Volkswagen Atlas

Even with the new double-stacked LED headlights and a grille reminiscent of the ID.4 EV, the Atlas is instantly recognizable as a Volkswagen. And that’s before the illuminated VW badge lights up—a standard feature on all but the base model.

From large wheel arches to a strong, though not pronounced, line running from the SUV’s nose to its tail, the 2027 Atlas retains the boxy, macho look of its predecessor. The most notable differences are the more squared-off third window, which no longer rises at the far corner, and the beltline that rises toward the rear of the SUV. This enhances the SUV’s length and gives the perception that the roof slopes down towards the rear.

The tailgate is flush with the rear bumper, which adds to the Atlas’s visual length compared with the outgoing model. At the rear, the taillights stretch the width of the SUV, mimicking the headlight design.

The base trim doesn’t get the fancy light-up badge and only comes with 18-inch wheels. All other trims get 20- or 21-inch wheels.

More changes are in store inside. Gone are curves and flowing lines, replaced by a slim, rectangular dashboard and the large, free-floating infotainment screen. Base models get a 12.9-inch screen while all other trims get a 15-inch display. All controls, including the climate system, remain integrated into the display, although the center console features a “Driver Experience Dial” that controls audio volume, driver modes, and the “atmospheres” feature with different lighting, sound, and display profiles, similar to the current Tiguan. Two Qi2 wireless charging pads sit up front, and there are seven USB-C ports throughout the interior. Natural language is used for voice commands as part of a one-year trial subscription to Premium Speech, VW’s AI voice assistant.

The gear selector is now on a stalk on the right side of the steering column, like in the Taos and Tiguan SUVs. All versions get wood trim, with standard leatherette seats on the base model and a choice of Varenna and Nappa leather on the top two trims.

Drivers get a 12-way seat with four-way adjustable lumbar support. Top trims add adjustable under-leg support for the driver and a massage feature for both front seats.

There are several new standard features, including a power liftgate, rear sunshades, and front and rear park distance sensors. Captain’s chairs for the second row and a panoramic sunroof are optional.

Power comes from a new (the EA888 for VW heads keeping track) 282-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine driving either the front or all wheels. An eight-speed automatic remains the only transmission available.

Despite producing 13 more hp than the outgoing engine, the new Atlas is also more fuel-efficient, according to Volkswagen. Front-wheel-drive versions have an EPA-estimated fuel-economy rating of 25 mpg combined, while Atlas models equipped with the optional all-wheel-drive system are rated at 23 mpg combined. The outgoing model had a 23 mpg combined EPA rating for FWD versions and a 21-22 mpg combined rating for AWD ones.

We got 20 mpg overall in our Atlas test, which is near the bottom of the class. Only the Jeep Grand Cherokee L was worse, at 19 mpg overall.

Volkswagen announced that a hybrid version is planned to arrive with the midcycle refresh. Given the outgoing Atlas’s eight-year run, the earliest we can expect to see the hybrid arrive is in the 2031 model year.

Towing capacity remains 5,000 pounds with the factory-installed trailer hitch, and payload capacity remains 1,102 pounds for both front- and all-wheel-drive versions.

The 2027 Atlas gains a front-center airbag, bringing the total to seven standard airbags.

The standard IQ.Drive safety system features automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, lane centering assistance, and adaptive cruise control. The hands-on active driving assistance system is capable of performing lane changes when the driver initiates the process (likely using the turn signals) and can also guide the SUV to the side of the road in the event of an emergency.