Summary
2023 Volkswagen Atlas VR6 Review: The Last Affordable SUV With Volkswagen’s Iconic Six-Cylinder Engine
The automotive industry once stood out for its diverse and innovative engine designs. Automakers regularly introduced unique powerplants that gave their vehicles distinctive personalities. Volkswagen was one of the best examples, producing everything from air-cooled flat-four engines and highly tunable 20-valve units to robust V6 engines and the unconventional W8.
Today’s market has largely shifted toward standardized turbocharged engines, leaving fewer opportunities to experience those iconic powerplants. Fortunately, the used-car market still offers a few hidden gems.
One of the best examples is the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium 4Motion. With average mileage, these models can often be found for around $30,000. At first glance, it’s simply a spacious three-row family SUV featuring captain’s chairs, a panoramic sunroof, and generous interior space. Beneath the hood, however, lies one of Volkswagen’s most memorable engines—the legendary 3.6-liter VR6.
The Volkswagen Atlas Was Designed Specifically for the American Market
The late-model Atlas may appear like an ordinary midsize SUV, but it also represents one of the last affordable opportunities to own a vehicle powered by Volkswagen’s iconic VR6 engine.
Under the hood sits the naturally aspirated 3.6-liter VR6, an engine family that has powered several notable Volkswagen models over the years, including:
- Corrado
- R32
- Touareg
- Eurovan
Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the engine produces 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque.
Volkswagen developed the Atlas specifically with American buyers in mind. Built in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the SUV was created to compete directly in one of the most competitive segments in the U.S. market.
Unlike many of Volkswagen’s previous SUVs, which often reflected a more European design philosophy, the Atlas prioritized practicality, comfort, and interior space.
The company understood it needed a stronger competitor against established rivals such as the:
- Honda Pilot
- Toyota Highlander
- Ford Explorer
As a result, the Atlas was intentionally designed to be larger, roomier, and more family-friendly, offering genuine third-row seating without sacrificing long-distance comfort.
At launch, buyers could choose between two engines:
- A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder
- A naturally aspirated 3.6-liter VR6
Choosing the VR6 delivered 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available 4Motion all-wheel drive.
The VR6 quickly earned praise for its smooth operation, linear throttle response, and refined power delivery. It excelled during highway cruising, making it especially well-suited to long-distance American road trips.
Unfortunately, shortly after its introduction, the automotive industry began moving away from naturally aspirated six-cylinder engines.
The VR6 Became an Unexpected Survivor
Originally introduced during the late 1980s, Volkswagen’s VR6 remains one of the company’s most distinctive engine designs.
Its defining feature was an unusually narrow cylinder bank angle, allowing engineers to package six cylinders into a space typically reserved for an inline-four engine.
The design also enabled the use of a single cylinder head while maintaining compact dimensions that worked perfectly for transverse engine layouts.
Throughout its history, American enthusiasts enjoyed the VR6 in several memorable models, including:
- Corrado SLC
- MK3 GTI VR6
- Touareg
- R32
The engine even found its way into the Porsche Cayenne, highlighting its versatility beyond Volkswagen’s own lineup.
However, by the late 2010s, industry priorities had shifted dramatically.
Turbocharged four-cylinder engines became the standard because they offered improved efficiency while satisfying increasingly strict emissions regulations.
Like many manufacturers, Volkswagen embraced this trend by expanding the use of its EA888 turbocharged four-cylinder engine across much of its lineup.
As a result, the business case for continuing production of a naturally aspirated six-cylinder crossover engine gradually disappeared.
Even so, Volkswagen continued offering the VR6 in the Atlas longer than many expected.
The company believed the engine’s smooth torque delivery perfectly complemented the SUV’s size and purpose, while many American buyers still appreciated the refinement of a six-cylinder family vehicle.
That chapter officially came to an end for the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas, when the VR6 was replaced by an updated turbocharged 2.0-liter engine.
Rather than producing a special farewell edition, Volkswagen quietly discontinued one of its most iconic engines.
The Turbocharged Replacement Is Better for Most Drivers
Although many enthusiasts were disappointed by the VR6’s retirement, its replacement wasn’t necessarily a downgrade.
In several important areas, the new turbocharged engine actually improves the Atlas.
Its advantages include:
- Higher torque output.
- Maximum torque delivered much earlier in the rev range.
- Better responsiveness during everyday driving.
- Reduced front-end weight.
- Improved fuel efficiency.
The VR6 was never designed to be a performance engine.
Independent testing generally recorded 0–60 mph times in the high seven-second range—more than adequate for a family SUV but far from sporty.
Fuel economy was another weakness.
EPA estimates were approximately:
- 18 mpg city
- 24 mpg highway
These figures applied to both front-wheel-drive and 4Motion AWD models and lagged behind many competitors.
Ownership costs could also be higher compared to the newer turbocharged engine.
Potential maintenance concerns include:
- Timing chain tensioner issues.
- Water pump failures.
Despite these considerations, the VR6 developed a loyal following thanks to its unique character.
Its unmistakable exhaust note, naturally smooth acceleration, and progressive power delivery remain qualities rarely found in mainstream SUVs—especially within this price range.
The Atlas VR6 Offers Better Value Today Than It Did New
Depreciation has significantly improved the value proposition of the Atlas VR6.
When new, well-equipped VR6 trims often exceeded $40,000, with fully optioned models occasionally surpassing $50,000.
At that price, buyers had numerous alternatives from manufacturers such as:
- Toyota
- Honda
- Hyundai
- Ford
- Jeep
While the Atlas competed effectively, it never dominated the segment.
Today, the story is very different.
Used 2023 Volkswagen Atlas VR6 models have become relatively uncommon compared to turbocharged versions, making them particularly appealing for buyers seeking something distinctive.
Typical market pricing includes:
- Base front-wheel-drive models averaging around $32,321.
- SEL Premium R-Line 4Motion models averaging approximately $33,844.
Well-maintained SEL and SEL Premium VR6 models can frequently be found near the $30,000 mark, depending on mileage and local market conditions.
For that price, buyers receive:
- A modern three-row SUV.
- Premium interior features.
- Strong towing capability.
- Spacious seating.
- A distinctive six-cylinder driving experience.
Interestingly, the same budget would typically purchase a new compact crossover with considerably less space.
The Atlas, by comparison, provides:
- Adult-friendly third-row seating.
- Excellent cargo capacity.
- Comfortable long-distance cruising.
When properly equipped, it can also tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it even more practical for everyday use.
One of the Last Affordable Volkswagen SUVs With a Naturally Aspirated V6
When the Volkswagen Atlas VR6 first arrived, it wasn’t intended to be an enthusiast vehicle.
Instead, Volkswagen designed it as a practical, spacious, and comfortable SUV aimed squarely at American families.
Yet the presence of the VR6 gave it a level of personality that many modern SUVs simply lack.
The Atlas arrived during a period when the industry was rapidly transitioning toward:
- Smaller turbocharged engines.
- Four-cylinder crossovers.
- Electrification.
Today, that makes the Atlas VR6 feel even more special.
For enthusiasts, it offers one of the final opportunities to experience Volkswagen’s legendary six-cylinder engineering without paying collector-car prices or accepting major compromises in everyday usability.
While it may never have been the definitive three-row SUV of its era, the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas VR6 remains a capable, comfortable, and practical family vehicle—and, perhaps most importantly, it serves as the final chapter in Volkswagen’s long and memorable VR6 legacy.