Experienced by Leon Brittain
Welcome to the VW Atlas family consisting of the Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, and Atlas Peak Edition. The midsize SUV trio is made for the American market and represents VW’s most profitable and number one selling nameplate. With an MSRP of $38,200, my 3-row 2025 VW Atlas featured 4Motion AWD (available on all trims), an efficient 4-cylinder engine, and advanced driver assistance technologies dubbed IQ.Drive.
Launched in 2016, think of the Atlas as the company’s SUV flagship. The latest 2025 models are enhanced with smarter and fresher interiors, enhanced exteriors, and a more dominant turbocharged 4-cylinder that combines the best of the previous engines (4-cylinder and VR6). Moreover, it doesn’t require premium fuel. Distributing 269-horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, the 2-liter is paired with a Tiptronic 8-speed automatic transmission and Drive Mode Select (Sport, Eco, Custom, Snow, and Comfort modes). AWD models add an Offroad mode. Sport came in handy when I needed an extra boost and fancy maneuvering on the highway. The performance numbers do not sound impressive, especially for a 7-seater, but the midsize SUV is not short of power.
For individuals who haul trailers, the Atlas can tow 5,000 pounds which bests both prior powertrains. Plan on 19 city and 26 highway mpg for 4Motion AWD models and 20 city and 27 highway mpg for FWD models.
My Atlas SE with Technology FWD model arrived with a Pure Gray exterior and Shetland Beige leatherette interior. The Atlas is defined by a robust front end, optional 20″ black alloy rims, LED headlights that connect with a flashy LED light bar, the prominent and illuminated VW logo centralized on the darkened 4-bar grille, and black roof rails and body trim. An expansive panoramic two-piece sunroof is available on some models and standard on others. In the rear, a grander tailgate spoiler has been applied along with LED taillamps, an illuminated lightbar, and a lit VW logo. The integrated dual exhaust tips are a nice touch as well.
Lengthy and roomy enough for large family outings, I laid the seats flat and stowed my bike inside while enjoying a long weekend of mountain biking. When the weather turned south and visibility decreased, variable intermittent (rain-sensing) front wipers, poor weather lights, rear window washer and wiper, and dynamic cornering lighting came in handy. Other safety mechanisms and autonomous systems include IQ.Drive with Adaptive Cruise Control Stop & Go, Front Assist, Active Side Assist, Lane Assist, Emergency Assist, and Travel Assist. The Atlas also features Park Distance Control, Hill Hold Control, Light Assist, Rearview Camera, an Intelligent Crash Response System, and much more.
Perhaps, some of the most impressive Atlas updates come from within, where VW went all out to appease its consumer base. The roomy and comfortable cockpit features a floating center console with storage and illuminated cup holders, soft-touch surfaces and sliding controls for volume, Climatronic Touch 3-zone automatic temperature adjustments, a leatherette-wrapped, sporty flat-bottom steering wheel loaded with various touch controls and paddle shifters, and V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces. I also had the upgraded captain chairs in the second row. VW further instills the Atlas with a heated steering wheel, Qi wireless App-Connect smartphone integrations, ventilated front seats, all USB-c ports, and intuitive technology from the 12” touchscreen multimedia display and customizable Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro instrument cluster. Though, I need more physical knobs, especially for volume. I’m not a fan of VW’s swipe tab. The SUV also has a remote start, but it didn’t work for me during cold starts, which was disappointing.
Cross shop your potential Atlas against the Hyundai Palisade, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, Mazda CX-90, Chevrolet Traverse, and Toyota Highlander.
