Volkswagen Atlas I (CA1 Pre-Facelift)
Volkswagen's largest crossover SUV engineered specifically for North America on the extended MQB architecture, offering standard 3-row comfort and 5,000 lbs max towing capacity.
Generation Quick Facts: The Volkswagen Atlas I (CA1 Pre-Facelift) was manufactured from 2018 – 2023 (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 model years) as a suv. Across 2 verified powertrains, power outputs range from 235 to 276 hp, with top fuel economy reaching 23.0 MPG combined (2.0L TSI FWD).
Power range
235–276 hp
Quickest 0–100
7.8 s
Best combined
23 MPG
Length
5.04 m
01Decision support
Which Atlas I (CA1 Pre-Facelift) suits you?
Daily driver · least fuel
2.0L TSI FWD
23.0 MPG combined
It burns up to 17% less fuel per mile than the thirstiest Atlas I (CA1 Pre-Facelift).
Performance · quickest
3.6L VR6 4MOTION
0–100 km/h in 7.8s · 276 hp
The straight-line choice of this generation.
022 powertrains (2 petrol)
Full specifications
| Specification | 2.0L TSI FWDPetrol | 3.6L VR6 4MOTIONPetrol |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | ||
| Engine code | EA888 Gen 3 | CDVC VR6 |
| Fuel type | Petrol | Petrol |
| Displacement | 2.0L (1,984 cc) | 3.6L (3,597 cc) |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | Naturally aspirated |
| Cylinders | I4 | V6 |
| Power & Performance | ||
| Power | 235 hp / 175 kW | 276 hp / 206 kW |
| Torque | 350 Nm / 258 lb-ft | 360 Nm / 266 lb-ft |
| 0–100 km/h | 7.9 s | 7.8 s |
| Top speed | 190 km/h (118 mph) | 190 km/h (118 mph) |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic | 8-Speed Automatic |
| Gears | — | — |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy & Emissions | ||
| City | 21 MPG (11.2 L/100km) | 16 MPG (14.7 L/100km) |
| Highway | 25 MPG (9.4 L/100km) | 22 MPG (10.7 L/100km) |
| Combined | 23 MPG (10.2 L/100km) | 19 MPG (12.4 L/100km) |
| Electric range | — | — |
| Battery | — | — |
| CO₂ emissions | — | — |
| Weight & Body | ||
| Curb weight | 1,920 kg (4,233 lbs) | 2,110 kg (4,652 lbs) |
| Seats | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Model years | 2018-2023 | 2018-2023 |
0Exterior
Dimensions
Length
5,037 mm
198.3 in
Width
1,979 mm
77.9 in
Height
1,768 mm
69.6 in
Wheelbase
2,979 mm
117.3 in
Curb weight spans 1,920–2,110 kg depending on powertrain. Battery and AWD hardware add the most mass.
05Long-tail answers
Atlas I (CA1 Pre-Facelift): questions answered
What engines and trims are available on the Volkswagen Atlas I (CA1 Pre-Facelift)?
The Volkswagen Atlas I (CA1 Pre-Facelift) lineup offers 2 petrol: 2.0L TSI FWD (235 hp), 3.6L VR6 4MOTION (276 hp).
How quick is the Volkswagen Atlas I (CA1 Pre-Facelift) from 0 to 100 km/h?
The fastest trim, the 3.6L VR6 4MOTION, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.8s, reaching a top speed of 190 km/h (118 mph) with the 2.0L TSI FWD.
What is the most fuel-efficient Volkswagen Atlas I (CA1 Pre-Facelift) trim?
The 2.0L TSI FWD delivers the highest fuel economy at 23.0 MPG (EPA combined). Across the 2 powertrains, fuel economy spans 19–23 combined MPG.
What model years are included in the Volkswagen Atlas I (CA1 Pre-Facelift)?
The Volkswagen Atlas I (CA1 Pre-Facelift) was produced from 2018 – 2023, spanning the following model years: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023.
What are the exterior dimensions of the Volkswagen Atlas I (CA1 Pre-Facelift)?
5037 mm long, 1979 mm wide, 1768 mm tall on a 2979 mm wheelbase (198.3 in overall length).
Sources for this page
- EPA fuel-economy records: Volkswagen AtlasCertification data, 2018–2023
- NHTSA vehicle file: recalls, complaints and investigations2018 Volkswagen Atlas, official safety record
- NHTSA vPIC vehicle databasePowers our VIN decoder, the federal manufacturer registry
- Volkswagen official: data sheets and archiveManufacturer-published specifications
Figures on this page are compiled from the sources above and cross-checked against manufacturer data sheets. US-market EPA cycle where noted; European WLTP values are measured differently and are not directly comparable.
Guides worth reading before you choose
AWD vs. 4WD vs. FWD vs. RWD: The Complete Drivetrain Guide (Mechanics, Snow, Towing & Efficiency)
Front, rear, all or four-wheel drive, what's the difference, and which drivetrain is right for your driving? Mechanics, pros, cons and examples.
September 19, 2026
Turbocharged vs. Naturally Aspirated Engines: Boost, Lag, Reliability & Fuel Economy
Factory turbos now dominate new cars, but naturally aspirated engines still have real advantages. A balanced look at power, economy and reliability.
August 29, 2026
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