The Last of Its Kind: Why a Used VW Atlas with the VR6 Engine Is a Hidden Gem

There was a time when automakers weren’t afraid to get creative under the hood. Volkswagen, in particular, built a reputation for quirky and memorable engines, air-cooled flat-fours, high-revving twenty-valve motors, and the odd W8. These days, the industry has largely settled on turbocharged four-cylinders and hybrids.

But if you know where to look, you can still find a piece of that more colorful era hiding in plain sight on a used car lot.

Take the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium 4Motion. On the surface, it’s a straightforward three-row family SUV with a panoramic sunroof, captain’s chairs, and plenty of space. 6-liter VR6 engine. This is the same family of six-cylinder motors that powered the Corrado, the R32, and even the Porsche Cayenne.

In the Atlas, it produces 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic and available all-wheel drive. It’s smooth, responsive, and delivers a distinctive engine note that you just don’t get from today’s turbo fours.

Volkswagen designed the Atlas specifically for the American market, building it in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to compete with the Honda Pilot. Toyota Highlander, and Ford Explorer. The VR6 option was always about offering a relaxed, highway-friendly driving experience. 0-liter engine, making the 2023 model the last year for a six-cylinder Atlas.

Now, thanks to depreciation, you can find late-model VR6-equipped Atlas models for around $30,000, roughly the same price as a new compact crossover like the Toyota RAV4. That’s a compelling deal for a spacious, adult-friendly three-row SUV with a genuinely interesting engine and up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity.

It may not be the quickest or most fuel-efficient vehicle in its class, but for buyers who value character and smooth power delivery over the latest trends, this might be the last affordable chance to own a piece of Volkswagen history.