Michael and I were so excited to get to test the new Volkswagen Atlas for our drive through New Mexico because – seriously – could there be a more aptly-named car for a road trip?!
We felt so secure in this great SUV that we kind of wished we’d had the whole family with us. After all, there are three spacious rows in this beauty, and we could have fit everyone comfortably. The second row is even heated.
But there were only two of us, so we settled into the cushy front seats that felt like they had been custom-made for us. The lumbar support in both the driver and passenger seats was the best I’ve experienced in any car.
I’m going to tell you all about the extensive features of the Volkswagen Atlas by categorizing them the way an atlas would — by directions!
We drove north from Albuquerque to Santa Fe, so I’ll start with the front of the car.
North
Okay, this was really the view on our way back down because, as we headed to Sunrise Springs Resort & Spa from the airport, it started snowing and then hailing. Thank goodness we were in the Atlas, with its big windshield and excellent wipers. The Atlas felt really solid, despite the wind. We did not take photos then because we really had to concentrate on the weather, especially after the car helpfully beeped and posted a message warning that the temperature was now 39 degrees!
What?! I looked this up later, and discovered it’s actually an important safety feature to let you know that the road conditions could be slick when the temperature drops under 40 degrees. I definitely drove slower, so yay, Volkswagen Atlas.
The front of the car also featured the navigation system which, not surprisingly in a car called Atlas, was great. It was very user-friendly and intuitive and it easily took us everywhere we wanted to go.
The controls, in general, were convenient and easy to figure out, although I admit I didn’t try the Park Assist because the idea of that still freaks me out.
East
Michael and I took turns in the passenger seat, just enjoying the view and the music from the Fender Premium Audio System, which includes 12 speakers and a subwoofer. The Volkswagen Atlas also has my favorite safety feature — yes, the blind spot detectors — which you can see above.
West
The whole front seat was roomy and comfortable and well-organized, and I really liked that, when I was driving, I could get a what’s-coming-up-next view of the navigation right in front of me. Sorry I didn’t get a photo of that but it’s a great feature because it’s like an abridged version of the GPS that just shows you what you need to know right now.
South
Well, the middle row seats look as comfortable as the front seats, which would definitely be a plus if you’re chauffeuring kids around.
Backing up was safe and easy, thanks to the rear camera which gives you a ton of information about your surroundings.
Because we didn’t need the third row, we were able to put the seats down and use the space for our luggage — and, uh, the cookies we took back from the hotel. We bought some beautiful art along the way, which would have fit in the cargo, no problem, but it wouldn’t fit on the plane! If only we were road tripping back to San Diego!
The Volkswagen Atlas was the perfect car for our New Mexico trip, and we would happily drive it again wherever we end up next.
The best directions it gave us all week, though? This.
I am in love with this trip and this car. I could totally see myself traveling this way every day.
I’ve never been to New Mexico but it’s on my bucket list. I might have to take a trip in this car! I’m loving all the trunk space in there!
I hadn’t seen much about the Atlas before, but it looks like a perfect family vehicle! My Jeep has some of these features that are new for me that I can’t live without now, like the blindspot detectors and the backup camera!
Those were some amazing pictures from your road trip. I usually get a little nausea in long journeys and usually avoid road trips for the very same reason. Wish I could do an overnight road trip one day.
I didn’t even know Volkswagen made such a roomy vehicle! I might have to rent one myself on our next family trip.
Some amazing pictures of your car. I haven’t been to New Mexico but road trips excite me a lot. It looks like you had a great time!
Now this sounds like a FUN road trip! I love the VW too, very nice…it might be my next vehicle!!
What a great car for a road trip! I always think bug’s when I see Volkswagen. I love that they make a roomy car!
April
That looks like such a roomy vehicle! I love the trunk size. It looks like it was such a comfortable and fun car to drive.
This is such amazing car for traveling and it has good features for it. I will add it to the list of my future cars :).
That definitely looks like a great vehicle to meet all your needs. Thanks for sharing this!!!
Love the features and specs you described here.
It would be so fun to go on a long road trip with this beauty 🙂
Looks like a roomy and cushy vehicle to take on vacation. I would have tested the parking assist, but in a really large parking lot!
Road trips will always be so exciting if you’re in a nice car. You’re so blessed!