Hybrid and Electric
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama—As a Volkswagen owner, I have to admit that I’m a bit harder on VW test vehicles than I am on models from other automakers. We’ve had two GTIs and a Jetta, so I’m always looking for the sporting nature of a VW, and sometimes it’s just missing. The good news: The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas actually drives like a Volkswagen.
2027 Volkswagen Atlas: First Spin
The Atlas enters its second generation for the 2027 model year with a complete redesign, new technology, more family friendly features, and USB chargers in every row.
Family sized fun
When the Atlas first came on the scene in 2017, VW had a small lineup, and I mean small, as in pint-sized rather than not a big lineup. You had two SUVs, the Touareg and Tiguan, and then a lot of cars. Just 14 percent of VW sales were SUVs. Now, an eye-popping 80 percent of the brand’s sales are SUVs. And, looking at the Atlas buyer specifically, they typically have three kids in the household, so legroom, easy access to the third row, and cargo space are important here.
Family Ready
Therefore, the 2027 Atlas is packed with features designed to appeal to an active family—and that includes being able to fit three car seats in the middle row (see image below) as well as leaving those car seats strapped in while accessing the third row. Plus, the new Atlas adds standard features such as a power lift gate, rear sun shades, B-pillar air vents for the second row, and USB-C charge ports in every seating row.
The Atlas also retains adult-sized third row accommodations, and near class-leading cargo space, with plenty of room to hold a stroller while the third row is in use.
Cool tech
The Atlas upgrades the center screen to a standard 12.9 inches with an available 15-inch screen. You also get standard Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster with customizable views, ambient lighting, and various subscription-based connected services. One of the more interesting available new connected features is the AirConsole Games setup that allows you to pair multiple phones and then play video games (while in park) using your phone as the controller.
My favorite new tech feature, however, has to be the dual wireless chargers with MagSafe capability. I was able to lock my iPhone 16 Pro in place with the magnet, and the charger didn’t overheat my phone and it actually provided significant charge while using Apple CarPlay and Google Maps during a 90-minute period (as long as all my extraneous apps were closed).
Engines
The 2027 Atlas has a single powertrain: a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. This delivers 282 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The only transmission is still an 8-speed automatic. While front-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive is available. And the vehicle maintains a 5,000-pound max towing capacity with a standard towing hitch on most trims.
Even with more horsepower, the 2027 Atlas still has improved fuel economy, and the front-drive models see 22 mpg in the city with 29 mpg on the highway, and AWD models delivering 20 mpg and 27 mpg, respectively.
On the road
Overall, I thought the power output on the new Atlas was peppy. We had the opportunity to hit the highway during our brief test, and I found that the passing ability was really good. There was no lag or hesitation, and it was easy to accelerate to overtake slower vehicles. My one quibble is going to be with the off-line-start when you have the auto stop-start engaged. It still a little bit clunky, and I found in at least one instance when I was trying to turn into traffic that the engine didn’t switch on fast enough for me to make the fast turn, and I had to abort the maneuver at the last minute.
The drive also took us on some winding country roads, and while we didn’t have a lot of twisty bits or elevation changes, we were able to get a sense of body roll and how it handles curves. The 2027 Atlas had a more sporty ride and handling with a stiffer suspension and tighter steering. It felt really stable and drove a lot smaller than you’d think a three-row vehicle would drive. In sum, it had distinct Volkswagen vibes.
Prices and trim levels
While the base pricing for the 2027 Volkswagen Atlas does increase by about $2,300, Volkswagen says it added $2,620 in value. Front-wheel drive is standard in the SE trim levels, with AWD being available for $2,000. The SEL trims come standard with AWD. And both the SEL trims now come standard as R-Line models.
SE ($43,135): This includes features such as 18-inch wheels, real wood decor, synthetic leather seats, 10-color ambient lighting, digital gauge cluster, 12.9-inch infotainment screen, dual wireless phone chargers, a 9-speaker audio system, rear sun shades, power lift gate, and parking sensors.
SE with Tech ($47,135): Adds features such as 20-inch wheels, illuminated exterior door handles, a 15-inch infotainment screen, remote start, and a 115-volt power outlet.
SEL R-Line ($53,635): Adds features such as a panoramic sunroof, navigation, head-up display, 30-color ambient lighting, leather seats, driver thigh support, heated washer nozzles, driver’s seat memory function, and predictive adaptive cruise control.
SEL Premium R-Line ($58,135): Adds features such as 21-inch wheels, puddle lamps with the VW logo, a 14-speaker Harmon Kardon premium sound system, premium leather seats, massaging front seats, power folding mirrors, and park assist functions.
Most of the trims are WYSIWYGs (what you see is what you get), and there are very few options. A bench seat in the middle row is standard, but captain’s chairs ($695) are available on the SE with Tech and SEL trims. The SE with Tech also offers a panoramic sunroof ($1,200) and black wheel package ($595).
CG Says:
First impressions of the 2027 Volkswagen Atlas are largely favorable. It packs a lot of great standard features into the base trim and offers a lot more. The fact that you can fit three car seats in the middle row is a huge win for young families, and the generous legroom in the third row means you can still fit adult passengers while transporting the family.
Overall, we like how it drives, but there is some turbo lag when the auto stop-start engine is engaged, and the belt line is a little high for drivers on the petite side of the spectrum.
Listen to the Car Stuff Podcast
2027 Volkswagen Atlas Pictures
2026 Chevrolet Traverse High Country: Review, Prices, and Specs
