The first three-row SUV from Volkswagen is the Atlas, which went on sale beginning in May 2017. This SUV is one that’s made to enter the market in a competitive fashion and be a midsize SUV that can be great for the drive desired by a family on the road. Unfortunately, the Atlas was originally offered with some items that haven’t been as successful as others and the VW team has decided to make changes to this SUV. The Atlas has grown in popularity, which makes these changes that will certainly make sense for the drive.

The Reduction of the VW Four-Cylinder

The base models of the Atlas for 2019 will still be offered with the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 235 horsepower, but it will only be offered on the S trim. Last year, if you wanted an SE or SEL, you could still have this engine for the drive, but that’s no longer the case. The Atlas S V6 model with FWD has also been deleted from the lineup which means you would have to move up to the SE trim in order to have the SE trim if you want the V6 and FWD.

Choose More Power for the Drive

The 3.6-liter V6 engine offered for the VW Atlas makes 276 horsepower and can be had with AWD in several of the trims that you might want to enjoy. This is the power you’re looking for and it will become more readily available to ensure you can experience a fantastic ride on the road. VW has been smart about the four-cylinder model offered as one that’s only offered as factory order model. With this change to the lineup. The Atlas can be a model that boosts profitability while being competitive with the entry-level price.

A Strange Occurrence

Even though the S trim with the V6 engine is only offered with AWD, you could spend less to have this model on the road than what an FWD SE trim will cost you with the same engine under the hood. This is simply one of those small but unique happenings that take place when some of the changes are made to the vehicle lineup that you want to drive and enjoy on the road. Think about this fact if you’re looking for the VW Atlas, because you could have AWD if you’re willing to enjoy the drive in the Atlas S trim.

The Atlas is a Success and it Will Continue to Be

The Volkswagen Atlas sold at a rate of 43,002 models in the first nine months it was on the American market. This represented a total of more than 16 percent of the volume in this country. When added together with the Tiguan and the Touareg models that were sold, the SUV models of the Volkswagen brand made up 47 percent of what the brand sold. This is certainly significant considering the lineup of Volkswagen and the popularity of many of the sedans and small cars offered.