2026 Volkswagen Atlas Review, Pricing, and Specs

Car and Driver

6 hours ago

Overview
The Atlas is Volkswagen's do-it-all family SUV, and it hits all the marks: An expansive three-row cabin layout provides plenty of acreage for seven passengers of any size to easily pile in and get comfortable, and its voluminous cargo hold and 5000-pound tow rating place the Atlas high on the utility scale. A 269-hp turbocharged inline-four engine sends power to either the front or all four wheels, delivering sufficient vitality for a big-body SUV. If there is one thing the Atlas lacks, it's panache. While the Atlas is relatively well equipped, rivals like the Kia Telluride and Mazda CX-90 offer better interior environs and more stylish sheetmetal.
What's New for 2026?
Volkswagen has tinkered with the Atlas twice in the last five years. Its 2024 facelift brought a substantial makeover and new standard features, including the swap to a 269-hp turbocharged inline-four powertrain. With that update still relatively fresh, the Atlas continues into 2026 mostly unchanged. The only new addition is the inclusion of a HomeLink mirror on SE with Technology and above trims, which allows certain smarthome features to be adjusted via integrated controls.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The price of the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas is expected to start around $40,000 and go up to $55,000 depending on the trim and options.
SE
$40,000 (est)
SE with Technology
$44,000 (est)
Peak Edition
$49,000 (est)
SEL
$50,000 (est)
SEL Premium R-Line
$55,000 (est) 0 $10k $20k $30k $40k $50k $60k $70k $80k $90k
We recommend choosing the Atlas SE with Technology and adding 4Motion all-wheel drive. This trim includes 20-inch wheels (the SE has 18s), a trailer hitch package, remote start, and USB charging ports for the third row. We'd also spec the second-row captain's chairs for the maximum in second-row comfort.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Every Atlas comes with the same engine: a 269-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 273 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive. Compared to the old 276-hp V-6 that powered 2023-and-earlier versions, the turbo 2.0-liter powertrain delivers improved throttle response, and the retuned transmission makes the engine feel like it has a little more pep in its step. The Atlas responds obediently to steering inputs but feels a little clumsy and unfocused when pushed quickly around corners. It's composed on the highway and reasonably nimble in the city with a ride that's generally smooth over all but the harshest potholes. Unfortunately, the minor updates to the Atlas don't transform its chassis into something as fun to drive as the Mazda CX-90.
0–60-MPH Times
At our test track, an Atlas hit 60 mph in 7.3 seconds, which is quicker than the V-6-powered one we tested in 2018. Completing the quarter mile consumed 15.6 seconds, the Atlas crossing the traps with a speed of 92 mph. Top speed is an electronically limited 117 mph.
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Volkswagen
Towing and Payload Capacity
Almost every Volkswagen Atlas can tow as much as 5000 pounds with a trailer equipped with brakes. That's as good as the Toyota 4Runner and Subaru Ascent. SE with Technology trims and up include a standard trailer hitch; SE trims require an aftermarket hitch and are rated for a 2000-pound max.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA hasn't released fuel economy information for the 2026 Atlas yet, but last year's front-wheel-drive model was good for 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. Opting for all-wheel drive dropped those estimates to 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The Peak Edition trims were rated for 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. On our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, part of our extensive testing regimen, our all-wheel-drive 2024 Atlas test vehicle returned 25 mpg. Without any significant changes for 2026, the newest model should achieve similar results. For more information about the Atlas's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Family-friendly interior space, a straightforward control layout, and an overabundance of cupholders make the Atlas a practical choice, even among other highly practical rivals. Plus, a third row of seats that can comfortably accommodate full-size adults is a definite win. The interior design of the Atlas is uncomplicated and utilitarian—perfect for families but less so for style mavens. The Atlas should accommodate just about anything a suburban family can throw at it, and there are plenty of thoughtfully placed storage nooks to stash small items. In our luggage testing, the Atlas impressed us by fitting four carry-on suitcases behind the third row and 38 behind the first, the same as the enormous Honda Pilot.
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Volkswagen
Infotainment and Connectivity
Regardless of trim, the Atlas comes well-connected and ready to entertain. A 12.0-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard and has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, a six-speaker sound system, a wireless phone charging, and six USB-C ports with 45 watts of charging power. Unfortunately, it lacks the volume and tuning knobs that make operating the radio system easier. 2026 models with an active subscription to VW's Car-Net connected vehicle software will offer an available voice assistant powered by ChatGPT.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Atlas comes with a bevy of standard and optional driver-assistance technology. For more information about the Atlas's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
Available adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Volkswagen provides an above-average limited warranty, but its powertrain coverage falls short of most competitors'. VW does sweeten the deal with complimentary scheduled maintenance that is similar to what Toyota offers.
Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
Complimentary maintenance is covered for two years or 20,000 miles
Specifications
Specifications
2024 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium R-Line 4Motion
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 6-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $53,805/$54,895
Options: second-row captain's chairs, $695; Aurora Red Metallic paint, $395
ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, iron block and aluminum head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 121 in3, 1984 cm3
Power: 269 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque: 273 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 13.2-in vented disc/12.2-in vented disc
Tires: Bridgestone Alenza Sport A/S
265/45R-21 104T M+S Enliten
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 117.3 in
Length: 200.7in
Width: 78.3 in
Height: 70.4 in
Passenger Volume, F/M/R: 61/53/39 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind F/M/R: 97/56/21 ft3
Curb Weight: 4630 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 7.3 sec
1/4-Mile: 15.4 sec @ 92 mph
100 mph: 17.7 sec
Results above omit1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 7.8 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.9 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.9 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 117 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 170 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.84 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 21 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 25 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 460 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 21/19/25 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
More Features and Specs