offers a blend of comfort, space, and practicality. It's designed for families who need ample room for passengers and cargo without sacrificing a smooth driving experience. The Atlas stands out with its three-row seating, making it a solid choice for larger families or those who frequently carpool. In the 2020 model year, Volkswagen focused on refining the Atlas's features and technology, enhancing its appeal in a competitive SUV market.

One of the key selling points of the Atlas SE is its spacious interior. Unlike some other three-row SUVs that feel cramped in the back, the Atlas provides generous legroom in all three rows. This makes it comfortable for adults and children alike on long journeys. The design is functional and straightforward, emphasizing usability and ease of use. The 2020 Atlas SE also comes with a range of standard features that add to its value proposition. These include a user-friendly infotainment system, advanced safety features, and comfortable seating materials. The exterior styling is understated yet modern, giving the Atlas a confident presence on the road.

Moreover, the 2020 VW Atlas SE offers a balance of performance and fuel efficiency. While it's not the sportiest SUV on the market, it provides adequate power for daily driving and highway cruising. The ride quality is smooth and composed, making it a comfortable vehicle for both city and long-distance driving. Overall, the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas SE is a well-rounded SUV that caters to the needs of families looking for space, comfort, and reliability. It’s a vehicle that doesn’t scream for attention but quietly delivers on its promises, making it a practical choice for everyday use. If you're in the market for a mid-size SUV, the Atlas SE is definitely worth considering.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance, the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas SE offers a reliable and comfortable driving experience. The standard engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which produces around 235 horsepower. While this might not sound like a lot for a vehicle of this size, it provides sufficient power for most driving situations. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which delivers smooth and timely shifts. For those who want a bit more oomph, there's also an optional 3.6-liter V6 engine that churns out 276 horsepower. This engine is a great choice if you frequently tow or carry heavy loads. However, for everyday driving, the four-cylinder engine should suffice.

The handling of the 2020 Atlas SE is predictable and stable. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in city traffic and parking lots. The suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing bumps and road imperfections with ease. This makes for a pleasant ride, even on rough roads. While the Atlas isn't designed for sporty driving, it feels planted and secure on the highway. The Atlas SE also comes with available all-wheel drive, which enhances traction and stability in slippery conditions. This is a useful feature for those who live in areas with snow or rain.

In terms of fuel economy, the 2020 VW Atlas SE with the four-cylinder engine achieves decent numbers for its class. It gets an estimated 22 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The V6 engine, unsurprisingly, is less fuel-efficient, with ratings of 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. Overall, the performance and handling of the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas SE are well-suited for its intended purpose as a family-friendly SUV. It offers a comfortable ride, adequate power, and stable handling, making it a practical choice for daily driving and long road trips. So, if you're looking for an SUV that can handle your family's needs without sacrificing comfort, the Atlas SE is worth a look!

Interior Comfort and Features

Let's step inside the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas SE and explore what it has to offer in terms of interior comfort and features. One of the standout aspects of the Atlas SE is its spacious cabin. With three rows of seating, it can comfortably accommodate up to seven passengers. The seats are well-cushioned and supportive, making them suitable for long journeys. The second-row seats slide and recline, allowing passengers to adjust their seating position for maximum comfort. The third-row seats are also surprisingly spacious, offering enough legroom for adults, which is a rare find in many three-row SUVs.

The 2020 Atlas SE comes with a range of standard features that enhance its comfort and convenience. These include a user-friendly infotainment system with a touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a rearview camera. The infotainment system is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it simple to control audio, navigation, and other vehicle functions. The Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration allows you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and contacts. The rearview camera provides a clear view of what's behind the vehicle, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces easier.

