2027 Volkswagen Atlas Prototype First Drive: Good Composure in Bad Conditions

It made its debut in 2017 as a 2018 model, then underwent a face-lift in 2021 and a refresh for 2024. Now the time has come for Volkswagen to completely overhaul its largest SUV offering, the Atlas. While much is still unknown, based on our recent ice drive in an early-build 2027 Volkswagen Atlas prototype, we’re expecting more of the same steady and straitlaced driving dynamics from the new model, no matter the conditions.

There are a couple of things we do know about the coming, all-new second-generation Atlas. We know that beside the roof, every other piece of sheetmetal is new. Although it’s dimensionally similar and has the same wheelbase as before, the new Atlas will be underpinned by the Volkswagen Group’s MQB Evo platform and powered by a version of its EA888 Evo5 turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, both of which are also used for the new—albeit smaller—Volkswagen Tiguan. No power figures were provided, but we’d wager an engine output similar to or greater than the top spec Tiguan Turbo’s 268-hp to account for size.

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All interior impressions are still under embargo at the time of this publication, so we’re only allowed to tell you the new 2027 Atlas certainly does have an interior that exists.

10 Years of Atlas

Before our quick ice drive, we took a look at what we had to say about the present, outgoing Atlas. It won points with us for its modern yet timeless exterior styling, as well as its spacious interior. We praised its third row in particular among midsize SUVs, which fits full-grown adults comfortably.

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<em>Pictured: a 2026 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium R-Line and the 2027 Atlas prototype.</em>

As for the task of driving? Today’s Atlas performs it agreeably, if not unremarkably. The torquey turbo-four supplies plenty of low-end power to get the big car where you want it to go, but the vehicle’s sheer size hampers any sensations of nimbleness or maneuverability from behind the wheel. We don’t love how the brake pedal feels, which demands more travel in normal driving than we’d prefer.

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So, no, it won’t wow you dynamically, but as a family-friendly machine, it does its job well, with highway cruising, day-to-day commuting, and errand-running happening pleasantly and without fuss. We’ll reiterate here just how much you can fit in the Atlas; it’s soooo roomy. Seats are spacious and generally supportive, but their firm cushions caused some light discomfort after a few hours behind the wheel.

We could also do without the overly loud, piped-in engine noise under any acceleration, which seemed antithetical to the SUV’s general relaxed nature. VW engineers, take note.

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Then there’s its infernal touchscreen-reliant infotainment system, which is a near-deal-breaker for us. We’re hopeful the upcoming Atlas will address this pain point especially; it seems like Volkswagen as a whole has at least recognized the error of its ways.

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Driving in Near-Zero Traction

Back to the new Atlas. After a brief product introduction, Volkswagen invited us to drive some colorfully camouflaged prototypes on courses marked over a frozen lake. Conditions varied between near-total ice and a thin layer of snow, so needless to say, traction was basically nil. On dedicated snow tires, in Off-Road Mode and with traction control switched off, we attempted to slide the big SUV around.

The prototype Atlas did indeed slide, but our overall impression was that it would rather not. The long wheelbase, seemingly front-biased all-wheel drive, and slower steering rack all made the Atlas feel extremely sure-footed during aggressive maneuvers, though certainly not capable of any real hoonish behavior.

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But therein lies the point, doesn’t it? The SUV repeatedly pulled itself straight out of hairy situations, and it was rather difficult to get it to completely spin out. This is what you want in a big, three-row family SUV. Despite the lack of traction, everything still happened progressively and predictably; no snap-oversteer here.

Plus, we observed that the Atlas was able to use its AWD and dig itself out a couple of times after getting beached on a snowbank.

As a preview of what would happen should an owner be faced with the worst conditions ever, we were impressed by the SUV’s composure. We reckon typical Atlas drivers won’t be out there intentionally trying to ice-drift their rides, but if they happen to be caught in wicked bad winter conditions, from what we experienced, we think they’ll be in good hands. Good snow tires help, of course.

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The new 2027 Atlas’ full reveal is scheduled for the 2026 New York auto show in April, with the SUV going on sale in the fall. We should have full specs and pricing by the time the leaves start falling, and we’re looking forward to driving it again where most folks will, on dry pavement.