2018 Volkswagen Atlas — Full Specifications
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The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas is an SUV offered with 2 engines (2L 4-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 29 mpg (UK) / 24 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 23–29 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Volkswagen Atlas workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2L 4-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2L 4-cyl turbo · 3.6L 6-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (S8) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 29 combined / 26 urban / 31 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 24 combined / 22 city / 26 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 233 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 4 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,800 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 3 configurations for the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas across 2 engines (2L 4-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 19 to 24 mpg (US), or 23 to 29 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 24 (22/26) | 233 | $2,800 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 | 19 (17/23) | 282 | $3,550 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 20 (18/25) | 272 | $3,350 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas
Running Costs: 2018 Volkswagen Atlas
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas at 29 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,254 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,800 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2018 Volkswagen Atlas Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 17 safety recall campaigns that include the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (4), Unspecified (2), Service brakes (2). 1 campaign carried a “do not drive” or “park outside” advisory. A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Steering — campaign 26V590000, reported 11 September 2026. Risk: A broken steering rack housing can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Air bags — campaign 23V215000, reported 29 March 2023. Risk: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
- Equipment — campaign 22V086000, reported 16 February 2022. Risk: Without the reduced GVWR label, the vehicle could be overloaded, leading to a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Unspecified — campaign 21V321000, reported 5 May 2021. Risk: Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of injury, crash, or fire.
Showing the 4 most recent of 17 campaigns.
Owners have filed 465 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The most-reported areas are Electrical system (110), Engine (100), Air bags (100). Complaints include 8 reported crashes, 18 reported injuries. That is well above the median of 255 complaints across the 9 Volkswagen Atlas model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Air bags (4 recall campaigns · 100 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Electrical system (110 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Engine (100 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Brakes (2 recall campaigns · 74 owner complaints) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Volkswagen Atlas compare to similar SUVs? For context, SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model's 29 mpg figure is 2 mpg better than that average. Its 233 g/km CO₂ figure is 20 g/km lower than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
Volkswagen models in our database average about 33 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas's 29 mpg is 4 mpg below that make average. Its 233 g/km CO₂ figure is 20 g/km higher than the 213 g/km Volkswagen average.
Of the 9 Volkswagen Atlas model years we cover, the 2018 is the most economical on its best configuration (29 mpg UK combined). See every Volkswagen Atlas year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas: 2L 4-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2L 4-cyl turbo with a automatic (s8).
What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas?
The most efficient configuration returns around 29 mpg (UK) combined, or 24 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 23 to 29 mpg.
How much does the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,800 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 5 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 17 safety recall campaigns that include the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (4), Unspecified (2), Service brakes (2). 1 campaign carried a “do not drive” or “park outside” advisory. A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas?
Among the 465 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Electrical system (110 complaints), Engine (100 complaints), Air bags (100 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the Volkswagen Atlas's fuel economy good for an SUV?
Yes — it returns around 29 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track.