The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas R-Line enters the crowded SUV market as a vehicle focused on delivering comfort and practicality. For families and individuals prioritizing space and a smooth ride over sporty handling, the Atlas R-Line presents a compelling option. Think of it as the automotive equivalent of comfort food – familiar, satisfying, and dependable, rather than flashy or exotic.
Just like a hearty meatloaf or a classic steak and potatoes, the 2018 VW Atlas R-Line prioritizes function and ease of use. It’s built to transport up to seven passengers from point A to point B with minimal fuss and maximum comfort. While it incorporates modern features, the emphasis remains on straightforward usability rather than unnecessary bells and whistles. And while the V6 engine provides adequate power, outright speed isn’t the Atlas’s primary objective.
Having spent a week driving the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas R-Line in Los Angeles and Orange County, it’s clear this SUV excels in its intended role as a comfortable cruiser. My test model, a white Atlas R-Line with a black interior, might not have been the most visually striking vehicle, but its capabilities quickly became apparent on the road.
The majority of my initial miles were accumulated on freeways, where the Atlas R-Line felt most at home. The MQB platform, shared with vehicles like the Jetta and Passat, contributes to a surprisingly smooth and composed ride for a vehicle of this size. While it doesn’t quite achieve the car-like agility of some unibody SUVs, the Atlas R-Line offers a significantly more refined ride compared to older body-on-frame SUVs.
Volkswagen engineers have focused on weight reduction in the Atlas design, but even with these efforts, the front-wheel-drive test vehicle tipped the scales at a substantial 4,336 pounds. The 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, works diligently to move this mass. Fortunately, the engine delivers peak torque at under 3,000 rpm, providing accessible power for confident passing and merging in typical driving scenarios.
While the Atlas R-Line is clearly designed for everyday driving and family duties, I decided to explore its capabilities beyond the mundane commute. Located near Malibu’s famed canyon roads, including the Mulholland Snake, I took the opportunity to put the seven-seater SUV through its paces in a more demanding environment. The Atlas R-Line’s reaction in the canyons was predictable – noticeable body roll and a sense of strain when pushed aggressively. This is not its natural habitat, despite the presence of an independent suspension system.
However, the steering offered a decent level of road feel and appropriate weight, and the eight-speed automatic transmission shifted smoothly and responsively throughout the drive. Surprisingly, after adjusting my driving style to the Atlas R-Line’s limitations, I found a rhythm and managed to navigate the winding roads with reasonable composure. It certainly wasn’t designed for canyon carving, but it proved more capable than initially expected.
Returning to its intended environment of freeway cruising, the 2018 VW Atlas R-Line truly shines. The interior is designed for extended journeys, and I experienced no discomfort even after several two-hour drives. Front-seat occupants enjoy ample space, and the overall cabin ambiance is conducive to long-distance travel. Volkswagen’s advertising campaign emphasizing the Atlas as a comfortable road-trip vehicle for families rings true. It is genuinely purpose-built for this type of use.
The interior design adheres to typical Volkswagen aesthetics – functional and straightforward, with an abundance of black surfaces, user-friendly controls, and a minimalist approach to ornamentation. The test vehicle was equipped with practical features including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, leatherette upholstery, USB ports, satellite radio, tri-zone climate control, and heated front seats. Notably, navigation is not available on the SEL V6 trim level.
The R-Line appearance package adds a touch of visual distinction with 20-inch wheels, unique front and rear bumpers, R-Line badging, and stainless steel pedal caps. However, it’s purely an aesthetic enhancement, offering no performance upgrades.
Additional features included adaptive cruise control, a rearview camera, forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking, front and rear park distance control, lane departure warning, a power liftgate, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. These safety and convenience features enhance the Atlas R-Line’s appeal as a family-friendly SUV.
While comfort food is often associated with affordability, the 2018 VW Atlas R-Line’s price point gives some pause. The SEL trim level tested starts at $40,890, excluding navigation, Volkswagen’s digital cockpit system (requiring a step up to the Premium trim), and all-wheel drive. Adding these features would further increase the price. The R-Line package, the only option on the test vehicle, added $1,960, bringing the total as-tested price to $43,775, including the destination charge. This positions the Atlas R-Line in a competitive price bracket within the mid-size SUV segment.
As a daily commuter and family SUV, the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas R-Line is a competent and comfortable vehicle. Fuel economy during my test averaged 20.2 mpg in combined driving, respectable for a V6-powered SUV of this size. The Atlas R-Line offers a comfortable ride, generous interior space, and a generally upscale feel to the cabin materials. However, the $43,000+ price for a front-wheel-drive model without navigation raises questions about its overall value proposition in a market with numerous compelling alternatives. Ultimately, the 2018 VW Atlas R-Line delivers on its promise of comfort and practicality, even if it comes at a slightly premium price, proving that even upscale establishments serve their version of comfort food.
