New Volkswagen SUV Earns 2017 Top Safety Pick Award

ARLINGTON, Va., Aug. 4 -- The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety issued the following news release:

The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, a new midsize SUV, earns the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Top Safety Pick award.

To qualify for the 2017 Top Safety Pick award, a vehicle must have good ratings in all five crashworthiness tests -- small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraints. It also must have an available front crash prevention rating that earns an advanced or superior rating.

The Atlas has an optional front crash prevention system that earns a superior rating. In the 12 mph IIHS track test, the vehicle avoided a collision. In the 25 mph test, the impact speed was reduced by 17 mph. The system also has a forward collision warning component that meets National Highway Traffic Safety Administration criteria.

The Atlas misses the Top Safety Pick+ designation because its available headlights are rated marginal and poor. Good or acceptable headlights are required for the higher award.