DecodedCars2023 Volkswagen Atlas
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV 4motion 2.0l, 4dr SUV 4motion 3.6l, Sport Cross 4dr SUV 4motion 2.0l, Sport Cross 4dr SUV 4motion 3.6l
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl
- Horsepower
- 276 hp
- Transmission
- 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 21 city / 25 hwy
- Length
- 195.7–200.8 in
- Curb weight
- 4,442–4,594 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 6 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 23 MPG combined, 16% below the 2023 small SUV average of 27.4 MPG.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.6L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 201 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 117-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,442 lb (4dr SUV 4motion 2.0l).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (21 city / 25 highway), 16% worse than the 2023 small SUV average of 27.4 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 159 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2023
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2022 Atlas — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 Atlas →
Trims, performance & features
Engine276 hp3.6L 6-cyl
Transmission8-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Trims
SE w/ Tech w/ Sunroof Pkg4Motion SE w/ Tech w/ Sunroof Pkg.SE w/ Tech4Motion SEL4Motion SEL Premium R-Line
Safety & driver-assist features
Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Blind-spot interventionStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Rear automatic brakingStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Parking assistStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes
Built in: Chattanooga, Tennessee
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2023 Atlas configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV 4motion 2.0l | 200.8 in | 78 in | 68.9 in | 117.3 in | 67.7 / 67.7 in | 4,442 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr SUV 4motion 3.6l | 200.8 in | 78 in | 68.9 in | 117.3 in | 67.7 / 67.7 in | 4,594 lb | 57/43 |
| Sport Cross 4dr SUV 4motion 2.0l | 195.7 in | 78.3 in | 67.7 in | 117.3 in | 67.3 / 67.7 in | 4,442 lb | 57/43 |
| Sport Cross 4dr SUV 4motion 3.6l | 195.7 in | 78.3 in | 67.7 in | 117.3 in | 67.3 / 67.7 in | 4,594 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlas | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 25 / 23 | -16% | $2,900 | 387 |
| Atlas Cross Sport | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 25 / 23 | -16% | $2,900 | 391 |
| Atlas 4motion | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 24 / 22 | -12% | $3,050 | 411 |
| Atlas Cross Sport 4motion | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 24 / 22 | -12% | $3,050 | 412 |
| Atlas | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | -27% | $3,350 | 445 |
| Atlas Cross Sport | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | -27% | $3,350 | 435 |
| Atlas 4motion | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 23 / 20 | -20% | $3,350 | 450 |
| Atlas Cross Sport 4motion | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | -20% | $3,350 | 443 |
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $2,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
27.4 MPG2023 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Volkswagen Atlas SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.9% |
| 2023 Volkswagen Atlas SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 13.6% |
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Similar 2023 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Volkswagen Atlas (this car) | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2023 Ford Explorer | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 15 |
| 2023 Toyota Highlander | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 9 |
| 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 23 MPG | Not rated | 23 |
| 2023 Kia Telluride | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2023 GMC Yukon | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
Recalls (6)
Suspension · Jun 30, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V434000 · 546 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport and 2023-2024 ID.4 vehicles. Certain bolts on the chassis, brake system and/or suspension (such as bolts for certain cross member, engine mount, control arm, subframe, rear brake carrier, etc.) of affected vehicles may not have been correctly tightened during the manufacturing process.
- Risk
- A loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 25, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42HX.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · Jun 20, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V464000 · 271,330 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Atlas and 2020-2024 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may experience a fault in the wiring and deactivate the front passenger air bag when the seat is occupied.
- Risk
- A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 30, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on October 18, 2024, December 10, 2024, December 20, 2024, and January 17, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69PZ.
Suspension › Critical Fasteners · Oct 26, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V807000 · 33 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Volkswagen Atlas FL and 2022-2023 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The driver-side rear trailing arm bolts may not have been tightened properly, allowing them to loosen and fall out.
- Risk
- Unsecured bolts may cause the trailing arm to fracture, resulting in a sudden loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the driver side rear trailing arm bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 25, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42M2.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical · Oct 7, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V753000 · 76,515 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Audi Q5 Sportback, Q5, 2022-2023 Volkswagen Atlas FL, and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged, which can result in engine failure.
- Risk
- A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash. If the engine failure causes an oil leak, it can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace an affected engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 6, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 13i4 (VW) and 13i5 (Audi).
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · Sep 26, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V718000 · 555 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 model year Atlas FL and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. Certain brake lines may leak at the threaded connections.
- Risk
- A brake fluid leak may increase the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the affected brake lines, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on November 23, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47T2.
Air Bags › Side/Window · Mar 28, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V152000 · 222,892 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Atlas, 2020-2023 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021-2023 Atlas FL vehicles. The door wiring harness electrical contacts may corrode, disrupting the electrical connection and delaying the deployment of the driver or passenger front side air bag during a side impact crash.
- Risk
- A delayed air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will secure and, as necessary, replace any the front door wiring harnesses showing a fault code, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97GF.
Not every 2023 Volkswagen Atlas is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
159Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
5Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
6Injuries reported
33,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2023 Volkswagen Atlas buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 43 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 38 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Air Bags — 27 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 33,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Atlas years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Atlas | 25 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Atlas | 23 | 200.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 12 |
| 2025 Atlas | 23 | 200.8 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 76 |
| 2024 Atlas | 23 | 200.8 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 277 |
| 2022 Atlas | 23 | 200.8 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 260 |
| 2021 Atlas | 22 | 200.8 in | ★★★★★ | 17 | 647 |
| 2020 Atlas | 22 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 11 | 135 |
| 2019 Atlas | 22 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 12 | 483 |
| 2018 Atlas | 24 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 17 | 466 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →