Volkswagen Atlas 3.6 L SUV

[Grabber]

Not sure who said it, but, ;

The Atlas is dimensionally bigger than the MDX and is nearly $15,000 less for base price.

For the price of a loaded MDX, the SRT Durango is a way better option and will poop all over it. Even an R/T is a way better option and loaded with discounts can be had for low-mid 40's (Leather, vented seats, adaptive cruise control, 8.4" screen, etc.)

Atlas is nice for sure, but, for the price with options, there are better options that will make the driving and ownership experience overall better.

Durango R/T or SRT
Explorer Sport
New Traverse (weak engine, but, they look really nice and drive well)
CX-9 - Not a "performer" but, they are roomy, made well and look nice

 

[Dave M]

can't you land a durango srt for nicely optioned mdx money though?


seems like the mom-enthusiast-suv route to me.

Quite possibly, but you only have a couple of option packages on the MDX to begin with, either base, tech, or advanced. Mine had a sticker of $56k, pretty sure a Durango SRT starts at $64k, and is maybe a second faster to 60 and the 1/4 than an MDX, with half the fuel economy. My 20 year old side would totally go for that, but my 40+ side would have to resist.

I actually test drove a Durango R/T, and liked it a lot, but it was also 51K without AWD. We drove them all this time around, the Atlas, Expedition, Exploder Limited, Pilot, Sorrento, Santa Fe, Durango, Tahoe, CX9, Flex, Tiguan, CRV, and the MDX was the best out of the bunch in terms of quickness, comfort, quietness, features, etc. I really liked the Durango, but they didn't have any AWD ones in stock or I may have an R/T in the garage.

Happened to find a lease return MDX with 32k miles on it for $32k as a CPO car, and couldn't pass it up.

The Atlas is nice for sure, but it is underpowered, especially when you have 4-5 people in it, and my inner car nerd can't have that, even if I only drive it a few times a year.

 

[Marko]

I think the Atlas my friend is looking at costs around 40k with awd.

 

[Dan00Hawk]

At our dealership network, we can't keep used Durango R/Ts in stock. They sell nearly immediately.

 

[Yaj Yak]

It's not though, once you equip an Atlas with AWD, leather, Nav, premium sound, and the V6, which the MDX comes with.

Look.... I know it's a glorified minivan either way, but the SH AWD system kicks ass, and it's actually pretty fun to drive and beat the piss out of it. Handles waaaaay better than it should, and will take a hand full of sedans to Gapplebees.

When the Vtek pops, the panties drop

solid post

 

[torquelover]

It’s so small, though. Which is fine if you don’t need the size.

Gotta agree on this one with the CX9. 3rd row is smallest of the group. What makes matters worse is the second row fore/aft travel doesn't allow you to take up that space when the 3rd row isn't in use so the 2nd row is more cramped than it needs to be, too.

 

[DanJ]

Good read. Wife is interested in these as well. Likes the Honda Pilot/passport but not really seriously shopping yet.

 

[Bru]

Gotta agree on this one with the CX9. 3rd row is smallest of the group. What makes matters worse is the second row fore/aft travel doesn't allow you to take up that space when the 3rd row isn't in use so the 2nd row is more cramped than it needs to be, too.

It's more of a 2.5-row SUV, which for some people, might be enough.

https://www.cars.com/articles/whats-the-best-three-row-suv-of-2016-1420692254240/