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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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