2025 Volkswagen Atlas

We like the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas because it’s one of the roomiest SUVs in its class. Moreover, it features one of the more accessible third-row seats. Combine that with its rich list of standard equipment, peppy 4-cylinder turbo engine, and a handsome exterior, and the result is one of the more desirable midsize SUVs.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of midsize 3-row SUVs, including the Volkswagen Atlas.

Receiving a bit of a makeover for 2024, Volkswagen resisted going overboard with Atlas upgrades for 2025. However, it did add wireless phone charging to the standard-features list. It also enhanced front seating in the range-topping SEL Premium R-Line grade with 4-way lumbar support and a massage function. Beyond these tweaks, VW added Mountain Lake Blue, Avocado Green, and Pure Gray to the Atlas’ exterior color palette.

Volkswagen separates the Atlas into seven grades. By far, the SE trims are more popular than those of the SEL.

The Atlas’s pricing is in line with the midsize 3-row SUV segment. Its price tag is similar to the Chevy Traverse, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, and Kia Telluride.

Before buying an Atlas, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Volkswagen Atlas resale value is below average for the segment. Remember, recouping more money when trading in or selling a vehicle means more to put down on the next one.

We’re more than satisfied with the confident power delivery and smooth refinement of the turbo 4-cylinder engine. Even though it’s one of the largest vehicles in its class, the Atlas still manages to deliver some of the same diving dynamics that have long made Volkswagen vehicles so uniquely satisfying to drive.

We found the Atlas to be an easy SUV to pilot, but it isn’t as easy to negotiate in a tight parking lot as is, for example, the smaller Toyota Highlander. However, that’s the unavoidable tradeoff for more passenger and cargo space. We’ve found highway ride comfort and cabin noise to be about typical for the segment.

Fuel Economy

The Volkswagen Atlas gets a combined fuel economy rating of up to 23 mpg with front-wheel drive (FWD) and 21 mpg with all-wheel drive (AWD). These ratings are about average for a midsize 3-row SUV.

The Atlas interior is packed with desirable standard features, such as heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging, and a digital gauge cluster.

The content and styling keep the Atlas competitive with the upscale players in this class, like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. One small gripe: We found some of the steering wheel controls, like the horizontal volume buttons, a little unintuitive and difficult to get used to.

Interior space is one of the Atlas’s biggest strengths. This is a 3-row SUV for families that will actually use the third row regularly. No, it’s not a minivan, but it does an adequate job of playing one with a third row hosting 33.7 inches of legroom. Furthermore, we had little trouble climbing back there. By the way, that’s 2.3 inches more than the Kia Telluride, which is a meaningful advantage.

The Atlas has 20.6 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row, 55.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and a whopping 96.8 cubic feet when all of the rear seats are folded down. That’s about average for cargo room behind the third row but among the roomiest in its class for space behind the first and second rows.

Highlighting the Atlas’ rather blocky styling is a modernized light signature, as well as dynamic front and rear fascias. As for size, it’s nearly as long as the Chevy Traverse.

Turbo engine
We like the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that provides go for the Atlas. It’s spirited and can tow as much as the old V6 that this turbo replaced. It’s easier on gas, too.

12-inch infotainment system
A 12-inch screen is the cabin’s centerpiece. It has wireless smartphone connectivity, and six USB-C ports come standard (up to eight are available).

Digital Cockpit Pro
The Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro is one of our favorite digital gauge clusters. The Atlas has a 10.25-inch fully configurable display that can show everything you want to see and nothing you don’t. In other words, it’s customizable.

Standard comfort features
The Atlas has an impressive list of standard features, including 3-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and more.

IQ.DRIVE
The Atlas comes standard with IQ.DRIVE driver assistance technology. It bundles features like adaptive cruise control, lane centering, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking.

Roomy 3-row seating
The Volkswagen Atlas is among the best in its class regarding third-row legroom and headroom. Not all 3-row SUVs are created equal, but the roomy Atlas is an excellent choice if you regularly haul a full complement of passengers.

The Volkswagen Atlas is powered by a 269-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine matched with an 8-speed automatic transmission sending engine torque to either the front or all four wheels.

The Atlas boasts a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, which is in line with rivals.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

The Atlas is backed by 4-year/50,000-mile basic and powertrain coverage. That’s a longer bumper-to-bumper warranty than most competitors but a shorter powertrain warranty. Given Volkswagen’s middling track record when it comes to reliability, warranty protection should be an important consideration. Volkswagen includes complimentary maintenance for two years or up to 20,000 miles.

Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) put the Atlas on its 2024 Top Safety Pick list. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rated it with its highest 5-Star rating.