2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Review

The 2-row, 2020 VW Cross Sport slots between the smaller Tiguan and larger Atlas.

But, to be clear the Cross Sport also shares the Atlas name.  So, technically it’s called the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.

Since the brand new model is the newest entrant into VW’s crossover SUV lineup it arrives with considerable anticipation.

And that goes for me too.  So, I was excited to pick one up from my friends at Ontario Volkswagen for this review.

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117.3-inch wheelbase & 195.5-in overall length

In the evergrowing world of crossover SUVs, it can be hard to keep track of all the sizes and seating arrangement options.

So, before diving into the Cross Sport review I’ll clarify Volkswagen’s lineup.

And I like to note a couple of things about Volkswagen’s overall lineup.

First, Atlas Cross Sports’ bigger sibling,  the Atlas is huge inside.  And it’s third-row of seating is definitely suitable for adults.

Second about, Atlas Cross Sports’ smaller sibling, the Tiguan.  It has an optional third-row of seating.  And the Tiguan’s third row is more designed for kids than adults.

So again, Atlas Cross Sport fits between the Atlas and Tiguan.  And now that we have that clear – on with the review of the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is offered in 8-different trim configuration levels.

But when it comes to VW crossover SUVs, there trim options can at first appear confusing but here’s what to remember.

Eight trim options

There are really three primary trim categories.  And that’s the S, SE, and SEL.  Then you can have the top-tier Premium option.  And the R-Line sporty aesthetic package.

VW’s AWD – 4MOTION

Other than that you’re left with the engine and front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive options.  And in VW’s world all-wheel drive is called 4MOTION.

*Starting MSRPs

So, with all those different trim options, the decisions you’re left with are largely interior and exterior colors and accessories.

Atlas Cross Sport is 78.4 inches wide

But no matter what, go see my friends at Ontario Volkswagen.  Because there you’ll get the best of everything – price, selection, and overall deal and buying experience.

When it comes to engines, you have two options.

First, there’s the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder.  And it puts out 235-horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.  Plus towing capacity with the turbo-4 is 2,000-pounds.

Then you also have the bigger 3.6-liter V6 engine.  This one delivers 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque.  And towing capacity with the V6 bumps up to 5,000 lbs.

*City/highway 

All 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sports come with the same 8-speed automatic transmission.  And that’s both smooth-shifting plus delivers solid fuel economy.

4-different drive modes

Additionally, changing drive modes is intuitive and simple.  Options include snow, on-road, off-road and off-road custom – allowing you to personalize your settings.

So the all-new VW Atlas Cross Sport looks a lot like its bigger sibling that it shares a name with – the Atlas.   At first glance, they’re quite similar from the front and rear views.

Rear Atlas badge

So, it can take a bit of an educated eye to differentiate between the Atlas Cross Sport and Atlas.

*Additional charge

Because even from the rear, the Atlas Cross Sport has a badge that only states ‘Atlas.’

Raked Cross Sport roof-line

However, the Cross Sport’s profile is where you can really tell the difference.  First, by the ‘raked’ (downward sloping) roof-line in the rear.

Cross Sport side-badges

But also from the subtle ‘Cross Sport’ badging on both the driver and front passenger doors.

Standard LED headlights DRLs

LED headlights and daytime running lights (DRLs) are standard.  Additionally, LED taillights are also standard.

Standard LED taillights

Also, roof rails come standard on Atlas Cross Sport.  And, depending on your trim level, Atlas Cross Sport comes with handsome 18, 20 or 21-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

*All inches 

So, to answer the common question; the 2020 VW Atlas Cross Sport is 195.5 inches long.  And that’s shorter than the 2020 VW Atlas at 198.3 inches.

But the Atlas and the Atlas Cross Sport share the same wheelbase at 117.3 inches long.

And one of my favorite features inside (arguably outside too) the 2020 VW Cross Sport is the ginormous panoramic sunroof.

Panoramic sunroof  4′ x  3.5′

Because this sunroof is so big it seems to define the term panoramic.  In fact, the optional feature is approximately 4-feet-long and 3-and-a-half feet wide.

