Exploring the New VW Atlas: A Comprehensive Review of Volkswagen’s Latest SUV

The new VW Atlas is a midsize SUV that combines practicality with modern aesthetics, making it a strong contender in its segment. With its bold grille, sleek LED headlights, and muscular body lines, the Atlas exudes a commanding presence on the road. The interior is equally impressive, offering premium materials, a user-friendly infotainment system, and seating for up to seven passengers. Under the hood, the Atlas is powered by a robust engine lineup, including a turbocharged four-cylinder and a V6 option, both paired with a smooth-shifting automatic transmission. The SUV also comes with optional all-wheel drive, ensuring confident handling in various driving conditions.
Exterior Design
The 2025 VW Atlas features a refreshed exterior that builds on the bold design language of its predecessor. Key updates include a larger grille, redesigned LED headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs ranging from 18 to 21 inches. The SUV’s aerodynamic profile not only enhances its visual appeal but also improves fuel efficiency. Available exterior colors include deep black pearl, platinum gray, and tourmaline blue, among others.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Inside, the new Atlas offers a spacious and luxurious cabin with seating configurations for seven or eight passengers, depending on the trim level. The seats are upholstered in high-quality materials, with available options like leather and heated/ventilated front seats. The dashboard is dominated by a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other tech highlights include a digital cockpit, wireless charging, and a premium audio system.
Performance and Handling
The new VW Atlas is available with two engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 235 horsepower and a 3.6-liter V6 generating 276 horsepower. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The SUV’s suspension has been tuned for a comfortable ride, while the available 4Motion all-wheel-drive system ensures traction in challenging conditions. Fuel economy estimates are competitive for the class, with the four-cylinder model achieving up to 22 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
Safety Features
Volkswagen has equipped the new Atlas with a comprehensive suite of safety technologies. Standard features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims add adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a 360-degree camera system. The Atlas has earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Comparison Table
Feature | VW Atlas | Honda Pilot | Toyota Highlander | Ford Explorer |
---|---|---|---|---|
Starting Price | $35,000 | $37,000 | $36,000 | $38,000 |
Engine Options | 2.0L Turbo, 3.6L V6 | 3.5L V6 | 2.4L Turbo, 3.5L V6 | 2.3L Turbo, 3.0L V6 |
Seating Capacity | 7-8 | 8 | 7-8 | 7 |
Infotainment Screen | 12-inch | 9-inch | 8-inch | 10.1-inch |
Safety Ratings | 5-Star (NHTSA) | 5-Star (NHTSA) | 5-Star (NHTSA) | 5-Star (NHTSA) |
Final Thoughts
The new VW Atlas is a well-rounded SUV that excels in space, technology, and safety. Its competitive pricing and robust feature set make it a compelling choice for families and adventure seekers alike. For more information, visit the official Volkswagen website or your local dealership.
References:
Volkswagen Official Site
NHTSA
IIHS