2027 Volkswagen Atlas: More Interior, Slightly Slower, Higher Price

The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas enters its second generation, and according to Car and Driver, the changes are more skin-deep and interior-focused than mechanical. The SUV retains the same 117.3-inch wheelbase and nearly the same width and height, but the body stretches 2.4 inches longer, mostly in overhang. The look is cleaner, with softened character lines and a full-width taillight signature.

Volkswagen raised the base price by $2,350 to $43,135, but adds standard equipment: a 12.9-inch touchscreen, digital gauge cluster, a new Driver Experience Dial, dual wireless phone chargers, second-row sunshades, and a power liftgate. Higher trims get a 15.0-inch screen, 20- or 21-inch wheels, nappa leather, massaging front seats, and a 14-speaker Harmon/Kardon system. The shifter moves to the steering column, freeing center-console space.

The engine is a new version of the EA888 four-cylinder, called Evo5, with a variable-geometry turbo and higher-pressure fuel injection. It makes 282 horsepower (up 13) but 258 pound-feet of torque (down 15). Car and Driver measured 0–60 mph in 7.6 seconds, 0.4 second slower than the 2026 model they tested. The 2027 Kia Telluride did it in 7.4 seconds, and the Hyundai Palisade in 8.0. However, the Atlas managed 30 mpg on the magazine's 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, beating its EPA highway rating by 3 mpg. Braking improved from 172 to 165 feet from 70 mph, and skidpad grip rose to 0.84 g from 0.82.

Inside, the dashboard spans the full width with an unbroken loop. Ambient lighting is emitted from tiny holes in the door panels and behind the dash, configurable through what VW calls Atmospheres. The touchscreen's volume slider remains, but Car and Driver notes the new physical knob is handier. Temperature sliders now show numeric feedback and trigger red or blue ambient light changes.

One competitive gap: the Palisade and Telluride offer hybrid versions that improve acceleration and fuel economy. Volkswagen says a hybrid Atlas will come with the mid-cycle refresh, but Car and Driver notes that could be a long wait in VW terms.

As tested, the SEL Premium R-Line with 4Motion and captain's chairs came to $59,126. The Atlas remains one of the roomiest three-row SUVs, with excellent third-row access and cargo space behind the third row of 21 cubic feet.

• 2027 Atlas
• Atlas
• Car and Driver
• fuel economy
• three-row SUV
• Volkswagen