--- title: "Volkswagen Atlas tows up to 5,000 pounds, but its price climbs to $58,000" description: "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." url: https://cars.skoop.news/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive-review-calling-all-helicop-6752a3/ published: 2026-11-07T07:21:16.003512-05:00 modified: 2026-11-07T07:21:16.003512-05:00 section: "Cars & EVs" publisher: "skoop.news" language: en keywords: ["Atlas", "SEL Premium R-Line", "In-Vehicle Premium Package", "Toyota Grand Highlander", "Wireless Android Auto", "Apple CarPlay", "Experience Dial", "AWD", "AirConsole", "MagSafe"] hashtags: ["#SELPremiumRLine", "#InVehiclePremiumPackage", "#ToyotaGrandHighlander", "#Car", "#cars"] image: https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/39/2022_Volkswagen_Arteon_SEL_Premium_R-Line_in_Oryx_White%2C_rear_right.jpg/1280px-2022_Volkswagen_Arteon_SEL_Premium_R-Line_in_Oryx_White%2C_rear_right.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail --- # 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. Published 2026-11-07 · Cars & EVs, [skoop.news](https://skoop.news/) ## In brief - When equipped properly, the Atlas is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds. [[1]](https://www.thedrive.com/car-reviews/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive-review-calling-all-helicopter-parents) - The Atlas has moved to the MQB Evo platform, which brings a new electrical architecture. [[1]](https://www.thedrive.com/car-reviews/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive-review-calling-all-helicopter-parents) - The standard dashboard touchscreen is 12.9 inches. [[1]](https://www.thedrive.com/car-reviews/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive-review-calling-all-helicopter-parents) ## Towing rating and the price of the top trim When equipped properly, the Atlas is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds. [[1]](https://www.thedrive.com/car-reviews/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive-review-calling-all-helicopter-parents) That matters to buyers in a segment where Volkswagen says eight out of 10 of its U.S. sales are SUVs. [[2]](https://www.topspeed.com/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive/) The top-tier SEL Premium R-Line requires a buyer willing to spend $58,000. [[2]](https://www.topspeed.com/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive/) The reviewer describes the gap from the base car as nearly $15,000. [[2]](https://www.topspeed.com/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive/) ## A new platform with familiar looks The Atlas has moved to the MQB Evo platform, which brings a new electrical architecture. [[1]](https://www.thedrive.com/car-reviews/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive-review-calling-all-helicopter-parents) That architecture enables features such as automated lane changes and predictive cruise control that adjusts to speed limit changes. [[1]](https://www.thedrive.com/car-reviews/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive-review-calling-all-helicopter-parents) The design updates to the new Atlas are evolutionary. [[1]](https://www.thedrive.com/car-reviews/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive-review-calling-all-helicopter-parents) Front and rear parking distance sensors are standard across the range and are a new addition for 2027. [[3]](https://www.autoguide.com/auto/car-reviews/first-drives/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive-review-small-changes-big-effects-44639803) The elevated hood slightly blocks forward sightlines, which makes parking harder. [[3]](https://www.autoguide.com/auto/car-reviews/first-drives/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive-review-small-changes-big-effects-44639803) ## Screens, controls and sound The standard dashboard touchscreen is 12.9 inches. [[1]](https://www.thedrive.com/car-reviews/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive-review-calling-all-helicopter-parents) The SEL Premium R-Line the reviewer tested had the available 15.0-inch screen. [[1]](https://www.thedrive.com/car-reviews/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive-review-calling-all-helicopter-parents) The Atlas also has a configurable 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster. [[1]](https://www.thedrive.com/car-reviews/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive-review-calling-all-helicopter-parents) 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]](https://www.topspeed.com/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive/) The Atmospheres function is engaged by pushing down the volume knob on the center console. [[1]](https://www.thedrive.com/car-reviews/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive-review-calling-all-helicopter-parents) The touch-based sliders for temperature and volume below the touchscreen are criticized. [[1]](https://www.thedrive.com/car-reviews/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive-review-calling-all-helicopter-parents) Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are included at no extra charge. [[3]](https://www.autoguide.com/auto/car-reviews/first-drives/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive-review-small-changes-big-effects-44639803) The two MagSafe wireless phone chargers in the center console flow up to 15 watts of power each. [[1]](https://www.thedrive.com/car-reviews/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive-review-calling-all-helicopter-parents) The