VW certainly isn't without its issues these days -- but few companies are.
While not on the same level as the likes of the Touareg and Phaeton years, I have found from driving pretty well everything in the current and last-gen line-up that they do indeed feel different than other machines with which they compete. The interior finishes have diminished, yes, but the overall presentation from outside to inside styling is (as it has always been) far more timeless than, say, the Korean brands which pull a 180-degree flip for style with every new model, chasing whatever fleeting fashion trend is out there. (They, too, have gone all-in on electrics, btw). Nissans, by and large, are utterly forgettable. Mazda continues to make good products that are well-sorted to drive, but not the peak of efficiency or tech. Honda is pricing itself into the stratosphere, while, admittedly, Toyota is currently on a fantastic roll of well-timed, well-built products.
Despite some firmly living in past fantasies about earlier generations, the current Jetta as an example of what VW is doing right. Is it as small and nimble as earlier cars? No, but it's now a very good value, well-equipped, uses sensible ergonomics and is incredibly efficient. And for an econo car, it's zippy to drive and manages itself well. Plus, both cabin and trunk space are amazing for a 'compact'. If not planning to drive the thing for 10+ years, I'd happily take a Jetta over the Corolla, or a GLI over a mid-trim Civic (which is where things price out).
The Atlas wasn't as lavishly finished as the Touareg but represented more of what people buying the damned things actually want. More space, square-jawed styling and better pricing. The folks I know that own them love them. The times I've driven them, I've really liked them too. Whine all you want that it's not a Touareg, but NONE of us bought one anyway.
