By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

As sales of crossover SUVs exploded, Volkswagen continued to fall behind with just two entries, the slow-selling compact Tiguan and the larger and expensive Touraeg. The two European-style crossovers are highly regarded as well-made vehicles, but have not resonated with the car-buying public. Enter the spacious mid-sized Atlas that gives the German company its first eight-passenger SUV in the U.S.

Built in Chattanooga alongside the Passat mid-sized sedan, the front-drive Atlas goes up against such stalwarts as the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Traverse. The Atlas is quiet and refined, has adequate room for three rows of people, can carry a large amount of cargo (97 cubic feet), and can be loaded up with technology. It seems to have all the ingredients to compete with the established brands. But only time will tell if VW has indeed checked all the boxes.

Our overall takeaway after hundreds of miles behind the wheel was that the Atlas brings a refined quality to the everyday driving experience that makes it pleasant — indeed fun — to get into each day. It performed well whether negotiating a tight parking place, seeking a quick passing opportunity on a two-lane road, or traveling the interstate highways.

The Atlas comes with two engine choices — a 3.6-liter V-6 making 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque mated to an eight-speed automatic, or a turbocharged 4-cylinder making 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, also mated to the eight-speed.

We drove the V-6 and found it adequate for all the things we handed it, but we never traveled with more than four adults on board and our cargo-carrying needs were light. The one consistent criticism of the Atlas is its leisurely performance compared to most of the competition. For comparison, it has been clocked at 7.9 seconds from 0-to-60 and 16 seconds at 89 mph in the quarter mile, below average for the segment. We figure it could be taxed if asked to carry a full load. That being said, it can tow 5,000 pounds, which is average for the segment, and it uses less expensive regular gas, and all-wheel drive (4MOTION in VW speak) is available, but only on the V-6.

Gas mileage for the V-6 lags many of its competitors rated at 17 mpg city, 23 highway and 19 overall. There are some savings available with the 4-cylinder, which is rated at 22 city, 26 highway.

The Atlas handles well for a near-full-sized SUV. The steering has a precise feel on the highway and offers considerable power assist in slow-speed driving. Although not sports car-like, the Atlas handled the twists and turns on one of our familiar winding stretches of blacktop never feeling top heavy while taking the curves at a brisk pace. What we did find was very weak low-beam headlights. We don't know the reason, possibly they were misaligned.

The cabin is relatively quiet, but we did experience some road noise. The driver faces a conservative and simplified instrument panel with simple climate controls and an easy-to-use touchscreen. The Atlas is blessedly missing the extreme complexity of some of the newer models on the market, especially in the luxury ranks. The top trim level Atlas uses Audi's innovative navigation system displaying it between the tachometer and the speedometer, and it can be expanded with the two gauges reduced in size — very cool. The front seats are comfortable, and reaching a just-right driving position proved easy.

Not only are the second-row seats comfortable with scads of legroom, the third row is adult friendly with bottom cushions high enough that your knees won't be in your chest. Also, the seatback angle is comfortable for longer trips. When the rear-most seat is not in use, the area opens to swallow up 56 cubic feet of cargo.

The Atlas comes in five trim levels — S, SE, SE w/technology, SEL and SEL Premium — starting at $31,425 for S trim with front drive and the 4-cylinder. The pricing tops out at $49,415 for the V-6 SEL Premium with AWD. Standard equipment in the base model includes dual-zone climate control, rearview camera, cruise control, AppleCarPlay and Android Auto with Bluetooth connectivity, a 6-inch information screen and full power controls. Move up one trim to SE at $34,515 and additional standard equipment includes simulated leather upholstery, push-button start, automatic headlights, heated front seats, blindspot monitoring, and a larger 8-inch touchscreen.

Our top trim SEL Premium test car came with such niceties as full leather seating, a parking assist system, upgraded touchscreen display with navigation, and panoramic sunroof. Bottom line including destination charge was $49,415.

Essentials
Base price: $31,425; as driven, $49,415
Engine: 3.6-liter V-6
Horsepower: 276 @ 6,200 rpm
Torque: 266 foot-pounds @ 2,750 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Drive: all-wheel
Seating: 2/2/3
Wheelbase: 117.3 inches
Length: 198.3 inches
Curb weight: 4,502 pounds
Turning circle: 38.1 feet
Luggage capacity: 20.6 cubic feet
Cargo capacity: 96.8 cubic feet
Towing capacity: 5,000 pounds
Fuel capacity: 18.6 gallons (regular)
EPA rating: 17/23/19
0-60: 7.9 seconds (Car and Driver)
Also consider: Honda Pilot, Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer

The Good
• Spacious interior
• Third-row seating adult friendly
• Easy-to-use switchgear

The Bad
• Below average acceleration

The Ugly
• Below average gas mileage