SEL Premium R-Line has a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. [[2]](https://www.topspeed.com/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive/) Artificial leather is standard, the SEL R-Line gets Varenna leather, and the SEL Premium R-Line gets Nappa cow hides. [[3]](https://www.autoguide.com/auto/car-reviews/first-drives/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive-review-small-changes-big-effects-44639803) ## 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]](https://www.autoguide.com/auto/car-reviews/first-drives/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive-review-small-changes-big-effects-44639803) Second-row captain's chairs are available for $695 more on all trims except the base SE. [[3]](https://www.autoguide.com/auto/car-reviews/first-drives/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive-review-small-changes-big-effects-44639803) 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]](https://www.thedrive.com/car-reviews/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive-review-calling-all-helicopter-parents) Second-row sunshades are standard for 2027. [[3]](https://www.autoguide.com/auto/car-reviews/first-drives/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive-review-small-changes-big-effects-44639803) The safety system chimes when a single occupant unbuckles, including a child unbuckling during school drop-off. [[1]](https://www.thedrive.com/car-reviews/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive-review-calling-all-helicopter-parents) The Atlas has 21.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. [[1]](https://www.thedrive.com/car-reviews/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive-review-calling-all-helicopter-parents) 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]](https://www.thedrive.com/car-reviews/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive-review-calling-all-helicopter-parents) ## 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]](https://www.topspeed.com/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive/) The Toyota Grand Highlander produces 310 lb-ft of torque at 1,700 RPM, more than the Atlas. [[2]](https://www.topspeed.com/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive/) ## Fuel economy and running costs Fuel economy is rated at 22 mpg city, 29 highway and 25 combined for front-wheel drive. [[3]](https://www.autoguide.com/auto/car-reviews/first-drives/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive-review-small-changes-big-effects-44639803) Models with 4Motion AWD are rated 20/27/23, and AWD is a $2,000 option on certain trims. [[3]](https://www.autoguide.com/auto/car-reviews/first-drives/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive-review-small-changes-big-effects-44639803) AirConsole is standard on all trims for three months, after which it requires the In-Vehicle Premium Package at $149 per year. [[3]](https://www.autoguide.com/auto/car-reviews/first-drives/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive-review-small-changes-big-effects-44639803) ## 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]](https://www.thedrive.com/car-reviews/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive-review-calling-all-helicopter-parents) If you want AWD, it is a $2,000 option on certain trims, and it lowers the ratings to 20/27/23. [[3]](https://www.autoguide.com/auto/car-reviews/first-drives/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive-review-small-changes-big-effects-44639803) If you carry kids, check the second row. [[3]](https://www.autoguide.com/auto/car-reviews/first-drives/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive-review-small-changes-big-effects-44639803) Captain's chairs cost $695 more on all trims except the base SE, and legroom is 37.6 inches. [[3]](https://www.autoguide.com/auto/car-reviews/first-drives/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive-review-small-changes-big-effects-44639803) [[2]](https://www.topspeed.com/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive/) If you plan to keep AirConsole past three months, budget $149 per year. [[3]](https://www.autoguide.com/auto/car-reviews/first-drives/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive-review-small-changes-big-effects-44639803) If you eye the top trim, the price is $58,000. [[2]](https://www.topspeed.com/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive/) ## Sources 1. [2027 Volkswagen Atlas First Drive Review: Calling All Helicopter Parents](https://www.thedrive.com/car-reviews/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive-review-calling-all-helicopter-parents) — The Drive 2. [First Drive: The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas Is Fighting For VW's Life](https://www.topspeed.com/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive/) — TopSpeed 3. [2027 Volkswagen Atlas First Drive Review: Small Changes, Big Effects](https://www.autoguide.com/auto/car-reviews/first-drives/2027-volkswagen-atlas-first-drive-review-small-changes-big-effects-44639803) — AutoGuide Image: Photo: Mr.choppers / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2022_Volkswagen_Arteon_SEL_Premium_R-Line_in_Oryx_White,_rear_right.jpg) --- Written from the sources above and checked twice (rules and an independent model) before publishing. How we work: https://skoop.news/how-we-work/ · Corrections: https://skoop.news/corrections/