5-passenger Cross Sport

The Atlas Cross Sport’s interior, like the Atlas itself, is very spacious.  And that, of course, holds true even though Cross Sport is a slightly smaller vehicle.

Because again, the Cross Sport seats up to 5 whereas the Atlas seats up to 7.

Cavernous backseat

There’s just over an inch difference between front-seat and backseat legroom.  So, at 5’10”, I was tremendously comfortable in the backseat.

Standard 60/40 split backseat

And even with the Atlas Cross Sport’s shorter overall length and raked rear roof-line it still delivers up to 77.8 cu-ft of cargo space.

Volkswagen’s digital cockpit is available on the 2020 Cros Sport.  And it replaces the traditional instrument cluster with a customizable digital screen.

VW’s digital cockpit

Plus, a top feature within the digital cockpit is the ability to customize and save multiple driver profiles.

6.5 and 8″ touchscreen availability

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offers two infotainment touchscreens.  Both are very user-friendly.  Depending on the trim level, there are 6.5-inch or 8-inch options.

Additionally, there’s an optional upgrade to a 12-speaker Fender brand premium sound system from the standard 6-speaker system.

Optional wireless smartphone charging

And through VW’s App-Connect select applications can be run directly from your smartphone including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

All the latest driver assistance and safety tech is either standard or available on the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.

Standard:

Available:

Plus another standard safety feature that VW includes on Atlas Cross Sport.  And this is one that I think all carmakers should include – automatic post-collision braking system.

So, it does what it sounds like.  In the event of a collision, and the vehicle continues to move, it will stop itself automatically.

Finally, circling back on my Top-3 Things I like about the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.

Courtesy of Ontario Volkswagen

And if a 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is a vehicle that has you interested.  Or, any other Volkswagen for that matter.  Then be sure to connect with my friends at Ontario Volkswagen in the Los Angeles suburb of Ontario, California.  Or email me and I’ll personally connect you: tom [at] idrivesocal [dot] com.

The Latest Volkswagen News HERE.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas is technically a midsize crossover SUV.  But one could argue it belongs in the full-size category as it has three rows of seating.

Additionally, it’s the largest crossover SUV that VW offers.  And it’s big and roomy inside with room for adults in each row of seating.  Plus Atlas offers plenty of cargo space and impressive tech.

Personally, I’ve been a big fan of Atlas since it’s debut in 20180.  It’s great for families without being too big.  So I recently picked-up an Atlas from my friends at Ontario VW for this review.

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198.3″ Length and 117.3″ wheelbase

In Volkswagen’s line-up of 2020 crossover SUV’s Atlas is the biggest.  And the line-up is officially growing this year.

Because of the introduction of the Atlas Cross Sport, VW will have three crossover SUVs.

Up to 96.8 cubic feet of cargo space

So, the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas is available in a total of seven different trim levels.  And those are derived from 4 primary trim configurations.

*All starting MSPRs

Additionally, the pricing shared above is only for reference.  Your best deal and buying experience is with my friends at Ontario Volkswagen in the Los Angeles suburb of Ontario, California.

The 2020 VW Atlas is offered in two different powerful engines.  There’s a turbocharged 4-cylinder and a V6.

So the turbocharged 4-cylinder is a 2.0-liter.  It delivers 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

And the V6 is a 3.6-liter.  It provides 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque.

Atlas SE trim 18″ alloy wheel – up to 21″ wheels available

Having driven Atlas’s with both engines I’m surprised to report the following.  The turbo-4 seems to have a little more spirit from dead stops and quickly accelerating from low speeds.

Regardless of the engine you go with, all trim levels of the 2020 VW Atlas come with the same transmission.  And that’s a smooth-shifting well-geared 8-speed automatic transmission.

*City/Highway

Plus the Atlas offers optional 4MOTION all-wheel drive.  But if you skip all-wheel-drive, the two-wheel-drive option is front-wheel-drive.

