Our Opinion - 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Review The Volkswagen Atlas stands out as a well-rounded SUV ideal for families. It offers impressive practicality, with ample cargo space and the ability to tow up to 5,000 pounds. Inside, the Atlas offers three rows of seating that can comfortably fit up to seven passengers of different sizes. It is powered by a 269-horsepower turbocharged inline-four engine, which drives either the front wheels or all four, providing sufficient performance for an SUV of this scale. However, the Atlas falls short in terms of visual appeal. While it comes equipped with many convenient features, rivals like the Mazda CX-90 and Kia Telluride offer more stylish designs and superior interior quality. What's New? Volkswagen has made two changes to the Atlas in the past five years. In 2024, it underwent a significant makeover, featuring new standard features, including a 269-hp turbocharged inline-four engine. The Atlas has remained largely unchanged since its initial release until 2026; the most recent update was made relatively recently. The only new feature is a HomeLink mirror that was added to SE models with Technology and higher trim levels. This mirror features built-in settings that allow you to adjust certain smart home functions. Pros and Cons Pros Roomy inside. High-end style. Good speeding up. Cons It feels huge when you’re on the road. Some internal rules are not easily understood. Long stop pedals that are soft. Engine, Transmission, and Performance Every Volkswagen Atlas is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offers the option of either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The updated transmission provides the engine with a slight power increase, and the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine exhibits better throttle response than the previous 276-hp V-6, which was used in models from 2023 and earlier. The Atlas handles steering well, but it tends to feel unstable and uncertain when navigating sharp turns at higher speeds. It delivers a smooth ride over most road imperfections, remains composed on the highway, and offers decent agility for city driving. The Atlas isn’t as much fun to drive as the Mazda CX-90, though, due to some minor adjustments to its suspension. Safety The Atlas provides a variety of standard and optional driver-assistance features aimed at enhancing convenience and safety behind the wheel. The following are important safety features: Standard safety features include autonomous emergency braking and a forward collision warning system. The car comes with adaptive cruise control that can center itself in its lane, as well as blind-spot tracking and rear cross-traffic alert. Internal and External Cargo Capacity The Atlas is a smart choice, even compared to its most practical rivals, because it features a roomy cabin that’s ideal for families, easy-to-use controls, and numerous cupholders. Additionally, having a third row of seats that can accommodate full-size individuals is beneficial. The Atlas’s interior is simple and practical, which is great for families but not so great for fashionistas. The Atlas is well-equipped to meet the demands of a typical suburban family. It includes a variety of cleverly positioned storage compartments for stashing small items out of sight. Impressively, it can hold four carry-on bags behind the third row and up to 38 when the front seats are the only ones in use—matching the spaciousness of the large Honda Pilot. Fuel Economy and Actual MPG The EPA hasn’t announced the fuel economy of the 2026 Atlas yet, but the front-wheel-drive car from the previous year achieved 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. Those figures dropped to 26 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg in the city when all-wheel drive was chosen. It was said that the Peak Edition trims got 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. After extensive testing, our all-wheel-drive 2024 Atlas test car achieved an average fuel economy of 25 mpg on our highway route, traveling at 75 mph. Since no major changes are planned for 2026, the most current model should yield the same results. Infotainment and Connectivity No matter which trim you select, the Atlas is well-equipped and ready for use with all essential connectivity features. It includes a 12.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless phone charging, six USB-C ports capable of delivering up to 45 watts, a six-speaker audio system, and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, it does miss out on traditional power and tuning knobs, which are often key to a user-friendly radio experience. Beginning in 2026, vehicles with a subscription to VW’s Car-Net connected services will also gain access to a voice assistant powered by ChatGPT. Range, Charging, and Battery Life The 2018 Atlas with a V-6 engine was slower than the 2018 Atlas, which took 7.3 seconds to hit 60 mph on our test track. The Atlas completed the quarter-mile in 15.6 seconds, reaching a speed of 92 mph at the finish. The Atlas has an electronically limited top speed of 117 mph. Towing and Payload Capacity Most versions of the Volkswagen Atlas can tow up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with a trailer that has its own brakes, comparable to the capabilities of the Toyota 4Runner and Subaru Ascent. Trailer hitches come standard on SE models with the Technology package and higher trims. Base SE trims are limited to towing 2,000 pounds and require an additional hitch for towing. Price and How to Choose The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas is expected to cost between $40,000 and $55,000, depending on the selected options and specifications. We suggest choosing the Atlas SE with Technology and adding the 4Motion all-wheel drive system. This version includes 20-inch wheels, a trailer hitch package, remote start, and USB charging ports for the third row. In comparison, the standard SE trim comes with 18-inch wheels. To improve second-row comfort, opting for the available captain’s chairs is highly recommended.
