VW's 2018 Atlas Starts at $30,500

Volkswagen will start its 2018 Atlas at $30,500 for the base mid-size SUV powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with front wheel drive, the automaker has announced.

The company's entry to the mid-size SUV market will arrive with two engine choices, optional all-wheel drive, and a trio of option packages across four trim grades that will include S, SE, SEL, and SEL Premium. The first models will arrive in May.

The base S, which will arrive later in the model year, starts at $30,500. The model is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. A 3.6-liter V-6 S FWD model is available for $31,900. A 3.6-liter V-6 S AWD model is available for $33,700.

Volkswagen will offer a limited number of Atlas S Launch models with the 3.6-liter VR6 engine with FWD for $33,500 and AWD for $35,300.

The Atlas SE, which starts at $33,590, adds automatic headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert, foglights, heated front seats, and 10-way power driver seats. The SE trim also features the 8-inch Composition Media touchscreen infotainment system with SiriusXM Satellite Radio and three additional USB ports. A 3.6-liter V-6 SE FWD model is available for $34,990, while the AWD model retails for $36,790.

The Atlas SE with Technology model starts at $35,690, and includes connectivity and driver assistance features, such as Adaptive Cruise Control; Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist); and Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist), which actively helps the driver steer the car back into its lane if the driver takes hands off the wheel for a period of time, or the vehicle crosses a lane marking without an activated turn signal. A 3.6-liter V6 SE with Technology FWD model is available for $37,090, while the AWD model retails for $38,890.

The Atlas SEL, which retails for $39,160, adds a panoramic sunroof, Easy Open liftgate, as well as front and rear Park Distance Control. The 3.6-liter V6 SEL FWD model is available for $40,890, while the AWD model retails for $42,690.

The Atlas SEL Premium, which retails for $48,490, arrives only in the 4Motion AWD system and 3.6-liter VR6 engine. The model includes the 12.3-inch Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, navigation, automatic High Beam Control (Light Assist), Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist), and the Area View camera.

Three options packages include Captain's Chairs for $625, the R-Line performance upgrade for $1,960, and Black Wheels for $235.