Hey guys! Thinking about snagging a 2022 Volkswagen Atlas SE? You've come to the right place. This review dives deep into what makes this SUV tick, helping you decide if it's the right fit for your family and lifestyle. We'll cover everything from its spacious interior and safety features to its stylish design and overall driving experience. So, buckle up and let's get started!

A Deep Dive into the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas SE

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas SE stands out in the crowded mid-size SUV market, offering a compelling blend of space, features, and value. This isn't your run-of-the-mill SUV; it's designed with families in mind, boasting three rows of seating and ample cargo space. But what exactly makes the SE trim so special? Well, it hits that sweet spot between affordability and desirable features, providing a comfortable and convenient driving experience without breaking the bank. Let's delve into the specifics. The Atlas SE comes standard with a robust 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering a respectable 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. While it might not be the most powerful engine in its class, it provides adequate acceleration for everyday driving and highway cruising. For those seeking more oomph, there's also an optional 3.6-liter V6 engine that bumps the power up to 276 horsepower. Both engines are paired with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is decent for a vehicle of this size, with the four-cylinder achieving around 21 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. The V6, unsurprisingly, drinks a bit more fuel. One of the Atlas SE's biggest strengths is its spacious interior. With three rows of seating, it can comfortably accommodate up to seven passengers. Even adults will find the third-row seats surprisingly accommodating, which is a rarity in this segment. The cargo area is also generous, offering plenty of room for groceries, luggage, or sports equipment. When the rear seats are folded down, the Atlas transforms into a veritable cargo-hauling machine. The SE trim comes standard with a host of desirable features, including a user-friendly infotainment system with a touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a suite of advanced safety features. These safety features include things like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring.

Interior and Comfort: Designed for the Long Haul

When it comes to the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas SE's interior, comfort is king. Volkswagen clearly prioritized creating a space that's not only functional but also enjoyable to spend time in, especially on those long road trips. Let's start with the seating. The seats in the SE trim are upholstered in durable and comfortable cloth, providing good support for both the driver and passengers. The driver's seat is power-adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect driving position. The second-row seats can slide and recline, providing added flexibility and comfort for passengers in the back. And as we mentioned before, the third-row seats are surprisingly spacious, even for adults. The Atlas SE's interior design is clean and modern, with a focus on functionality. The dashboard is well-organized and easy to read, and the controls are logically placed and intuitive to use. The infotainment system is integrated seamlessly into the dashboard, and the touchscreen display is responsive and easy to navigate. The materials used throughout the cabin are of good quality, giving the Atlas a premium feel. While it's not quite as luxurious as some of its competitors, it's definitely a step above the average mid-size SUV. One of the standout features of the Atlas SE's interior is its ample storage space. There are plenty of cubbies, bins, and pockets throughout the cabin, providing ample room for storing drinks, snacks, and other essentials. The center console is particularly spacious, and there are also storage compartments under the front seats. The cargo area is also well-designed, with a low load floor and a wide opening, making it easy to load and unload cargo. The rear seats can be folded down easily to create even more cargo space. In terms of comfort features, the Atlas SE comes standard with air conditioning, power windows and locks, and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. Optional features include heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium audio system. Overall, the interior of the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas SE is a comfortable and functional space that's well-suited for families. It's spacious, well-designed, and packed with features that make it a pleasure to spend time in.

Performance and Handling: How Does it Drive?

