“I really love most everything about the vehicle. The only problem I have had with it is the side mirror design. It causes blind spots in seeing the curb locations as you are making turns. I have found no adjustments in the seat location or the mirror that will correct this issue.”
2019 Volkswagen Atlas: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2019 Volkswagen Atlas is a light equipment update, not a redesign. The biggest change is that key driver-assistance and convenience features became standard across the lineup.
About the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas
1st generation Atlas (2018-2023), second model year.
Volkswagen positions the Atlas as a family-first three-row SUV built around passenger space, easy access to the third row, and simple everyday usability. The brochure emphasizes room for seven, generous cargo capacity, child-seat friendliness, and straightforward tech such as smartphone integration, digital gauges, and available hands-free liftgate convenience. Its core draw versus rivals is not flashy excess; it is adult-friendly space, an easy-to-use cabin, and the choice of a turbo four or V6 with available 4Motion all-wheel drive.
The 2019 lineup ranges from the straightforward S to the comfort-focused SE and more upscale SEL. R-Line trims add sportier bodywork and cabin details, while SEL models stand out with digital gauges, navigation, a panoramic sunroof, and a heated steering wheel. The SEL Premium adds leather seating, heated and ventilated front seats, upgraded audio, and a surround-view camera.
What changed, by category
Safety
Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, and rear traffic alert became standard across the lineup. Technology Package models received a more active form of blind-spot assistance.
Tech and convenience
Automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and heated power side mirrors became standard across the lineup. The SE gained standard three-zone climate control, while the SEL added digital gauges, built-in navigation, LED taillights, and a heated steering wheel.
Styling and trims
Four R-Line versions became stand-alone trims after previously being option packages: two SE R-Line models and two SEL R-Line models. The Launch Edition and Launch Edition 4Motion were dropped.
2019 Volkswagen Atlas specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | AWD | AWD | FWD | AWD | FWD | AWD | AWD | FWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 17–22 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 17–22 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 26 mpg | 24–26 mpg | 24 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 24 mpg | 23 mpg | 24–26 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 24 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Horsepower | 235 hp | 235–276 hp | 276 hp | 276 hp | 276 hp | 276 hp | 276 hp | 235–276 hp | 276 hp | 276 hp | 276 hp | 276 hp | 276 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 258–266 lb-ft | 266 lb-ft | 266 lb-ft | 266 lb-ft | 266 lb-ft | 266 lb-ft | 258–266 lb-ft | 266 lb-ft | 266 lb-ft | 266 lb-ft | 266 lb-ft | 266 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 96.8 cu-ft | 96.8 cu-ft | 96.8 cu-ft | 96.8 cu-ft | 96.8 cu-ft | 96.8 cu-ft | 96.8 cu-ft | 96.8 cu-ft | 96.8 cu-ft | 96.8 cu-ft | 96.8 cu-ft | 96.8 cu-ft | 96.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.7 in | 33.7 in | 33.7 in | 33.7 in | 33.7 in | 33.7 in | 33.7 in | 33.7 in | 33.7 in | 33.7 in | 33.7 in | 33.7 in | 33.7 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||||||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||||||||
| Cruise Control | |||||||||||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | |||||||||||||
| Hill Descent Control | |||||||||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||||||||||
| Park Assist | |||||||||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||||||||
| 360 Camera | |||||||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||||||||
| LED Headlights | |||||||||||||
| LED Tail Lights | |||||||||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||||||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||||||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||||||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||||||||||
| Roof Rails | |||||||||||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | |||||||||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||||||||
| Subwoofer | |||||||||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||||||||||
| 115V Power Outlet | |||||||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||||||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||||||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||||||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||||||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||||||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||||||||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||||||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||||||||||
| Rear Window Shades | |||||||||||||
| Remote Start | |||||||||||||
| Third Row Seat | |||||||||||||
| Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | |||||||||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||||||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas a redesign?
No. The 2019 Atlas is the second model year of the first generation, and its basic design carries over from 2018. The changes focus on standard safety equipment, added convenience features, and a revised trim lineup.
What safety features became standard on the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas?
The 2019 Atlas made forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, and rear traffic alert standard across the lineup.
How is the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas different from the 2018 model?
The 2019 Atlas adds more standard safety and convenience equipment, gives the SE standard three-zone climate control, and upgrades the SEL with digital gauges, navigation, LED taillights, and a heated steering wheel. It also turns the former R-Line option packages into four stand-alone trims and drops the two Launch Edition trims.
Which 2019 Volkswagen Atlas trims received the biggest equipment upgrades?
The SE and SEL received the most notable trim-specific upgrades. The SE gained standard three-zone climate control, while the SEL added digital gauges, built-in navigation, LED taillights, and a heated steering wheel.
What changed with the Atlas R-Line models for 2019?
The R-Line packages became four stand-alone trims for 2019. The lineup added front- and all-wheel-drive SE R-Line models with the Technology Package, plus front- and all-wheel-drive SEL R-Line models.
2019 Volkswagen Atlas Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas.
4.2
2019 Volkswagen Atlas
(221 reviews)
“I love my Volkswagen Atlas! It is still my favorite vehicle I have owned to date, with all the amazing driver's assistance functions. I especially love the kick under bumper feature to open the hatch!”
“Don't do it. All of the assistive systems are a huge burden and often malfunction. The Atlas is a lemon.”