Video: Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak Concept First Look
Volkswagen dropped a bombshell on us at the 2018 New York International Auto Show: a surprise concept, the Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak pickup truck. It’s a five-passenger crew-cab mid-sized pickup based on the Atlas platform, which is Volkswagen’s seven-seat SUV. It’s not confirmed for production yet; Volkswagen is gauging reactions to see if it could sell something that is basically a Honda Ridgeline competitor.
Related: More 2018 New York Auto Show News
This really does look like a compelling story. From the A-pillar forward, the Tanoak is pretty much the Volkswagen Atlas. It even shares the same powertrain: It’s got a 276-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6 connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission and Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive.
The front end obviously is a little bit concept-y. It’s got all these LED light pipes that aren’t going to make it to production if this thing does get built, but it sure looks cool on a concept truck.
From the front doors rearward, however, this thing is all-new. It doesn’t share that much with the Atlas at all. Check out what VW has done for the back doors: The handle is concealed in the C-pillar and the interior is pretty nice. It’s completely functional in there and, while it too looks a little concept-y in terms of the touch panels, screens and lighting, there’s really nothing in the Tanoak that’s too outrageous.
For more impressions of the Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak concept, check out the video below. If — and probably when — Volkswagen decides to build a production version, you’ll find out all about it on PickupTrucks.com.
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