Strength, Class, and FUN: The New Volkswagen Atlas

Fun fact:  I grew up in a time when seatbelts were NOT a requirement and you had to use your IMAGINATION to create fun while traveling!  You were also at the mercy of the DJ, on whatever radio station was available, to hear the tunes you loved!  My older sister and I would make the back seat and trunk of our 1971 Chevy Vega Kammback Wagon our playground when exploring the streets of Houston, taking road trips to the Texas Panhandle to see our extended family, or helping my mom and dad with their newspaper route, way too early in the morning, I might add. Although we didn’t realize at the time just how dangerous the lack of safety features in our car had on our precious lives, those memories in the station wagon are precious to all of us.  Life moves on, technology improves, and there are many more memories to be made!

Another Fun Fact EVERYONE will benefit from knowing is that the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas is one of Fort Worth Autobahn’s latest SUV’s on the “must drive” list for those of you hunting for the next family “truckster.” This year, the Atlas was rated cars.com Family Car of the Year.  According to cars.com, “Ample passenger and cargo space, advanced driver-assistance features and athletic handling set the Atlas apart from competitors.”  General Manager, Cody Grove of Fort Worth Autobahn Volkswagen, says he loves the SUV for its top rated safety features.  “It has sensors everywhere, even places you might not expect.” These sensors help the driver with blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic detection, collision warning, autonomous braking, and pedestrian detection.  Other optional safety systems include:  adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, and front/rear parking sensors.  Impressive, right?  It certainly is to me.  I currently drive a 2007 Lexus RX 350.  I love it, but the safety features on the Atlas are FAR more advanced, to say the least!  I can’t imagine not having to turn my head and body every which way to see what in the world is happening around me!  Technology can be a GOOD thing!

The 2020 Atlas makes living the family life a lot easier!  Let’s talk cargo space.  The three-row SUV has a classy interior that can easily handle hauling kids and their car seats.  The second row is capable of holding three front-facing car seats or three adults with ample foot room.  The second row has a tilt and slide mechanism so third row passengers can be seated without having to move the car seat!  Genius engineering, right there.  Way to go, Volkswagen!  The third row is roomy enough for taller teens or adults, while still providing plenty of room for additional cargo that is not a human.

In March, I had an opportunity to drive the 2020 Atlas myself.  Due to the events of COVID-19, the test-drive had to be cut short, but it gave me just what I needed to know to be able to share a bit of my experience with you.  As a mom with two older kids, ages 12 and 14, I definitely wasn’t use to all of the space and dashboard technology (a.k.a: Infotainment screen), but it is DEFINITELY something I would be willing to get used to!  It drives smoothly and has responsive turning, including parking in a parking lot or making sharp turns.  I didn’t feel like I was driving a large SUV most of the time.  The Kieta family has taken a road trip to Colorado almost every summer since our oldest daughter, Avery, was born.  As we spent the afternoon driving the Atlas around Fort Worth, we couldn’t help but imagine how incredible a “road trip car” the Atlas would be for our adventures.  So many more USB outlets in order for all of our devices to stay charged, so many cup holders, so much foot room, head room, and I can’t forget to mention the HUGE panoramic moon roof for stargazing and watching the clouds roll by.  Due to the amazing amount of cargo space, we would no longer have to stress about not being able to fit all of our luggage in the car.  Hmmmm.  Dreamy, for sure.  No doubt, when our budget allows it, we would be happy to own this SUV.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability come standard to the Atlas.  So, you get to choose your tunes and know where you are going at all times!  I remember so vividly my mom or dad having to get out the paper map to find out where we were!  The best part was watching them trying to get it folded back together correctly so it could fit into the tiny glove compartment (which never held gloves.)  Yes, the beauty of technology is helping to simplify our lives and to get us where we need to go safely and comfortably.

The 2020 VW Atlas “was designed from the ground up for American families, is assembled here in America, and, as sales have shown over the first two model years, Atlas is resonating with American buyers,” states Scott Keogh, president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America.

The Fort Worth Autobahn Volkswagen dealership is such a pleasure to work with.  The staff was so patient, kind, and knowledgeable when it came to helping me get comfortable with all of the amazing technology this SUV had to offer before I took off that afternoon for a test-drive.

Needless to say, this girl is smitten with the strength, class, and genius design of the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas.  Fort Worth, it’s time for a road trip with the family in this adventure-ready SUV!  Look no further.  Autobahn has one waiting for you!

Jennifer Kieta is a native Texan, born and raised in Houston. She graduated from Texas Tech University and has lived in Fort Worth since 1996. After marrying her husband, Brian in 1998, Jennifer worked as a Child Life Specialist at Cook Children’s Medical Center for 9 years before becoming a full-time mom to her two daughters. Her passion for helping people in healthcare transitioned into the fitness world in 2014. She now teaches spin and HIIT classes at Zyn22 and Pilates at Restore and Revive Wellness Center. In December of 2017, Jennifer was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her journey through a double-mastectomy and being able to call herself a Survivor and Overcomer has allowed her to have an even greater passion for helping people embrace every day and take care of themselves one day at a time.