Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Auto

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas Crossover is The Everyman’s Bentley Bentayga

By

With seating for seven adults, the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas is aimed squarely at full-size crossovers, which continue to sell at massive volume. The German automaker hopes Americans will rally behind its halo model and put Dieselgate in their rearview mirrors.

Recommended Videos

When it goes on sale next year, the Atlas will be the largest VW model sold in the the states, despite sharing a platform with pint-sized cars like the Golf and Audi A3. Competitors for the Atlas will include Ford’s Explorer, Honda’s Pilot, Toyota’s Highlander, and Nissan’s Pathfinder.

Related: 
Upgrade your daily routine with the best smartwatches for men

Styling is on the modest, muscular end of the spectrum. Volkswagen gave the Atlas squared shoulders to indicate durability, but the overall aesthetic is almost boring. Standard features include LED headlights and DRL (daytime running lights) to light up the night. Inside, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are paired with VW’s latest MIB infotainment system and a brand new Volkswagen Digital Cockpit driver display (just like Audi’s Virtual Cockpit). A 12-speaker Fender audio system is also available, as is driver assistance tech like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, park assist, emergency braking assist, and more.

Powering the 2018 Atlas is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder serving up 228hp. A compact V6 with 280hp is available for a bit more coin, as is an all-wheel drivetrain (FWD is standard). Whichever engine you choose, VW includes an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Not only is the Atlas made for the American market, it’s built here. All vehicles will be produced at VW’s Chattanooga, Tennessee plant (where the Passat is assembled). The facility is fresh off a $900 million upgrade and will be ready for the Atlas come Spring 2017.

Miles Branman
Miles Branman
Miles Branman developed a passion for cars early on thanks to a neighbor’s collection of rare and exotic vehicles. What…
Summer heat killers: EVs with the least range loss
Recurrent tracked the effect of summer heat on more than 29,700 electric vehicles.
Ford Mustang Mach-E

Suppose you are considering an EV purchase or lease this summer and are concerned about battery range during heat waves. In that case, the results of a new study published by EV analytics firm Recurrent Auto can provide valuable guidance. Recurrent calls out the winners and losers in EV range hot temperature-sensitivity.

It's safe to say that EV battery range is affected by extremes in temperature, both hot and cold. As is the case with most general statements, that one, too, is subject to multiple "buts" and "howevers." Most studies of the effects of extreme cold on EV battery range or how hot temperatures can hamper your travel plans report on average EV travel range differences collected across a wide variety of EV brands and models. Some compile results from thousands of EVs of the same brand.

Read more
Indigenous designer Jeremy Arviso creates limited-edition Indian Motorcycle streetwear line
Arivso blends Indian Motorcycle DNA and indigenous visual elements
The Jeremy Arviso limited indigenous streetwear collection for Indian Motorcycle.

Indian Motorcycle announced a collaboration with well-known indigenous streetwear designer Jeremy Arviso. This limited-edition collection brings together Arviso’s bold style and the adventurous spirit of Indian Motorcycle. The nine-piece lineup celebrates a deep connection to land, community, and tradition.
Why Arviso created the collection

"Creating such a meaningful, modern expression of Native American style with a legendary brand like Indian Motorcycle, is both an honor and a  privilege,” Arviso said. “For this collection, I drew inspiration from the brand DNA of Indian Motorcycle, while carefully integrating vibrant color and  indigenous visual elements that symbolize movement and direction throughout the collection. Adorned with arrow motifs, each piece embodies a deep connection to land, community, and heritage.”

Read more
Adidas and Mercedes-AMG F1 launch Silver Arrows fanwear collection before British Grand Prix
The Silver Arrow collection is on sale worldwide at select Adidas retailers and the Adidas website.
F1 drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli wearing Mercedes fan wear with a Mercedes-Benz W196 racecar.

Working with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team, Adidas launched the Silver Arrow pack, a collection of fanwear inspired by the Mercedes-Benz W196 race car. Current Mercedes F1 drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli posed with items from the Silver Arrow collection along with professional models.
Why celebrate the W196?

The W196 wasn't the first Silver Arrow. The first Mercedes to be called a Silver Arrow was the Mercedes W25, which debuted in 1934. However, driver Juan Fangio won the 1954 and 1955 F1 World Championships with the W196, which was among the several models referred to by the group name. The Adidas Silver Arrow collection celebrates the 70th anniversary of the W196's first F1 Championship season.

Read more