2026 Volkswagen Atlas: A New Era of Midsize SUVs

Описание: More comfortable than athletic, the Volkswagen Atlas remains a practical three-row SUV. Introduced for 2018 and significantly refreshed for 2024, VW’s largest vehicle can accommodate up to seven passengers. There’s also a design-focused two-row version called the Atlas Cross Sport. Competitors to the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas include the Honda Pilot, Toyota Grand Highlander, and Chevrolet Traverse.

What’s New

Mountain Lake Blue paint becomes available; Avocado Green and Pure Grey now offered on non–Peak Edition models

Automatic high-beams and wireless charging pad become standard

SEL Premium R-Line gains updated seat upholstery, four-way lumbar support, and massaging in front seats

Peak Edition SEL discontinued

What We Think

In terms of pure three-row family SUV functionality, the Atlas is rather excellent. Much of that comes down simply to how big it is—no surprise, this large crossover has a generous amount of space inside. All three rows of seats provide plenty of legroom; even the third row is spacious enough for adults.

Following its 2024 refresh, the Atlas’ cabin looks quite nice, showing premium materials and design details assembled to a high standard of quality. Its infotainment and user interface, however, is very frustrating. Almost all functions are controlled by tapping the touchscreen or poking at fussy capacitive buttons, making simple tasks like changing the temperature or fan speed much more complicated.

Sheer size somewhat compromises the Atlas’ driving manners—this thing feels big from behind the wheel. Come to grips with its dimensions, though, and it rolls in a generally agreeable, if anodyne, sort of way. The new 2.0-liter engine provides respectable acceleration, although a small issue is that the brake pedal requires too much travel for everyday stopping maneuvers. Some other family SUVs drive better while providing comparable functional appeal, making the Atlas worth a look more on account of its great interior capacity. And while we previously criticized VW for overpricing the Atlas, the upgraded engine and interior have certainly sweetened the deal.