A Tale of Two Volkswagens – The 2018 Atlas and Tiguan 7 Passenger SUVs

First Look At The All New 2018 Volkswagen Atlas On Agirlsguidetocars
The all-new 2018 Volkswagen Atlas is a gorgeous SUV that holds its own on the open road! Photo: Volkswagen

Road tripping through Maine in the all-new Atlas and Tiguan 7 passenger SUVs.

When AGirlsGuidetoCars was invited to a 2-day Volkswagen SUV road trip in Maine to test drive the all-new 2018 Atlas and the 2018 Tiguan, we jumped at the chance. Who wouldn’t? Road testing two 7 passenger SUVs, stopping for soft serve and shopping, eating our fill of lobster rolls and reveling in the hot new features of these all-new VWs is an offer no one can refuse.

Road Tripping In Maine To Test The New Vw Atlas Agirlsguidetocars
Goodies from Volkswagen and various snack shops! The famous whoopie pies didn’t make it back. The popcorn didn’t last long either. Photo: Kirstin Fuller

VW’s New 7 Passenger SUV Is Built for The Road!

Our first stop was Red’s Ice Cream. We thought a soft serve ice cream treat was the perfect choice to enjoy while getting acquainted with the allnew 2018 Volkswagen Atlas.

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You have to stop by Red’s for some chocolate-vanilla swirl ice cream! Photo: Kirstin Fuller

The all-new 2018 Atlas has a fitting name: It is built for cross country road trips. It’s classified as a full-size family SUV with available third row seating that comfortably seats 7.

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Pumpkin picking in the Atlas! We have to admit, the VW Atlas is a great looking full-size SUV! Photo credit: Kirstin Fuller

What We Loved about the Volkswagen Atlas

The Atlas is a luxury filled, full-size SUV from top to bottom. Let’s start with the heating options–and we’re not talking about standard heat features. The Atlas comes with a heated leather wrapped steering wheel (best invention since caller ID)  and front driver & passenger heated (and actively ventilated) seats. Those two features are fabulous. But what impressed me most was that the second-row seats are also heated. Everyone will be nice and toasty this winter. #Happy

Read More: Best Road Trip Snacks. Healthy and Not So Much.

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The 2018 VW Atlas has a luxury filled, comfy cabin. Photo: Kirstin Fuller

Ample cargo space! There’s definitely enough cargo space for all of your kid’s sports gear and the haul from a grocery store run. There’s also even enough space with the 3rd row in use. The interior is spacious enough for everyone to be comfortable during daily commutes and on road trips.

With The 3Rd Row Down, The Vw Atlas Has Ample Cargo For Luggage, Shopping Bags And Famous Wicked Whoopies!
With the 3rd row down, the VW Atlas has ample cargo for luggage, shopping bags and those famous Wicked Whoopies! Photo: Kirstin Fuller

The Tech is as Impressive as the Design

The technology in the Atlas is equally as impressive as the sleek new body style. Along with the tech we’ve come to expect in an SUV (adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning) the Atlas also has the fabulous new VW digital cockpit.

The digital cockpit is the message center where the speedometer and tachometer live, but it’s more than just that. You can customize your display and it can welcome you by name and activate your preferred seating settings. It can also show your off-road view, and system specs upon vehicle start. You can also see additional information including navigation instructions, estimated fuel economy, range and speed in the digital cockpit and the user friendly HD touchscreen.

The digital cockpit is standard on the SEL Atlas and an available option on the 2018 Volkwagen Tiguan.

Read More: 9 Safety Features You NEED in Your Next Car.

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Sporty and Sleek on the Outside

The Atlas is a sleek, sporty and stylish SUV.  The SEL Premium edition (as tested) will set you back $49,415.00 (that includes destination charge) which is great pricing for a full-size with all the available options.

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The 2018 VW Atlas is elegant enough for a special event and capable enough for an off road adventure. Photo credit: Kirstin Fuller

The Atlas Has a Cute Little Sister Named Tiguan!

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The 2018 VW Tiguan is a great looking sporty SUV. Photo credit: Kirstin Fuller

The Volkswagen Tiguan has been around for a minute but the 2018 edition has a fresh new look and we like it!  We drove the 2018 Tiguan on day #2 of our Maine SUV road trip from Camden to Bangor.  It rained as we started our trip but thankfully it cleared up as we arrived in Bar Harbor.

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The Tiguan has a lot of cargo space!  Photo credit: Kirstin Fuller

The Tiguan is considered a compact SUV but feels more like a midsize SUV due to its spacious interior.  First thing I loved about the Tiguan was the vibrant color.  It’s called Habanero Orange and it’s simply gorgeous.  The new body style for the 2018 edition is borrowed straight from its big sister, the Atlas.  It truly looks like a mini Atlas and we like it!

Read More: The Future of Automotive Design-Where Fashion and Technology Meet

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Sitting by the dock of the bay (sort of)! VW has another winner on its hands. Photo credit: Kirstin Fuller

Comfortable on the Inside Too

Like the Atlas, the Tiguan has the comfortable leather interior with available/optional 3rd row seating for 7.  It also has the awesome Fender Premium Audio system, the Volkswagen digital cockpit and the HD touchscreen (home to your navigation and audio controls).

 

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If you’re not in the market for a full-size family SUV, the Tiguan is perfect for you.  It’s a great size for everyday commuting needs but can accommodate the need for more on a road trip.

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Side note: There were lots of lobster rolls on this trip, lots! Photo credit: Kirstin Fuller

So, what will a fully equipped 2018 Tiguan set you back? Fully loaded (as tested) the Tiguan costs $39,250. But a nicely equipped Tiguan starts at only $25,000.

All 2018 Volkswagens come with the “Peoples First Warranty.” That gives owners (limited) bumper-to-bumper coverage for 6 years/72,000 miles.

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I thought this photo was cute and funny. A VW Bug getting attacked by a bug/lobster (lol)! Photo credit: Volkswagen

Which Volkswagen 7-passenger SUV would you like to take home?

Kirstin Fuller
Kirstin Fuller

Kirstin is a DC native currently living in Maryland. She loves all things travel including fab travel deals, gadgets and must have travel apps. Kirstin has written for several websites and was recently featured in Essence magazine as a travel expert and deal finder. Find more of Kirstin's work at www.Passenger156.com

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