Volkswagen's largest American SUV enters the new model year with a bolder look, a more prestigious cabin and an updated engine, and a hybrid will join it later.
Volkswagen has revealed a completely redesigned Atlas for the 2027 model year ahead of the New York Auto Show, bringing a refreshed exterior and more prestige inside. The exterior is characterized by revised body lines, a widened engine hood and new, vertically positioned headlights. Most versions will be equipped with an illuminated brand logo and a light strip running the entire width of the front and rear, and the range will be complemented by wheels ranging from 18 to 21 inches and new body colors.
The interior of the vehicle has undergone a drastic transformation, as it already offers real wooden decorative elements as standard, a redesigned dashboard and a gear lever on the steering column, which frees up space on the center channel. The digital experience is now dictated by a 10,25-inch screen in front of the driver and a free-standing infotainment system screen, which in higher trim levels measures as much as 15 inches. The family SUV also boasts an upgraded IQ.DRIVE assistance system, which now enables automatic lane changes and even safe stopping of the vehicle at the edge of the road if the system detects driver inaction, and an advanced parking assistant is also standard.
The 2.130-kilogram vehicle is powered by the latest version of the 2,0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine (Evo5), which, after an extensive upgrade of the internal components, develops 210 kW (286 hp) and 350 Nm of torque. Although the new unit offers slightly more power and slightly less torque compared to its predecessor, which produced 201 kW (273 hp) and 370 Nm, Volkswagen promises better responsiveness at higher revs and lower fuel consumption. Power is transmitted to the front wheels or to the 4Motion all-wheel drive via an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the manufacturer promises that a hybrid powertrain will join the petrol range in the future.