In addition to these features, the 2020 VW Atlas SE also includes tri-zone automatic climate control, which allows you to set different temperature zones for the front and rear of the cabin. This ensures that everyone stays comfortable, regardless of their seating position. The Atlas SE also offers plenty of storage space, with numerous cubbies, bins, and pockets throughout the cabin. The cargo area behind the third-row seats is also generous, providing enough room for groceries, luggage, or sports equipment. When you need even more space, you can fold down the third-row seats to create a large, flat cargo area. Overall, the interior comfort and features of the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas SE make it a practical and enjoyable vehicle for families. It offers plenty of space, comfortable seating, and a range of convenient features that enhance the driving experience.

Technology and Connectivity

In today's world, technology and connectivity are crucial, and the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas SE doesn't disappoint. The infotainment system is a central hub, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen display that's responsive and easy to use. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless smartphone integration. You can access your favorite apps, stream music, and navigate using your phone's interface directly on the car's screen. The system also includes Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming.

The 2020 Atlas SE also comes with a range of advanced driver-assistance features. These include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. Blind-spot monitoring alerts you when a vehicle is in your blind spot, helping you avoid accidents when changing lanes. Rear cross-traffic alert warns you of approaching vehicles when you're backing out of a parking space. Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking can detect potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes to mitigate or prevent an accident.

For those long road trips, the 2020 VW Atlas SE offers a Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing passengers to stay connected on the go. This is a great feature for keeping kids entertained or for getting work done while traveling. The Atlas SE also includes multiple USB ports throughout the cabin, so everyone can keep their devices charged. The sound system in the Atlas SE is decent, providing clear and balanced audio. However, if you're a serious audiophile, you might want to consider upgrading to the premium Fender audio system available on higher trim levels. Overall, the technology and connectivity features of the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas SE are well-rounded and provide a convenient and safe driving experience. It offers the essential features that modern drivers expect, making it a competitive choice in its class.

Safety Features

Safety is paramount, and the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas SE is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features to protect you and your passengers. The Atlas has earned good crash-test scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), reflecting its robust construction and effective safety systems. Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control, and a full complement of airbags.

The 2020 Atlas SE also comes with a range of advanced driver-assistance features designed to help prevent accidents. These include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. Blind-spot monitoring alerts you when a vehicle is in your blind spot, making it safer to change lanes. Rear cross-traffic alert warns you of approaching vehicles when you're backing out of a parking space. Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking can detect potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes to mitigate or prevent an accident.

In addition to these features, the 2020 VW Atlas SE also includes a rearview camera, which provides a clear view of what's behind the vehicle. This makes parking and maneuvering in tight spaces easier and safer. The Atlas SE also offers adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead. This feature can be particularly useful on long highway drives. Overall, the safety features of the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas SE are comprehensive and provide peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike. It offers a combination of passive and active safety systems that work together to help prevent accidents and protect occupants in the event of a collision. If safety is a top priority for you, the Atlas SE is a solid choice.

Overall Value and Conclusion

So, what's the final verdict on the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas SE? Overall, it offers excellent value for families looking for a spacious, comfortable, and well-equipped SUV. It provides ample room for passengers and cargo, a smooth ride, and a range of convenient features. While it might not be the most exciting vehicle to drive, it excels in practicality and usability. The 2020 Atlas SE is a solid choice if you prioritize space, comfort, and safety.

The 2020 VW Atlas SE stands out with its three-row seating, which provides enough room for adults in all three rows. This is a rare find in many mid-size SUVs, making the Atlas SE a great option for larger families or those who frequently carpool. The interior is well-designed and functional, with plenty of storage space and user-friendly technology. The infotainment system is easy to navigate, and the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is a welcome addition.

In conclusion, the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas SE is a well-rounded SUV that offers a compelling package for families. It combines practicality, comfort, and safety in a stylish and affordable package. While it might not be the sportiest or most luxurious SUV on the market, it excels in the areas that matter most to families. If you're looking for a reliable and spacious SUV that can handle your family's needs, the Atlas SE is definitely worth considering. So, go ahead and take it for a test drive – you might just find that it's the perfect SUV for you!