The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas is a spacious midsize SUV. However, it seems the Atlas is quite an underrated vehicle in the midsize SUV segment. While the upper trims offer a ton of luxuries to buyers, it seems that only one 2023 Volkswagen Atlas trim is really getting attention from consumers. Here’s a look at the 2023 Atlas trims and the favorite trim among consumers. 

A look at the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas trims 

The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas is a stunning midsize three-row SUV. The copmany offers this model in five different trim options. Volkswagen markets these trims as SE, SE with Technology, SEL, SEL R-Line Black, and SEL Premium R-Line. 

The baseline SE trim starts at $35,150 and includes 18-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires, forward collision warning technology with autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, heated front seats, and leatherette seating surfaces. The SE with Technology starts at 48,640. Rounding out the lineup, the SEL starts at $44,940, the SEL R-Line Black starts at $48,640, and the SEL Premium R-Line starts at $52,340. 

Here’s the number one Atlas trim that consumers are loving 

According to Edmunds, the most popular Atlas trim among consumers is the lower level SE with Technology trim with AWD. On the Volkswagen build simulator, the SE with Technology trim with AWD and the 3.6L V6 engine start at $44,265. The Atlas 3.6L V6 W/Technology 4Motion produces 276 hp and offers 266 lb. ft. of torque. 

In addition, the SE with Technology trim seats seven passengers. As its name indicates, the SE with Technology also comes with a fair bit more tech features compared to the baseline SE. The added technology package includes a wide range of features like an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, adaptive cruise control, three-zone climate control, parking assistance, and remote start.  

Of course, the upper three trim levels with even more premium features like the overhead view camera, leather seating surfaces, ventilated front seats, heated first and second rows, R-Line exterior styling, and the premium audio system with subwoofer that come standard with the SEL Premium R-Line trim.

However, it doesn’t seem that consumers are drawn to these upper-level trims or the extra features they provide. 

Other popular versions of the SUV 

There are a number of reasons that consumers may be drawn to the SE with Technology trim more than the others. For one, the price is a lot nicer on the bank account compared to the upper three trim levels. Another reason is that SE with Technology comes standard with more tech features and amenities compared to the baseline SE while also providing a powertrain option with horsepower and torque that is more aligned with the upper-level trims.

Ultimately, the SE trim with Technology is a great middle-of-the-line 2023 Atlas trim that provides all the necessities when it comes to power, performance, and practicability without breaking the bank like the upper trim levels. 

In addition to the SE with Technology, it seems that consumers are also quite fond of the baseline SE trim. While it doesn’t come with all the features that the SE trim with technology does, it’s still a well-equipped SUV with a great price tag.

Even with the baseline SE trim, consumers gain access to a ton of modern tech features like Apple Car Play and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a touchscreen infotainment center, and a power liftgate. Those are certainly great features, especially on a baseline trim. There’s really no need to opt for the upper-level trims unless real leather seats or an R-Line exterior aesthetic are must-have options.