Alright, let's talk about how the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas SE actually performs on the road. You know, the nitty-gritty of acceleration, handling, and overall driving experience. As we mentioned earlier, the Atlas SE comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 235 horsepower. While this engine might not be the most powerful in its class, it provides adequate acceleration for most driving situations. It's responsive and peppy around town, and it has enough power to merge onto the highway and pass other vehicles with ease. The optional 3.6-liter V6 engine provides a noticeable boost in power, making the Atlas feel more confident and capable. If you frequently tow trailers or haul heavy loads, the V6 is definitely the way to go. Both engines are paired with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers power to the wheels seamlessly. The transmission is well-tuned and responsive, and it always seems to be in the right gear. The Atlas SE's handling is surprisingly good for a vehicle of its size. It feels stable and planted on the road, and it corners with confidence. The steering is precise and well-weighted, providing good feedback to the driver. The suspension does a good job of absorbing bumps and potholes, providing a comfortable ride for both the driver and passengers. One of the things that sets the Atlas SE apart from its competitors is its available 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. This system provides added traction and stability in slippery conditions, making the Atlas a great choice for drivers who live in areas with snow or ice. Even without the all-wheel-drive system, the Atlas feels confident and capable in most weather conditions. In terms of fuel economy, the Atlas SE is about average for its class. The four-cylinder engine achieves around 21 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, while the V6 engine gets slightly lower fuel economy. Overall, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas SE is a well-rounded SUV that offers a comfortable ride, responsive handling, and adequate power. It's not the sportiest vehicle in its class, but it's a great choice for families who are looking for a practical and capable SUV.

Technology and Features: Staying Connected and Safe

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas SE is packed with technology and features designed to keep you connected, entertained, and safe on the road. Volkswagen has clearly made an effort to integrate technology seamlessly into the driving experience, without overwhelming the driver. Let's start with the infotainment system. The Atlas SE comes standard with a user-friendly infotainment system that features a touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a suite of other features. The touchscreen display is responsive and easy to navigate, and the menus are logically organized. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the infotainment system, giving you access to your favorite apps, music, and navigation. The Atlas SE also comes standard with a rearview camera, which makes it easier to back up and park. Optional features include a premium audio system, a navigation system, and a panoramic sunroof. In terms of safety features, the Atlas SE comes standard with a suite of advanced safety technologies, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. These features are designed to help prevent accidents and protect you and your passengers in the event of a collision. The forward collision warning system alerts you if you're approaching another vehicle too quickly, and the automatic emergency braking system can automatically apply the brakes to help avoid or mitigate a collision. The blind-spot monitoring system alerts you if there's a vehicle in your blind spot, and the rear cross-traffic alert system alerts you if there's a vehicle approaching from the side when you're backing up. The Atlas SE also comes standard with a tire pressure monitoring system, which alerts you if your tires are low on air. Optional safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Overall, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas SE is a technologically advanced SUV that offers a wide range of features designed to enhance the driving experience and keep you safe on the road. Volkswagen has done a great job of integrating technology seamlessly into the Atlas, without making it feel overwhelming or complicated.

Is the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas SE Right for You?

So, after all this, the big question remains: Is the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas SE the right SUV for you? Well, that depends on your individual needs and preferences. But let's break down some key considerations to help you make an informed decision. If you're looking for a spacious and comfortable SUV that can accommodate a large family, the Atlas SE is definitely worth considering. With its three rows of seating and ample cargo space, it's well-suited for hauling kids, gear, and everything in between. The third-row seats are surprisingly spacious, even for adults, which is a rarity in this segment. If you prioritize safety, the Atlas SE is also a good choice. It comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features that can help prevent accidents and protect you and your passengers in the event of a collision. These features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. If you're looking for a technologically advanced SUV, the Atlas SE won't disappoint. It comes standard with a user-friendly infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a suite of other features that are designed to keep you connected and entertained on the road. However, if you're looking for a sporty and performance-oriented SUV, the Atlas SE might not be the best choice. While it offers adequate power and responsive handling, it's not the sportiest vehicle in its class. Other SUVs, such as the Mazda CX-9 or the Kia Telluride, offer a more engaging driving experience. Ultimately, the best way to decide if the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas SE is right for you is to take it for a test drive. Get behind the wheel, experience the interior, and see how it performs on the road. This will give you a much better sense of whether it's the right fit for your needs and lifestyle. Consider your budget, your family's needs, and your driving preferences, and then make an informed decision. The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas SE is a solid contender in the mid-size SUV market, offering a compelling blend of space, features, and value.