And the 2020 Atlas has a 2,000-pound towing capacity with the turbo-4.  But when you bump up to the V6 you can tow up to 5,000 lbs.

The 2020 VW Atlas is a great-looking crossover SUV.  Because it blends European styling and rugged American-sized utility vehicle profiles.

2020 VW Atlas SE Trim

Plus a muscular stance from rearview even in the lower trimmed SE 2020 Atlas I test drove for this review.

Automatic tailgate available

And the head-on front view is equally as imposing.

*All inches 

With standard LED headlights and available foglights.

Wide muscular stance

Because the Atlas Cross Sport will soon be on the road you might find it tough to tell it apart from the Atlas.  Especially when viewing them from the front.

Atlas Cross Sport – 3-chrome cars

But here’s an easy way to tell.  The 2020 Atlas has two horizontal chrome bars across the length of the grille.  Whereas the smaller sibling, the Atlas Cross Sport, pictured above has three.

While I test drove a SE trim Atlas it looked good.  But, when you upgrade to the Atlas with SEL or sporty R-Line trims it really becomes a sexy-looking crossover SUV that’s fantastic for families.

The interior of the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas is what all critics agree on – it’s big and spacious.  Because many midsized crossover SUVs have 3-rows of seating.  But many also provide only enough room for very small adults or children in that last row.

Seated in 3rd-row w/ legs extended

So, sorry for the picture of my sneakers.  But, the above picture gives you an idea of the spaciousness inside the 2020 Atlas.  And in that pic, I’m sitting in the third-row with my legs fully extended. – I’m 5’10”.

Additionally, the 2020 Atlas offers a bench or captain’s seating for the second-row.

2nd-row captain’s chairs

And while the bench in the second row allows for seating up to seven adults.  The captain’s chairs in the second row are super-comfortable.

41.5″ legroom in 1st-row

Plus one final note about the seating options.  Adding the bench to the 2nd-row of seating allows for up to three child safety seats in that row.  And that puts Atlas in rarified territory for its class.

Volkswagen packs the 2020 Atlas with both creature comfort technology and infotainment tech.

SE Trim Atlas

Topping the list is Volkswagen’s Car-Net telematics system.  So, that’s basically a smartphone app that keeps you connected to your Volkswagen – in many ways.

And Car-Net does many things, depending on how your VW is equipped.  For example, it can lock and unlock your doors and start and stop your engine remotely.

Atlas can be equipped with plenty of connectivity and charging ports throughout its cabin.  Plus a Fender brand premium sound system and Wi-fi hotspot – subscription required of course..

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay available

Also available is Volkswagen’s digital cockpit.  While the SE trimmed Atlas I test drove for this review didn’t have it I’ve driven many VW’s with the digital cockpit.

And, it’s a great feature that completely replaces the instrument cluster with a customizable digital screen.  Perhaps my favorite new info-tech feature of the past few years is Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.  Those are also available on the 2020 VW Atlas.

2nd and 3rd-row climate control available

Additionally, you can equip your Atlas with heated 1st and 2nd-row seats.  And, my personal favorite, ventilated front seats.

With that in mind, it makes perfect sense that Volkswagen offers climate controls for all 3-rows of seating as well.

As you’d expect the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas can come equipped with all the latest driver assistance and safety features.

So let’s circle back to the Top-3 Things I like about the 2020 VW Atlas.

Ontario VW – Official Partner

And if you’re shopping for a 2020 Atlas, or any other Volkswagen – remember to see my friends at Ontario VW.  Email me and I’ll connect you: tom [at] idrivesocal [dot] com.

The Latest Volkswagen News HERE.

2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Reveal

The first look I got at the 2020 VW Atlas Cross Sport was at the LA Auto Show.  While SoCal Volkswagen dealers will have it in the Spring of 2020.

And at first glance, the new edition to VW’s crossover SUV lineup looks much like it’s bigger sibling, the Atlas with 3-rows of seating.

But once you give it a little more attention the enhanced sportiness of the aptly named Cross Sport is definitely appreciated.  And Cross Sport will seat up to 5.

