2018 Volkswagen Atlas Named Top Safety Pick by IIHS

The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas scored a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Volkswagen’s new SUV earned “Good” scores in all five crash tests, including the small overlap (pictured below). It also scored a “Superior” rating for front crash prevention technology. In the low-speed autobrake test, an Atlas equipped with optional technology managed to avoid a collision while traveling at 12 mph. At a higher speed of 25 mph, the Atlas didn’t completely avoid a crash but was able to reduce its impact speed by 17 mph.

The Atlas failed to earn a Top Safety Pick+ designation because its available headlights are rated either “Marginal” or “Poor.” Vehicles must earn a score of at least “Acceptable” in this test if they want to be considered for the agency’s highest award.

All new for 2018, the Atlas is Volkswagen’s first three-row SUV for the U.S. The model was designed specifically for America, and it is being produced in Chattanooga, Tenn. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 235 hp comes standard, but buyers can upgrade to a 3.6-liter VR6 rated at 276 hp.

Safety technologies include forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian monitoring, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert, lane assist, and front and rear park distance control. Every Atlas comes standard with automatic post-collision braking, which automatically brakes when a primary collision is detected by the airbag sensors, thus reducing the chance of additional damage after the initial impact.

Many other three-row SUVs have earned honors from IIHS. The 2017 Honda Pilot, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-9, and Toyota Highlander all nabbed Top Safety Pick+ awards.

Source: IIHS, Volkswagen

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