I will give the Atlas this: It's BIG. If you need a minivan, but don't want a minivan, the Atlas is a very good choice, spacewise.
My mother has a 2019 Atlas (with the VR6), and we packed six people into it to do an 8 hour road trip from NB to Quebec City in 2019. Four Adults and two small kids, plus enough luggage for a long weekend trip. We never ever lacked for space, comfort, or power.
Ease of access into the 3rd row is a major selling feature of this vehicle, and something that young, large families will really appreciate. I believe the entire second row seat tips forward in one motion, meaning you can have a car seat installed, and still access the 3rd row easily.
This isn't a VW that VW wanted to sell to VW fans (if that makes sense) - but rather to everybody else who may not have otherwise considered a VW. It's very mainstream.