The second-generation Atlas carries a lot of weight for Volkswagen in the U.S. The seven-seat Atlas and five-seat Atlas Cross Sport made up 30 percent of VW's U.S. sales in 2025, and the new model began assembly this summer in Chattanooga, Tennessee. On September 30, 2026, VW said the 2027 Atlas would arrive at dealerships the following month.
Pricing starts at $41,610 for a front-drive SE and $43,610 with 4Motion all-wheel drive, plus a $1,525 destination charge. The lineup tops out at $56,610 for the SEL Premium R-Line, which, like the SEL R-Line, comes only with all-wheel drive. VW says the new Atlas is about an inch longer than before, with the same width, wheelbase and height, and that its MQB Evo platform preserves the third row's space.
Powertrain & Efficiency
Every Atlas uses a new EA888 evo5 turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 282 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, 13 hp more than the outgoing engine and the most VW has offered in an Atlas. An eight-speed automatic and front-wheel drive are standard, and 4Motion is available on every trim. A hybrid is planned, but VW says it won't arrive until the model's midcycle refresh.
The EPA rates the front-drive Atlas at 22 mpg city, 29 highway and 25 combined, and the AWD version at 20/27/23. VW says that is up to 2 mpg better on the highway and combined cycles than the 2026 model.
Those are respectable numbers for a gas three-row SUV, but they leave a gap to hybrid rivals. Kia quotes an EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined for the 2027 Telluride Hybrid EX with front-wheel drive. At 15,000 miles a year, an AWD Atlas at 23 mpg would use about 652 gallons, against about 429 for a 35-mpg hybrid.
Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds for the SE w/ Technology and higher trims, which come with a factory-installed hitch. The base SE has 2,000-pound trailer preparation.
Interior & Technology
The cabin is all new. Real wood trim and 10-color ambient lighting are standard, the gear selector moves to the steering column to free up a larger center console, and two phones can charge side by side on Qi2 15-watt pads. The SE has a 12.9-inch infotainment screen, and every other trim gets a 15-inch display. All models use VW's 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro gauge cluster and a new Driver Experience Dial for volume, drive modes and the Atmospheres lighting-and-audio presets.
Standard comfort equipment is generous for the price: three-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, rear sunshades, a 12-way power driver's seat with four-way lumbar support, leatherette upholstery, a power liftgate, seven USB-C ports and front and rear Park Distance Control. A sliding 60/40 second-row bench is standard, second-row captain's chairs cost $695 and a panoramic sunroof is a $1,200 option.
The SE w/ Technology adds 20-inch wheels, the 15-inch screen, remote start and a 115-volt outlet. The SEL R-Line adds Varenna leather, a head-up display, navigation, a panoramic sunroof and heated and ventilated second-row outboard seats. The SEL Premium R-Line adds Nappa leather, front-seat massage, a 14-speaker Harman Kardon system, Park Assist Plus and an Area View camera system.
Safety
A new front center airbag brings the total to seven. IQ.DRIVE is standard, including Travel Assist, which now supports driver-initiated lane changes, and Emergency Assist, which can now guide the vehicle to the side of the road if it detects a medical emergency. Light Assist automatic high beams are standard as well.
Neither NHTSA nor IIHS has rated the 2027 Atlas yet; NHTSA lists both front- and all-wheel-drive versions as not rated. For context, NHTSA gave the outgoing 2026 Atlas five stars overall with four stars in the frontal crash test, and IIHS named it a 2026 Top Safety Pick. Those results do not carry over to the redesigned model, so our safety score reflects equipment only.
Pricing & Trims
2027 Volkswagen Atlas prices
| Trim | FWD MSRP | 4Motion AWD MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| SE | $41,610 | $43,610 |
| SE w/ Technology | $45,610 | $47,610 |
| SEL R-Line | — | $52,110 |
| SEL Premium R-Line | — | $56,610 |
MSRP excludes $1,525 destination. Options include a $1,200 panoramic sunroof and $695 second-row captain's chairs. Source: Volkswagen of America, July 20, 2026.
Our pick is the SE w/ Technology at $45,610 with front-wheel drive or $47,610 with 4Motion. For $4,000 over the SE it adds the 15-inch screen, 20-inch wheels, remote start, keyless access on all five doors and a factory hitch that raises towing capacity to 5,000 pounds. The SEL R-Line's leather, head-up display and ventilated second-row seats are appealing, but they cost another $4,500 over an AWD SE w/ Technology.
Rivals
Two key rivals are also new or freshly priced. Kia's all-new 2027 Telluride Hybrid starts at $46,490 for a front-drive EX, with 329 hp and standard 4,500-pound towing, according to Kia. Toyota's 2027 Grand Highlander LE starts at $42,560 with front-wheel drive, per Toyota's October 2026 price list. The Atlas counters with a lower starting price than the Telluride Hybrid, a strong list of standard comfort features and a 15-inch screen on most trims.
How we rated it: this review is based on Volkswagen's specifications and pricing, EPA estimates and NHTSA/IIHS status available in October 2026; neither agency had rated the 2027 Atlas. Drive Edition has not road-tested this vehicle.