2025 Volkswagen Atlas

Pros

• There is enough room for three rows of people in the large cabin.
• It has almost the most cargo space in its class.
• It easily and comfortably handles bumps.

Cons

• It might be distracting to use touch-sensitive buttons to drive a car.
• It’s hard to drive easily at low speeds because the power is sometimes delivered unevenly.

How does the Atlas get its power? The Atlas’s four-cylinder engine could be better. Power is spread out unevenly, especially at low speeds when it’s hard to speed up the huge SUV while driving smoothly. That speed makes the engine work hard, but there’s enough grunt to get you on the highway without any problems. We couldn’t pull anything behind it, but we can only think how much harder it would be to pull a trailer or even a fully equipped cabin.

Aside from that, the Atlas works well. For its exactness, the steering is very good, and the brakes work well for smooth stops. The automatic gearbox is also well-tuned and shifts quickly and smoothly. While the Atlas also has a great turning grip, most drivers will probably not push the limits because of the high body roll.

How much comfort does the Atlas offer? When it comes to comfort, the Atlas meets the standards for SUVs in this class. It has a smooth ride that easily absorbs shocks and doesn’t make you feel like you’re flying like many competitors do. It’s a good mix of comfort and on-road performance. The sides of the front seats are long enough to fit drivers with long legs, and the seats are comfortable. When people are in the third row, the big headrests press into their upper backs. The seats in the second row are also too flat.

Outside, there isn’t much noise. The engine will make a great, powerful snarl when you step on the gas. Thanks to a strong three-zone temperature control system and interior ventilation, all three rows of seats are comfortable. We really like how the front seats are heated and cooled by built-in controls.

How is the state of the inside? The Atlas is bigger inside than its rivals, making it a better choice. Most cars in this class only have a little room in the third row, but the Atlas has enough room for adults in the very back. The second-row seats slide and recline forward, making a large space that makes it easy to get into the back. The front driver’s seat doesn’t have many changes, which is a surprise, but it’s easy to find a good position because it’s so comfortable. In general, you can see well out front, and the headrests in the third row don’t get in the way of your view from behind.

The Atlas has problems with its operation. In particular, it cannot be very pleasant to use the touch-sensitive volume and climate controls below the tablet while driving at night because they are not lit up.

What’s wrong with the tech? The Atlas has many USB-C ports so that you can charge many different devices at once. There is also a standard wireless charging pad and wireless transmission for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The main 12-inch touchscreen is big, and it is easy to see the choices. However, the navigation system could be better than smartphone navigation apps, and the pictures look old.

The advanced driving aids in the Atlas are simple to turn on and off, and they generally work well. Lane-keeping technology ensures that the Atlas stays in the middle of your lane and doesn’t jump between the lines. Adaptive cruise control keeps the space between you and the car ahead of changing traffic conditions.

What’s going on with storage? The Atlas has a huge 96.6 cubic feet of room behind the seat when the second and third rows are folded down. The second and third rows can’t be folded electrically, but they can be laid flat and offer storage room about the same as an Atlas van.

It’s very helpful that there are lots of storage spaces in the car, even in the front and third rows. There are a few cubbies in the second row, but there are pockets on the inside of the doors. Do you have little kids? It is simple to put in a child safety seat. The Atlas is great for loading a big seat that faces backward because the doors open wide, and the second row is very roomy.

Of course, the Atlas can pull 5,000 pounds when set up correctly, which is normal for this type of SUV.

How much fuel does it use? Depending on the type and options, the Atlas should get between 20 and 23 mpg on the highway and in the city. These numbers are normal for a midsize SUV with three rows of seats. Our test Atlas got 22.3 mpg on our real-world test route, which shows that the EPA numbers can be met.

Does the Atlas have any use? The Volkswagen Atlas costs about the same as other midsize SUVs in its class. The build quality is still good, but the interiors of some rivals, like the Kia Telluride, are better. Engine and regular warranties are good for four years or 50,000 miles. Most of the other automakers offer basic coverage for three years and 36,000 miles or the engine for five years and 60,000 miles. VW is one of the few companies that will fix your car for free for two years or 20,000 miles.

You might not find the Volkswagen Atlas very sporty or exciting to drive, but its ability to easily fit up to seven people might win you over. In addition, the style is unique and appealing, especially with the R-Line treatments.

Volkswagen hasn’t made any public announcements about the 2025 Atlas as of this writing. If anything changes, we’ll let you know, but based on last year’s Atlas, we suggest the SE with Technology. Even though the base SE has had many changes to the outside, the Atlas is easier to live with every day thanks to features like a power liftgate and parking sensors.

Models of the Volkswagen Atlas

The three-row Volkswagen Atlas SUV is huge. It comes in four main trim levels: SE, SE with Technology, SEL, and SEL Premium R-Line. There is also a Peak Edition sub-trim level below the SE with Technology and SEL trim levels. Unlike the first generation Atlas, there is only one engine choice: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic gearbox that makes 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. You can get the SE and SE with Technology with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. All of the other cars, even the Peak Edition, come with AWD as standard.