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VW Remaps Pricing, Versions for 2019 Atlas SUV

img 1458795157 1540236849237 jpg 2019 Volkswagen Atlas | Manufacturer image

Volkswagen is trimming the lineup for its Atlas three-row SUV, eliminating all but one four-cylinder version and axing the 2018 model’s cheapest, front-wheel-drive V-6 version. It’s also making modest price changes and adding some additional standard features, including standard safety tech for lower trim levels.

Related: Subaru Ascent Vs. Volkswagen Atlas: The Family (SUV) Feud Begins

Shop the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas near you

Used
2018 Volkswagen Atlas 3.6L S
58,268 mi.
$18,000
Used
2018 Volkswagen Atlas 3.6L SE
103,397 mi.
$15,995

For 2019, the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which only comes with FWD, goes from four available trim levels to just one: the base Atlas S. Four-cylinder versions of the higher-up SE, SE With Technology and SEL trims have been dropped. For 2019, the 2.0-liter S starts at $31,890 (all prices include a $995 destination fee), up $145.

For the record, Cars.com Detroit Bureau Chief Aaron Bragman found the higher-mileage four-cylinder Atlas “a perfectly respectable choice.” Cars.com also named the Atlas our Best of 2018 vehicle after it won our 2017 Three-Row SUV Challenge. You can find more Atlas coverage, including reactions from our year of owning one, here.

Also gone is the 2018 model’s least expensive V-6 variant, the S trim level with FWD, which started at $33,145. You still can get a 2019 model-year V-6 with FWD, but the least expensive way to do that now is in the SE trim, which starts at a much higher at $36,490 (up $255 from 2018). That’s also $1,400 more than the least expensive 2019 V-6 Atlas with all-wheel-drive, an S trim level that starts at $35,090 (up $145 from 2018).

The bottom line? If you want a nicer version of the Atlas with the 2.0-liter engine, or you want a cheaper front-drive version of the V-6 Atlas, you’ll need to strike now while you still can find 2018 model-year examples on dealer lots. As of today, Cars.com has dealer listings for around 1,300 new 2018 2.0-liter SE, SE With Technology and SEL models. To give you extra incentive to move quickly on those 2018 four-cylinder models, VW is offering[MF7] qualified shoppers a $1,000 rebate and 1.9 percent financing for 60 months through Halloween. The 2018 Atlas S with a V-6 and FWD is more of a unicorn; just 114 are listed on Cars.com nationwide as of this writing.

While there are fewer configurations, the 2019 Atlas will continue to have seven trim levels: S, SE, SE With Technology, SE With Technology R-Line, SEL, SEL R-Line and SEL Premium. Powertrains remain the turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder (235 horsepower) and 3.6-liter V-6 (276 hp), each mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Newly standard across the board is a frontal collision system with automatic emergency braking and a blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert. All models also get standard automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers and heated side mirrors.

Added features for other trim levels include three-zone automatic climate control for the SE and the newly optional panoramic moonroof on the SE With Technology. Meanwhile, the SEL goes a little more upscale with a standard configurable instrument display, in-car navigation system, LED taillights and a heated steering wheel.

Pricing for other 2019 V-6 Atlas trim levels with FWD (add $1,800 for AWD) are as follows: The SE With Technology starts at $38,290 (down $45 from 2018), while the SE With Technology R-Line starts at $40,240 (up $55). The SEL starts at $42,390 (up $255), and the SEL R-Line starts at $44,340 (up $245). However, the top-of-the-line SEL Premium, which has standard all-wheel-drive, gets a price cut of $345 to start at $49,390.

Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.

Fred Meier
Former D.C. Bureau Chief Fred Meier, who lives every day with Washington gridlock, has an un-American love of small wagons and hatchbacks.
Email Fred Meier

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