Atlas FWD not cut out for lose stuff

[ProfessionaL CoD]

Just inherited a 2019 VW Atlas SEL from my brother and already had to wrestle it outta 2 sticky spots. Yeah I know it ain't AWD but sheesh, even a little rain puddle or patch of loose dirt and those front tires start acting helpless. Tried pulling onto the shoulder once and right away 1 wheel started turning lazy circles while the other just quit. Is this normal or did I luck out with a lemon?

 

[WagenDragon]

That's typical for a front-wheel-drive Atlas. If one front wheel loses grip, the power goes there because there's no all-wheel drive or locking differential. Good tires can help, but it's still not great off-road. What's the tire tread like? Any lights or strange sounds when it happens?

 

[ProfessionaL CoD]

That's typical for a front-wheel-drive Atlas. If one front wheel loses grip, the power goes there because there's no all-wheel drive or locking differential. Good tires can help, but it's still not great off-road. What's the tire tread like? Any lights or strange sounds when it happens?

Thank you for clarifying that for me even if it's disappointing news. The tires are just whatever all seasons my brother had on there with okay tread left. No lights or weird noises just the 1 tire spinning freely. Do you know of a good all season tire that has a more aggressive tread for better bite?

 

[Your Precious]

Yep, that’s pretty normal for a FWD Atlas with open diffs, especially on loose or wet stuff. A more aggressive all-season can definitely help, look at Michelin CrossClimate2, Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail, or Continental TerrainContact A/T if you want better bite without going full off-road. It won’t turn it into AWD, but it’ll make those situations way less frustrating.