Three Things I Love About My Atlas

It seems like once you have a baby, certain stereotypes come to fruition. The popular for a short time "dad-bod" starts to develop and you find a station wagon in your garage. I don't have the "dad-bod" yet (thanks, Whole 30 Challenge) but, I did find the station wagon in my driveway. It was teal.

When my daughter Phoenyx was born, I just couldn't justify a large payment on a sporty Volkswagen CC anymore. I needed something more economical. My parents selflessly came to my rescue with a 2005 Ford Focus Wagon. I try not to be too hard on it; it was reliable and cheap. It got me from point a to point b and back. It was a humbling experience.

Now, I'm at a point in my life where a 2005 teal station wagon just doesn't work. Moving back to Idaho "where everyone drives a truck or SUV" left us feeling unsafe, especially with a precious two-year-old in the back seat. A change had to be made, so I started shopping. After comparing a few mid-size SUV's including the Explorer and Highlander, I choose the new Volkswagen Atlas. I couldn't be happier. Here are three of the many things I LOVE about my Atlas.

*VW is not paying me for this review, however I do endorse the company through my radio station since I believe in them so much. I'm just a dad who loves his new SUV.

It's Safe: Volkswagen continually produces some of the safest cars on the road. My Atlas has a 5-star safety rating and cool technology to help avoid accidents. It has a lane assist function that will keep the vehicle in between the lines of the road automatically. It also can sense if the car in front of me slams on its breaks. If I don't react, it will automatically brake for me.

Different driving modes: I don't know a lot SUV about suspension and handling, but I love how my Atlas drives. It has different "modes" I can easily choose from. The "sport" mode changes the gears and tightens the steering. Eco mode helps with fuel economy (the engine will even shut off at stoplights to conserve fuel). Because of this snowless winter, I haven't had a chance to test out snow mode which I'm not disappointed about.

The look: I love German cars, and even though the Atlas is manufactured in Tennessee, I feel it carryovers the aggressive and unique styling you find in BMW's and Audi's. I choose the R line trim package for which included a sporty body kit, bigger wheels/rims, and R-Line badges.

The Atlas has been a joy. I no longer have to park around the corner to avoid my peers seeing me in a teal station wagon. If you're in the market for a new SUV, I would suggest checking one out.