Volkswagen Atlas 2018: Interior Review, Features & Design

by Alex Braham 58 views

Hey guys! Let's dive into the Volkswagen Atlas 2018 and explore everything about its interior. We're talking design, features, space, and overall comfort. If you're thinking about buying one or just curious, you're in the right place! The Volkswagen Atlas 2018 is a mid-size SUV that offers a spacious and comfortable interior, making it a popular choice for families and those who need plenty of cargo room. In this article, we'll take an in-depth look at the interior of the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, covering everything from its design and materials to its features and technology. Whether you're a prospective buyer or simply curious about this popular SUV, read on to learn more about what the Atlas has to offer inside. Let's get started!

Interior Design and Layout

The interior design of the Volkswagen Atlas 2018 is all about functionality and simplicity. It’s not trying to be overly flashy but focuses on being practical and user-friendly. The layout is clean, with everything logically placed. The dashboard is well-organized, and the controls are easy to reach. The materials used inside are generally of good quality, especially in the higher trim levels. You'll find a mix of soft-touch plastics and more durable materials that should hold up well to daily wear and tear. The overall ambiance is modern and inviting, making it a pleasant place to spend time, whether you're running errands around town or embarking on a long road trip. One of the standout features of the Atlas is its spaciousness. With three rows of seating, there's plenty of room for passengers in all rows, even adults. The second-row seats can slide and recline, allowing passengers to customize their seating position for maximum comfort. The third-row seats are also surprisingly comfortable, with enough headroom and legroom for most adults on shorter journeys. When it comes to cargo space, the Atlas doesn't disappoint. With all three rows of seats in place, there's still a decent amount of room for groceries or luggage. And when you fold down the second and third rows, you get a cavernous cargo area that can accommodate larger items like furniture or sports equipment. Overall, the interior design and layout of the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas prioritize functionality, comfort, and spaciousness, making it a practical and family-friendly SUV.

Seating and Comfort

When it comes to seating and comfort, the Volkswagen Atlas 2018 really shines, especially if you're hauling around a family or lots of friends. The seats are designed to provide good support, even on longer drives. The base models come with cloth upholstery, which is durable and comfortable enough for everyday use. However, if you opt for the higher trim levels, you can get leather upholstery, which adds a touch of luxury and is easier to clean. One of the best things about the Atlas is its spaciousness. The front seats offer plenty of headroom and legroom, even for taller drivers and passengers. The second-row seats are also quite roomy, with enough space for adults to sit comfortably. Plus, the second-row seats can slide and recline, allowing passengers to adjust their seating position for maximum comfort. But what about the third row? Well, it's actually pretty decent compared to other SUVs in its class. While it might not be the most comfortable place for adults on long trips, it's perfectly fine for kids or shorter adults. Getting into the third row is also relatively easy, thanks to the wide door openings and the sliding second-row seats. In terms of ride quality, the Atlas does a good job of absorbing bumps and road imperfections. The suspension is tuned to provide a smooth and comfortable ride, making it a great choice for long trips. Road noise is also well-controlled, so you can have conversations without having to raise your voice. Overall, the seating and comfort of the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas are among its strongest selling points. Whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a family road trip, you'll appreciate the spaciousness, supportive seats, and smooth ride.

Technology and Features

The Volkswagen Atlas 2018 is packed with technology and features that make it a pleasure to drive and own. Even the base models come with a decent amount of standard equipment, including a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. As you move up the trim levels, you get access to even more goodies, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a larger touchscreen display, and a premium audio system. The infotainment system is easy to use, with a clear and responsive touchscreen interface. The menus are logically organized, and the system is quick to respond to inputs. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is a big plus, as it allows you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation services. Other available technology features include a panoramic sunroof, a power liftgate, and a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. These systems can help you stay safe on the road by providing features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. The Atlas also offers a digital cockpit display, which replaces the traditional analog gauges with a customizable digital display. This display can show a variety of information, including speed, fuel economy, navigation directions, and more. Overall, the technology and features of the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas are impressive, especially considering its price point. Whether you're looking for a basic family hauler or a fully loaded SUV with all the latest gadgets, the Atlas has something to offer. The infotainment system is user-friendly, the smartphone integration is seamless, and the available driver-assistance systems provide added peace of mind.

Materials and Build Quality

The materials and build quality inside the Volkswagen Atlas 2018 are generally pretty solid. It’s not the most luxurious SUV out there, but it's definitely well-put-together for its class. You'll notice a mix of materials throughout the cabin, with soft-touch plastics in key areas like the dashboard and door panels. These give it a more premium feel where it counts. The surfaces you touch regularly feel good, and that makes a difference in the overall experience. The lower trim levels have cloth seats, which are durable and comfortable. If you upgrade to the higher trims, you'll get leather upholstery, which not only looks nicer but is also easier to clean – a big plus if you've got kids or pets. The stitching and panel gaps are consistent, showing attention to detail in the assembly. Everything feels solid and well-connected, which means fewer rattles and squeaks down the road. The buttons and controls have a nice tactile feel, and they're laid out in a way that's easy to understand and use. The doors close with a reassuring thud, and the overall structure feels robust. Of course, there are some areas where you can tell Volkswagen cut corners to keep the price down. Some of the plastics in the lower areas of the cabin aren't as high-quality, but they're still durable enough to withstand daily wear and tear. Overall, the materials and build quality of the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas are more than adequate for its class. It's a well-built SUV that should hold up well over time, and the use of soft-touch materials in key areas helps to create a more comfortable and inviting interior.

Cargo Space and Versatility

One of the biggest selling points of the Volkswagen Atlas 2018 is its cargo space and versatility. If you need to haul a lot of stuff, this SUV has you covered. With all three rows of seats in place, there's still a decent amount of cargo room behind the third row. It's enough for groceries, luggage, or sports equipment. But where the Atlas really shines is when you start folding down the seats. The second and third rows can be folded down to create a huge, flat cargo area. This is perfect for hauling larger items like furniture, bikes, or camping gear. The seats are easy to fold down, and the resulting cargo area is impressively large. The load floor is also relatively low, which makes it easier to load and unload heavy items. In addition to its generous cargo space, the Atlas also offers a number of other features that enhance its versatility. The second-row seats can slide and recline, allowing you to customize the seating arrangement to suit your needs. This is especially useful if you have kids in car seats, as it allows you to create more room for them in the second row. The Atlas also has plenty of storage compartments throughout the cabin, including a large glove box, door pockets, and a center console bin. These are great for storing smaller items like phones, wallets, and snacks. Overall, the cargo space and versatility of the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas are among its strongest selling points. Whether you're hauling passengers, cargo, or a combination of both, this SUV has the space and flexibility to meet your needs. The easy-to-fold seats, low load floor, and numerous storage compartments make it a practical and convenient choice for families and active individuals.

Conclusion

So, what's the final verdict on the interior of the Volkswagen Atlas 2018? Overall, it’s a winner, especially if you prioritize space, comfort, and functionality. It’s not the most luxurious SUV out there, but it offers a well-designed and practical interior that’s perfect for families. The spacious seating, ample cargo space, and user-friendly technology make it a great choice for daily commutes and long road trips alike. While some might find the materials a bit basic, the overall build quality is solid, and the interior is designed to withstand the rigors of daily use. Plus, the availability of features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and advanced driver-assistance systems adds to its appeal. If you're in the market for a mid-size SUV that offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo, the Volkswagen Atlas 2018 is definitely worth considering. It’s a practical and well-rounded choice that won’t break the bank. Just remember to check out the different trim levels to find the features and options that best suit your needs. Happy driving!