2026 Volkswagen Atlas Expert Review
Reviewed by Bob Hernandez
Volkswagen’s largest SUV is the family-ready Atlas. First introduced in 2018 and notably refreshed for 2024, this spacious SUV offers seating for up to seven and prioritizes comfort over athleticism. Volkswagen also sells a more design-oriented, two-row version called the Atlas Cross Sport.
Three-row SUV competitors include the Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, and Hyundai Palisade.
What’s New
The Atlas received a midcycle refresh for the 2024 model year with improved performance, updated styling, and new standard features. The lineup’s V-6 was also discontinued, replaced by a powerful turbo-four.
This year, the SUV is mostly a carryover, the only change being a factory-installed HomeLink mirror for the Atlas SE with Technology trim, which adds universal garage door remote buttons to the rearview mirror.
What We Think
While some competitors offer better driving experiences, the Atlas still stands out for its interior space. VW has improved the value with the new engine and refreshed interior for 2024, making it a more appealing choice than before.
The Atlas excels as a functional three-row family SUV, thanks largely to its spacious interior. With ample legroom in all three rows, even adults can comfortably sit in the third row.
The cabin impresses with high-quality materials and a premium design. However, the infotainment system is a hassle, relying too much on touch-capacitive controls, making even simple tasks like adjusting the temperature more of a headache.
On the road, the Atlas’ large size affects driving dynamics, making it feel bulky. Once you get used to its dimensions, it drives in a generally smooth, if unremarkable, manner. The new 2.0-liter engine delivers solid acceleration, but the brake pedal’s long travel takes getting used to.
Ultimately, we like the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas, but in this segment, there are lots of accomplished players. And despite the Atlas’ admirably large interior, more well-rounded rivals exist.
Top-Ranked Competitors:
MotorTrend Tested
All Atlas SUVs feature a 2.0-liter turbo-four that churns out 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. FWD is the base drivetrain configuration, but it’s offered only with the two lowest trim levels.
AWD is available with all grades and standard for the top three models. In MotorTrend testing, an Atlas AWD launched to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds.
Some competitors use a larger V-6, while others have adopted hybrid powertrains. Like the Atlas, the Subaru Ascent is a rival that has a standard turbo-four. With standard AWD, the Subaru takes just 6.9 seconds to accelerate to 60 mph.
MPGs and Range
Atlas FWD variants get the best fuel economy in the lineup, 20/26 mpg city/highway, enabling driving range of up to 409 miles with a full tank of gas. Fuel economy and range for AWD models varies, from 18/25 mpg and 372 miles for the Peak Edition SE to 19/26 mpg and 391 miles for the standard SE.
In comparison, the Ascent does slightly better than the Atlas AWD. Limited, Touring, and Onyx versions return 19/25 mpg city/highway. All other models get 20/26 mpg. Range comes to 405–425 miles, a bit better than the Atlas.
Beating both in driving range—which is a convenience we appreciate—is the Chevrolet Traverse. Both FWD and AWD Traverses get around 450 miles of range and are also powered by a turbo-four.
Safety Ratings and Features
The Volkswagen Atlas was a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick, which is good, but it missed out on 2025 awards. The Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, and Subaru Ascent are a few competitors that earn more stringent 2025 awards from IIHS.
Every Atlas includes VW’s IQ Drive safety suite. Features consist of:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Side and rear cross-traffic alerts
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane keeping
- Adaptive cruise control
Cargo Space and Interior Room
The Atlas interior can be configured for seven passengers or six with optional second-row captain’s chairs. Third-row legroom and cargo capacity behind the first and second rows compares favorably to the Ascent and Telluride.
Technology
Infotainment
A 10.3-inch driver display and 12.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Volkswagen also includes a wireless phone charger and a minimum of six USB ports with every Atlas.
Sound System
Most trims feature a standard six-speaker system. A 12-speaker Harman Kardon upgrade is available with the top model.
Available Upgrades
Optional equipment includes a panoramic sunroof, 20-inch wheels, and the aforementioned captain’s chairs. Higher trims unlockmassaging front seats, second-row heated seats, remote engine start, ambient lighting, a second-row 115-volt outlet, and leather upholstery.
Value
Standard Features
Generous cargo capacity, big cabin screens, and plenty of standard driver assists come with every Atlas. The driving experience could be better, though.
Recommended Trim
The Atlas is again offered in five trim levels: SE, SE with Technology, Peak Edition SE with Technology, SEL, and SEL Premium R-Line. We like the SEL for how loaded it comes. Standard equipment includes ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, head-up display, heated seats in the first two rows, hands-free power liftgate, and a panoramic sunroof.