Personally, my mind drew a parallel the sibling Volkswagens (Atlas and Cross Sport) and another set of siblings.  That’s the luxury and way-way more expensive Land Rovers (Range Rover Sport and Velar).

And my friend Randy Halcomb at Ontario Volkswagen says that’s significant.  Because “it highlights Volkswagen’s innate ability to pack ridiculous value (and prestige) into its affordable-to-everyone products.”

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Volkswagen @ 2019 LA Auto Show

The Atlas Cross Sport is a two-row midsize crossover SUV that slots between the Atlas and Tiguan.

It’s worth noting that Volkswagen just recently introduced the Atlas.  Additionally, the affordable European carmaker recently delivered an entirely new generation of the Tiguan.

So the Atlas Cross Sport further proves Volkswagen’s commitment to America’s seemingly insatiable demand for crossover SUV vehicles.

Volkswagen will have eight trim level options once at full production.  With all but three of those are planned for the initial rollout.

*Later availability

And please note that the above prices are manufacturer’s starting retail prices.  Plus, how you equip your vehicle will impact the price.

Regardless, go see my friends at Ontario Volkswagen for the best buying experience – including the best price.

There will be two different engines for the 2020 Cross Sport.  And those will be a turbocharged four-cylinder and a V6.

So the turbo 4-cylinder will put out 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.  While the V6 takes it up to 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque.

Both engines will come with an eight-speed automatic transmission.  And when you go with the V6 you’ll have a towing capacity of 5,000lbs.

Plus you’ll have the option of 4MOTION, which is Volkswagen’s sure-footed all-wheel-drive system.

While Cross Sport looks similar to Atlas it’s bolder and sportier.  Mostly due to the shortened and forward-angled c-pillar (rear pillar), it takes on a coupe-like appearance.

Cross Sport 3-bar grill.

And, at least for 2020, here’s the trick to tell the difference between Atlas and Cross Sport from the front.  Cross Sport has three chrome bars running across the length of the grill.  And Atlas has only 2.

2019 VW Atlas 2-bar grill

Additionally, available 21-inch aluminum-alloy wheels will further accentuate Cross Sports bold-look and aggressive stance.

Volkswagen hasn’t released all dimensions of Cross Sport as of yet.  But it’s stating that the interior is upgraded from Atlas with a redesigned steering wheel.

And, like the Atlas, VW is stating there will be able legroom for riders in the backseat. Additionally, the enormous panoramic moonroof that Volkswagen puts in some of its vehicles will be available with Cross Sport.

Cargo Space

Plus with the backseats folded down, you’ll have lots of cargo space.  Because that is a measurement that Volkswagen is committing to stating that there will be 77.8 cubic inches available.

Volkswagen’s digital cockpit will be available in Cross Sport and with a 10-inch display.  Also, available will be wireless smartphone charging.

And regarding driver assistance safety features, VW is stating that there will be a variety of those technological advances available too.  That will include pedestrian monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic jam assist.

Coupe-like VW Atlas Cross Sport

Impressively, standard across all Cross Sport trim levels is Volkswagen’s telematics system.  So, it’s called the Car-Net.  And it’s impressive because for 2020 all VW telematics systems come with partial service for free for the first 5-years.

So, with the Cross Sport Volkswagen continues to double-down on its crossover SUV lineup.  And as soon as Southern California Volkswagen Dealers take delivery I’ll have a complete test drive review.  And if you want more information about buying one contact Randy Halcomb at Ontario Volkswagen. RHalcomb [at] OntarioVW [dot] com.

The Latest Volkswagen News HERE.

2020 Volkswagen Passat Review

The Volkswagen Passat is refreshed for 2020.  So, it maintains the generational status it entered back in 2012.

And while that has some of the automotive journalists finding some fault with the spruced up midsize sedan… I totally disagree.

Because the 2020 Passat delivers exactly what it’s supposed to, and then some.  It’s a stylish and super-roomy sedan at a great value.

