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Volkswagen Atlas tows up to 5,000 pounds, but its price climbs to $58,000
The redesigned seven-passenger SUV moves to a new platform and adds family-friendly features, while a few gaps and costs deserve a look before you buy.
Towing rating and the price of the top trim
When equipped properly, the Atlas is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds. [1] That matters to buyers in a segment where Volkswagen says eight out of 10 of its U.S. sales are SUVs. [2]
The top-tier SEL Premium R-Line requires a buyer willing to spend $58,000. [2] The reviewer describes the gap from the base car as nearly $15,000. [2]
A new platform with familiar looks
The Atlas has moved to the MQB Evo platform, which brings a new electrical architecture. [1] That architecture enables features such as automated lane changes and predictive cruise control that adjusts to speed limit changes. [1]
The design updates to the new Atlas are evolutionary. [1] Front and rear parking distance sensors are standard across the range and are a new addition for 2027. [3] The elevated hood slightly blocks forward sightlines, which makes parking harder. [3]
Screens, controls and sound
The standard dashboard touchscreen is 12.9 inches. [1] The SEL Premium R-Line the reviewer tested had the available 15.0-inch screen. [1] The Atlas also has a configurable 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster. [1]
The Experience Dial, a rotary control between the driver and front passenger seats, changes drive modes, ambient lighting, and preset templates that pair sound equalizer presets with lighting. [2] The Atmospheres function is engaged by pushing down the volume knob on the center console. [1]
The touch-based sliders for temperature and volume below the touchscreen are criticized. [1] Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are included at no extra charge. [3] The two MagSafe wireless phone chargers in the center console flow up to 15 watts of power each. [1]
The SEL Premium R-Line has a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. [2] Artificial leather is standard, the SEL R-Line gets Varenna leather, and the SEL Premium R-Line gets Nappa cow hides. [3]
Seating and cargo for families
A second-row bench with three positions is standard on all trims and is wide enough to fit three car seats. [3] Second-row captain's chairs are available for $695 more on all trims except the base SE. [3]
The second-row seats slide and tilt forward for third-row access, so a car seat can stay installed while third-row passengers get in. [1] Second-row sunshades are standard for 2027. [3] The safety system chimes when a single occupant unbuckles, including a child unbuckling during school drop-off. [1]
The Atlas has 21.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. [1] That grows to 55.9 cubic feet with the third row folded and 95.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. [1]
Where rivals pull ahead
The Atlas has 37.6 inches of second-row legroom, compared with 43 inches for the Palisade and Telluride and 39.5 inches for the Toyota. [2] The Toyota Grand Highlander produces 310 lb-ft of torque at 1,700 RPM, more than the Atlas. [2]
Fuel economy and running costs
Fuel economy is rated at 22 mpg city, 29 highway and 25 combined for front-wheel drive. [3] Models with 4Motion AWD are rated 20/27/23, and AWD is a $2,000 option on certain trims. [3]
AirConsole is standard on all trims for three months, after which it requires the In-Vehicle Premium Package at $149 per year. [3]
What this means for you
If you plan to tow, the rating of up to 5,000 pounds applies when the Atlas is equipped properly. [1] If you want AWD, it is a $2,000 option on certain trims, and it lowers the ratings to 20/27/23. [3]
If you carry kids, check the second row. [3] Captain's chairs cost $695 more on all trims except the base SE, and legroom is 37.6 inches. [3][2]
If you plan to keep AirConsole past three months, budget $149 per year. [3] If you eye the top trim, the price is $58,000. [2]
Sources
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