Which Three-Row SUV Won the 2018 Comparison Test for Family Value?

The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas SEL 4Motion emerged as the clear winner in a rigorous comparison of three-row SUVs, defeating the Honda Pilot, Chevrolet Traverse, and Toyota Highlander by a significant 98-point margin. Based on a comprehensive evaluation by automotive experts, the Atlas excelled in critical areas for families, including passenger comfort, cargo space, user-friendly technology, and a class-leading warranty, all for an as-tested price under $44,000.

What Are the Most Important Features in a Three-Row SUV?

When shopping for a family vehicle with three rows of seats, buyers prioritize a combination of space, comfort, safety, and value. The ideal SUV must offer genuine usability in its third row, ample cargo capacity, intuitive technology, and a refined driving experience. In this test, four judges evaluated the 2018-model-year competitors—the Volkswagen Atlas, Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Highlander—across 12 categories, including interior quality, seat comfort, powertrain performance, and multimedia systems. The scoring also incorporated safety technology features and child-safety seat accommodation grades from official Car Seat Checks.

How Did the Volkswagen Atlas Secure Its Victory?

The all-new 2018 Volkswagen Atlas dominated the competition, finishing first in nine out of 14 judged categories. Its victory was anchored by a highly refined and responsive powertrain, best-in-class space, and superior ease of use.

• Powertrain and Driving Refinement: The Atlas’s 3.6-liter V-6 engine (a type of engine with six cylinders arranged in a V-shape, known for smooth power delivery) is paired with what judges called the "best gearbox in the Challenge," an eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers smooth, crisp shifts. The Atlas also earned praise for its nimble handling, making it easy to drive despite its large size.
• Passenger and Cargo Space: The Atlas scored the most points for both second- and third-row comfort, with a sliding second-row bench that makes balancing space between rows easy. It also topped the cargo category with a cavernous area behind the third row.
• Technology and Safety: The Atlas featured an intuitive touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and it came loaded with advanced safety technology, including all-speed forward collision prevention. It was the only vehicle to receive straight-A grades in the child-safety seat accommodation test.
• Exclusive Value: The Atlas is backed by a class-leading bumper-to-bumper warranty of six years or 72,000 miles, adding significant long-term value.

How Did the Other SUVs Compare?

The competitors each had strengths but fell short of the Atlas's overall package.

#2: 2018 Chevrolet Traverse (680 points) The redesigned Traverse was praised for its minivan-like utility and comfortable ride. It offered the most cargo space behind the third row and a very spacious third-row seat. However, it was hampered by the lack of standard advanced safety features on the test vehicle and lower scores for front- and second-row seat comfort.

#3: 2017 Honda Pilot (674 points) The previous year's winner, the Pilot, still boasts a quiet, high-quality cabin, excellent outward visibility, and clever storage solutions like a washable bin liner. Its major drawback was the problematic nine-speed automatic transmission, which suffers from hesitation during acceleration. Its third row was also noted as being less spacious than the leaders.

#4: 2017 Toyota Highlander (559 points) The Highlander finished a distant fourth. While it offered standard safety technology and comfortable front seats, it was the smallest vehicle in the test. This led to the lowest scores for second- and third-row comfort, cargo space, and child-seat accommodation. Its outdated multimedia system, which lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, was also a significant disadvantage.

What is the Final Verdict for Families?

For families seeking the best combination of space, comfort, and technology in a three-row SUV, the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas represents the highest value. Its decisive win demonstrates a well-executed design focused on family needs. While the Chevrolet Traverse offers superior cargo utility and the Honda Pilot a very quiet ride, the Atlas's balanced excellence and refined driving experience make it the top recommendation.

Key takeaways for your purchase decision:

• Prioritize the third row: If you regularly need to seat adults, the Atlas and Traverse are the clear leaders.
• Test the transmission: The Honda Pilot's nine-speed transmission is a known weak point; ensure you drive it thoroughly.
• Verify safety features: Safety technology is often optional; confirm exactly what is included in your priced vehicle, as with the Traverse in this test.
• Consider long-term value: The Volkswagen Atlas's 6-year/72,000-mile warranty provides outstanding peace of mind.