Add-in Volkswagen’s precise fit and finish.  Plus its reliable sure-footed-fun-to-drive-ness (yes, I made up that phrase) and you have an extremely affordable complete package.

In fact, it’s one that smart shoppers will have a hard time passing up.  I recently picked one up from my friends at Ontario Volkswagen and enjoyed a day of cruising Southern California’s IE.

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2020 VW Passat Courtesy of Ontario Volkswagen

Here are the Top-3 Things I like about 2020 Volkswagen Passat.

Continue reading and I’m sure you’ll agree.  And email me with questions or thoughts: Tom [at] iDriveSoCal [dot] com.

Volkswagen has adjusted the available trim configurations for the Passat over the recent years.  And here are the trims and their corresponding starting manufacturers suggested retail prices.

As always, I share MSRPs for reference.  You need to get your Passat equipped to your liking and that will impact the price.

But if you’re angling for a Passat or any Volkswagen then just go see my friends at Ontario Volkswagen.  Because you’ll get no pressure honesty, best prices, and great selection.

Me and Randy Podcasting

Randy Halcomb is our go-to there.  His cell is 909-772-1728 and email is RHalcomb [at] OntarioVW [dot] com.

Volkswagen is keeping it easy for the 2020 Passat going with the same engine and transmission across all trims.

So, no matter which configuration you go with you get a spirted 2.0 turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.  And that produces 174 horsepower with 206 pound-feet of torque.

Available 19″ split-spoke alloy wheels

Add the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission and you wind up with a midsize sedan that delivers great gas mileage.

So, the Passat’s fuel economy rating is also identical across the board with a combined 27 mpg.  And broken down that’s 23 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.

The refreshed 2020 Volkswagen Passat looks like a European midsize sedan.  And at the entry-level price point of $23,000, you are not going to find a better looking midsize Euro.

Midsize non-luxury Euro sedan

Not even close, because there isn’t one.  Because remember, when it comes to non-luxury European cars Volkswagen is the only name in the game.  (Okay maybe you could say Mini is a non-luxury Euro but there’s really no comparison.)

Bold exterior design

But I’d also call the exterior design far bolder than the previous Passat.  Additionally, and especially with the R-Line trim that I test drove.  I see styling cues that Volkswagen incorporated into its brand new Arteon sedan.

Standard LED headlights

*all in inches 

Standard LED taillights

Additionally, the all-new designed 2020 Passat comes with standard LED headlights, daytime running lights (DRLs) and LED taillights.

Inside the 2020 Volkswagen Passat is where everyone can agree.  It’s huge.  And it’s comfortable.

56.9-inches of front seat shoulder room

There’s ample space in both the front seats and the backseats.  In fact, I’m 5’10”. And while the front seat is adjusted for my driving comfort I can sit in the backseat with ample room between my knees and the back of the driver seat.

57-inches of backseat shoulder room

And depending on which trim you go with there are both leatherette and leather seats available.

15.9 cu-ft of cargo space

And there’s plenty of cargo space.  Even without putting the backseats down you have 15.9 cubic-feet of trunk storage to work with.

Also, through VW’s App-Connect you interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to run navigation and stay caught up with the iDriveSoCal podcast. :0)

6.3″ touchscreen

And the infotainment system overall offers a great user-interface.  The combination of intuitive on-screen buttons and navigation along with physical dials makes acclimation a breeze.

And when it comes to driver assistance and safety technology the 2020 Volkswagen Passat stacks up as expected.  It has a great base of standard features with the rest available as add-ons.

Standard

Available

Plus the 2020 Passat includes VW’s Intelligent Crash Response System.

I like this system because it takes post-collision actions.  And these include turning off the fuel pump and unlocking the vehicle’s doors.  Additionally, the ICRS will activate the hazard lights.

Turbocharged engine, trans w/ sport mode, and paddle shifters

Now, all of that is pretty impressive safety technology for a car that starts at $23-grand.

