By James Raia
The editors at Cars.com compile a lot of lists every year. For RVers with families, arguably the prominent site’s most important list is Family Car of the Year.
Using a comprehensive list of criteria, the site narrows the list to three vehicles and then selects the winner. For 2020, the winner is the Volkswagen Atlas.
The large family hauler took top honors after editors considered crash tests, safety features and accommodation of family members and their gear. Families with gear and pets often opt for minivans, sometimes described as living rooms on wheels. The Atlas, the editors reported, gets close to offering a minivan’s “level of comfort.”
The Atlas debuted in 2018 and has received plenty of accolades for vast interior space, strong ride qualities and its lengthy list of standard features and options. It seats seven in its three rows. The second-row bench also has ample room to fit three car seats across, a rarity.
Prices for the 2020 models begin at $31,545.
Powered by standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder or an optional 3.6-liter V-6, the Atlas holds its own and has 235 to 276 horsepower depending upon trim level. Towing capacity for the Atlas is 5,000 pounds.
The Ford Expedition and Hyundai Santa Fe were also finalists on the Cars.com Family Car of the Year list.
James Raia, a syndicated columnist in Sacramento, California, publishes a free weekly automotive podcast and electronic newsletter. Sign-ups are available on his website, www.theweeklydriver.com. He can be reached via email: james@jamesraia.com.
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I know this is not related to the article, but I often wonder if I am the only one who suspects that the touch screens in the newer cars cause distracted driving. I wear glasses only for reading and would have to put them on to read the screen, then remove them to see down the road. The small print and movement of the car would be a huge distraction, much worse than a cell phone. I often wonder how many accidents are caused by trying to make adjustments while driving. Just saying. By the way I do not have a vehicle with a touch screen.
Gordy, I am in 100% agreement. When auto makers purposely install distractions …… just plain stupid.
I have the Atlas and if you have Android auto there is minimal interaction with the screen. I find myself just saying “hey Google” and then just asking for what I want.
Works really well.
Can it be flat-towed?
What does all this have to do with RVs?
You can tow TT’s under 5K, a segment I believe is growing popularity. Half empty or half full? Me, it’s re-fillable, lol.