Styling Size-Up: 2018 Volkswagen Atlas Vs. Midsize CUV Competition

It may be late to the party, but Volkswagen has revealed a three-row midsize crossover that puts up a strong fight against other competitors in its segment. At least in terms of styling, that is.

While other automakers seem determined to incorporate swoops and curves into their crossover designs, VW has created a somewhat boxy vehicle called the Atlas. The front end is squared off with sharp corners, and unlike the competition, the standard LED headlights and grille maintain a fixed, rectangular shape. Rivals including the Mazda CX-9 and Toyota Highlander adopt narrow headlights, which are now quite in vogue.

2018 Volkswagen Atlas front view 2018 Volkswagen Atlas front view in motion 2016 Honda Pilot Elite front end in motion 2017 Honda Pilot Elite front three quarter 2017 Toyota Highlander SE AWD front end in motion 2017 Toyota Highlander XLE AWD front three quarter in motion 02 2016 Mazda CX 9 FWD Touring front end in motion 2016 Mazda CX 9 AWD Signature front three quarter in motion

Look at the side of the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, and you’ll notice an unusual character line that runs from the front to the back of the vehicle, accentuating its wheel arches. Measuring 198.3 inches in length, the Atlas is longer than the Honda Pilot and Highlander but not the CX-9. Its comparable in height to these rivals, but roof rails give it a more athletic look.

2018 Volkswagen Atlas side profile 2016 Honda Pilot Touring Elite AWD side 2017 Toyota Highlander SE AWD side in motion 2016 Mazda CX 9 front three quarter

In the rear, the brawny theme continues. Just like each of the taillights, the overall shape of the Atlas’ back end forms a nice and tidy rectangle. Like on the CX-9, a chrome strip runs across the upper portion of the trunk. But overall, the shape of the rear most closely resembles the Pilot. The styling is distinctly Volkswagen, however.

2018 Volkswagen Atlas rear three quarter 02 2018 Volkswagen Atlas rear view in motion 2016 Honda Pilot Elite rear three quarter in motion 2016 Honda Pilot Touring Elite AWD rear end 2017 Toyota Highlander SE AWD rear three quarter in motion 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited rear end 2016 Mazda CX 9 FWD Touring rear three quarter in motion 03 2016 Mazda CX 9 rear three quarter

VW has also unveiled the interior, which like the rest of the vehicle, predominantly features clean, straight lines. This theme can be seen on the dashboard, the rectangular storage area to the right of the driver seat, and on the marks on the seat cushions. The design contrasts sharply to the styling of the Pilot and Highlander interiors, which feature more fluid lines throughout the cabin. The interior of the Atlas is clean and simple, without too many buttons and knobs getting in the way like you could argue is the case in the Pilot.

2018 Volkswagen Atlas cabin 2018 Volkswagen Atlas dashboard 2016 Honda Pilot AWD Elite cockpit 2016 Honda Pilot Touring Elite AWD interior 2017 Toyota Highlander SE AWD cockpit 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited Platinum interior 02 2016 Mazda CX 9 AWD Signature cockpit 2016 Mazda CX 9 Signature AWD interior

Which vehicle do you think is the looker of the group: the Atlas, CX-9, Highlander, or Pilot? Of course, there’s also the Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, Hyundai Santa Cruz, and Dodge Durango to consider. Let us know in the comments below.

Last week, we took a look at the design of the 2017 Honda CR-V. Most commenters were pleased with the new design.

Midosan was a fan: “Refreshing…Twenty years of basically the same product and they finally styled the CR-V!”

“Thank god they got rid of that two screen disaster! This is a refreshing design. The interior is a huge improvement,” said melillobm2.

But many people weren’t quite satisfied. “it wasn’t good looking before and it’s still hideous. Lateral move at best,” opined Grant Albrecht Goodman.

The post Styling Size-Up: 2018 Volkswagen Atlas Vs. Midsize CUV Competition appeared first on Motor Trend.



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