So, here’s my Top-3 again with details:

And one final note.  Specifically regarding the 2020 VW Passat badging.  I love new lettering positioned right below the VW emblem across the middle of the trunk.  Looks clean – don’t you think?

New 2020 VW Passat badging

The Latest Volkswagen News HERE.

Volkswagen Off-Road

Volkswagen off-road is a phrase we haven’t heard much of for years. Not since the Meyers Manx dune buggies were created from Beetles has VW really been associated with off-roading.

But that’s changing thanks to Americans’ love affair with crossover SUVs.  Because of that Volkswagen has recently spruced up and added to its crossover SUV lineup.

So, 2020 brings three Volkswagen off-road / crossover SUV options.

There’s the compact Tiguan which is in its second generation.  It has an optional 3rd row of seating.  But it’s mainly for smaller humans. :0)

Plus, the Atlas Cross Sport which is a 5-seat midsize new entry to the lineup.  It will soon be available at Southern California Volkswagen Dealers.

And the Volkswagen Atlas, which arguably bumps up to full-size status with the entry of the Atlas Cross Sport.  Because it’s a 3-row 7-plus seater that VW just added to its lineup in 2018.

Now, are all of these Volkswagen’s off-road-ready?  While not in a dedicated off-highway vehicle sense (OHV), it really depends on your degree of off-road-mindedness.

And following Volkswagen’s off-road trend, my friends at Ontario VW recently danced-up this Atlas.

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Off-Road-Ready – VW Atlas

So, Ontario VW customized this Volkswagen Atlas for off-road use.  And they did so both on the interior and exterior.  I’ll walk you through those details but first wanted to share the above wide-shot.

First, because it shows off the exterior customization nicely.  But also because I was able to get a cool shot with a big jet landing at Ontario Airport in the background. :0)

Since the wheels are where the rubber hits the road – figuratively and literally – we’ll start there.

Sparco 10-spoke performance wheels

This 2019 VW off-road-ready Atlas was upgraded with Sparco 10-spoke performance wheels and Continental off-road-ready tires.

And what I loved about test driving this VW is that it was still quiet while cruising at 65 mph.  In fact, the loudest sound I heard was from the boxes on the Thule roof rack.

So the exterior off-road accessories, including the off-road tires, didn’t create a bunch of road noise at highway speeds.  That’s a big plus when it comes to Volkswagen off-roading.

And what’s arguably the perfect off-road roof rack, Ontario VW added Thule’s to this Atlas.

Thule Roof Rack

And that’s complete with Thule cargo basket and netting.  As you can see the fit is perfect.  Plus taking this VW off-road with the basket and netting probably safer than a roof box.

Because a mounted box could catch a tree branch and cause lots of damage.  While clipping that same tree branch would just mean you have the gear to get back on the roof!

Another helpful off-road addition to this Atlas is the hood deflector.

Bug and small debris protection

Not only will a good hood deflector help protect from bugs but also small debris as well.  Yes, of course, they can look great too.

Contoured Volkswagen off-road hood deflector

But do hood deflectors work overall?  Well, as someone who tends to go through windshields like tanks of gas I can say this.

Nothing is failsafe and anything that lends a hand in protecting the vehicle is worth it.  Especially if you’re heading off-road!

Perhaps you’re tall enough to not require sidesteps/running boards like the ones on this off-road-ready Volkswagen Atlas.

Sidesteps aka running boards

However, even if you step over them to get into the vehicle they can still serve a great purpose.  And that’s to keep debris from flying up and scratching the sides of your vehicle.

Again, unless you’re dedicating you’re Volkwagen for off-road use as a true OHV, you might as well keep it presentable when on-road.

When heading off-road you want the inside of your vehicle to be ready for the elements too.  Because after all, we go off-road for the enjoyment of being outdoors.

Stainless steel pedal covers and all-season floor mats

And, when we do, that means we’re highly likely to bring some of the outdoors back into the vehicle.  So Ontario VW added stainless steel pedal covers to this Volkswagen off-roader.

Plus all-season floor mats are an essential add-on for tracking the outdoors into any off-road vehicle.

