Volkswagen Just Made the Atlas Bigger, Smarter, and More Premium

Volkswagen is giving the Atlas another go for 2027, and the goal is simple. More space, more comfort, and a bit more punch.

The outside changes are easy to spot. New body panels all around, stacked headlights, a wider grille, and chunkier fenders. It looks bigger and a bit more confident. Most trims also get a full-width light setup and an illuminated VW badge, front and rear. New colors include Blackberry, Sacramento Green, and Sandstone, with wheels ranging from 18 to 21 inches.

Inside is where the bigger shift happens. The dashboard is completely redone, with real wood trim now standard across the range. Ambient lighting adds some mood, and the gear selector moves to the column, which frees up space in the center console.

Even the base model comes loaded. You get a power liftgate, rear sunshades, dual wireless chargers, a 9-speaker system, and seven USB-C ports. Higher trims add Nappa leather, ventilated second-row seats, a 14-speaker Harman Kardon system, and massaging front seats. Yes, your SUV now massages you while sitting in traffic.

Tech takes a big step forward. Most versions get a 15-inch screen, while the base uses a 12.9-inch setup. Every model includes a 10.25-inch digital cluster. The system is fully configurable, so you can set it up how you like.

Driver assistance also gets smarter. IQ.DRIVE can now change lanes when you tell it to and can pull over if it detects an unresponsive driver. Park Assist Plus comes standard, meaning the car can park itself, measure spaces, and even fix a bad parking attempt. It can also drive itself out of a tight parallel spot, which might save a few awkward moments.

Under the hood, it sticks with a 2.0-liter turbo, but it is the newer Evo5 version. Output is 282 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, up 13 hp but down 15 lb-ft of torque compared to before. The difference is small enough that you probably will not notice it in normal driving. What you might notice is how it delivers power. The new engine pulls a bit better at higher revs while also aiming for better efficiency.

Power goes through an eight-speed automatic to either front-wheel drive or 4Motion all-wheel drive. Volkswagen is also working on a hybrid version, but there is no timing yet.