Another essential for off-roading is the backseat cover that’s ready for anything.

Backseat cover – for off-road, crazy-messy kids and dogs :0)

And the backseat cover on this Atlas customized by Ontario Volkswagen is versatile.  Because it even allows the armrest to deploy and includes the ability for child safety seats to be installed over the cover!

Plus, perfect for every backseat navigator is the tablet holder.

Tablet holder

And the tablet holder is a handy backseat accessory regardless of if you’re off-roading or not.  (My son asks for his tablet every time we put him in his seat!)

Additionally, when you need to contain stuff to the rear cargo area the custom cargo divider is a key piece of equipment.

Cargo divider

So, this cargo divider sits behind the 2nd row of backseats and is shown above with the 3rd-row of seats down.  Notice how they lie flat – a great Volkswagen feature for sure.

And cargo dividers are great for containing stuff when you’re really bouncing around.  But also, if you have a really dirty dog, and you want to keep its mess in one area of your ride.

So, while Volkswagen and all the other carmakers continue putting more crossover SUVs on the road.  Innovative automotive retailers like Ontario Volkswagen will continue customizing those for Southern Californian’s off-road fun.

Courtesy of Ontario VW

If you want to customize a VW for off-roading contact my friend Randy Halcomb @ Ontario Volkswagen: RHalcomb [at] OntarioVW [dot] com.  Or email me and I’ll connect you directly.  And maybe we’ll even cover a story on you and your new rig hitting the SoCal off-road trails!

The Latest Volkswagen News HERE.

Volkswagen Car-Net is a mobile application that connects VW owners with their cars.  And most new 2020 models are getting connected for free.

Car-Net offers a number of connected-car services.  And, these services are exclusive to VW owners.  Plus it all happens through your smart phone.

Historically these services have required a subscription.  But for 2020, Volkswagen is adding 5-years of free service with almost all new VW’s.

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Standard on most 2020 VW models

So for Volkswagen’s 2020 model year, Car-Net comes standard on most new vehicles.  Plus starting in new 2020 vehicles, Remote Access services are included free for five-years.

VW breaks down Car-Net services into four areas; Remote Access, Safe & Secure, Hotspot and, Guide & Inform.

Perhaps the most useful area of VW’s Car-Net app, remote access offers a suite of unique services.  And the fact VW is giving it away free for the first 5-years of 2020 vehicle ownership is worth restating.

Additional services that fall under Remote Access’s first 5-years free include:

And, Volkswagen owners with factory-installed navigation systems can send destinations directly to their car from the app.

Plus, VW reports, owners will soon be able to use voice commands through smart home devices to connect with Car-Net.

For those of us w/ a Ph.D. in losing our cars

And, for the subscription rate of $99 per year VW’s Car-Net includes a suite of security and safety services.

So, each of the Safe & Secure functions keeps Volkswagen owners connected to help while on the road.  While also keeping owners connected to their VWs’ when they’re not using them.

Car-Net’s Hotspot provides internet access for up to four connected devices at the same time.

Hotspot functionality requires a subscription service.  If you already have an existing Verizon Wireless account then you can add your VW as a new line item.

And if you are not a Verizon customer then you can set up a $20 monthly pre-paid plan.

The Volkswagen Car-Net Guide and Inform feature requires both factory-installed navigation and a SiriusXM subscription.

But with it, you are able to monitor traffic reports, fuel prices, sports scores, movie times and, weather information.

So, as our cars continue to evolve, how we interact with them will too.

And these types of connected-car services are still finding their way.  All vehicle manufacturers have them.  But user adoption has been slow.

Volkswagen’s decision to provide 5-years of free service for some of Car-Net’s most critical functionality is a pretty big deal.  It will go along way in attracting user adoption and engagement.

And as Toyota and VW continue to duke-it-out for the world’s biggest carmaker this is a great leadership step that I love seeing.

For more info on a new 2020 VW with 5-years of free Car-Net Remote Access service reach out to my pals at Ontario Volkswagen.

The Latest Volkswagen News HERE.