2025 Volkswagen Atlas
Our VerdictThe 2025 Volkswagen Atlas delivers on what families need most: space, comfort, and confidence-inspiring safety features. It’s not the most fuel-efficient SUV, and sporty drivers may find it dull, but for road trips, carpools, or daily errands, it’s hard to beat its size and value.
Families
Efficiency-seekers
The Case For
- Huge third-row and cargo space
- Standard safety and driver-assist tech
- Strong towing capacity
- Smooth highway ride
Considerations
- No hybrid option
- Touch sliders not backlit
- Lower-than-average fuel economy
Who It's For
The Volkswagen Atlas offers serious space and comfort for American families. With a roomy third row, nearly 97 cu. ft. of cargo space, and smooth turbocharged power, it outpaces most midsize SUVs. Standard driver-assistance tech and a user-friendly infotainment system make it ideal for daily errands or weekend trips. Its upscale European styling adds polish to a practical, competitively priced package.
Choose Your Specification
SE
$38,200Entry Essentials
The SE is a spacious 3-row starter with smart essentials: heated and ventilated front seats, IQ.Drive safety suite, digital cockpit, and a 12-inch infotainment display. Cloth and leatherette seats, tri-zone climate control, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto make it family-friendly without frills. Add AWD for traction. It’s ideal for buyers seeking size and safety on a budget.
SE w/ Technology
$42,305Best Value
This trim adds 20" wheels, hands-free liftgate, remote start, and front/rear parking sensors. A towing package enables 5,000 lbs towing. It’s our top pick for the balance of upgrades and affordability. Perfect for families wanting practicality, tech, and road-trip readiness.
Peak Edition
$46,655Adventure Style
With all-terrain tires, 18" black wheels, and rugged bumpers, this AWD-only trim is styled for the outdoors. Inside, ambient lighting and leatherette seats create comfort after the trails. It’s great for families wanting adventure-ready looks without sacrificing Atlas versatility.
SEL
$48,200Premium Feel
Luxury starts here: leather seating, head-up display, illuminated grille, navigation, and enhanced driver aids. Front passenger seat is now powered. The SEL is ideal for tech lovers wanting upscale flair and more convenience on commutes or road trips.
SEL Premium R-Line
$53,205Full Luxury
Topping the lineup, this trim adds massage seats, premium leather, 360° camera, Harman Kardon audio, and bold 21" wheels. R-Line styling makes it the most eye-catching Atlas. Best for those wanting comfort, status, and all features included.
- Best value mix of price, features, and practicality
- Towing package with 5,000-lb capacity included
- Remote start and hands-free liftgate
- Wireless charging and tri-zone climate control
- 12-inch touchscreen and digital cockpit standard
- Same strong engine and safety tech as top trims
Trim by Trim
Select your car trims and compare them instantly
| Specification | SE (FWD/AWD) | SE w/ Tech (FWD/AWD) | Peak Edition (AWD) | SEL (FWD/AWD) | SEL Premium R-Line (AWD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | Gas Turbo I4 | Gas Turbo I4 | Gas Turbo I4 | Gas Turbo I4 | Gas Turbo I4 |
| Horsepower | 269 hp | 269 hp | 269 hp | 269 hp | 269 hp |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 20 / 26 | 20 / 26 | 18 / 25 | 20 / 26 | 18 / 25 |
| Seating | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Cargo (cu ft) | 20.6 / 96.8 | 20.6 / 96.8 | 20.6 / 96.8 | 20.6 / 96.8 | 20.6 / 96.8 |
| Transmission | 8-speed Auto | 8-speed Auto | 8-speed Auto | 8-speed Auto | 8-speed Auto |
| MSRP | $38,200 | $42,305 | $46,655 | $48,200 | $53,205 |
| Car Type | Midsize SUV | Midsize SUV | Midsize SUV | Midsize SUV | Midsize SUV |
The Cost of Ownership
The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas annual ownership costs:
Assumptions: Based on average U.S. driver (12,000 miles/year, fuel price ~$3.75/gal, good driving record).
From Every Angle
Exterior
4Clean SUV lines, big presence
The Atlas boasts bold LED lighting, a refreshed grille, and R-Line styling on upper trims. Its upright profile emphasizes utility.
Interior
4Spacious cabin, modern tech blend
Atlas offers class-leading 3rd-row room and versatile cargo space. Cabin updates include soft-touch materials and digital displays.
Safety
5Advanced safety tech standard
VW includes IQ.DRIVE on every trim: adaptive cruise, lane-keep assist, blind-spot warning, and emergency braking.
Fuel Economy
3.5Average MPG for size class
Atlas returns ~22 MPG combined. AWD and Peak trims drop to ~20 MPG.
Tech & Infotainment
4Big screens, full connectivity
Standard 12-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and abundant USB-C ports make it family-ready.
Performance & Handling
3.5Comfort over sporty thrills
The turbo-4 delivers 269 hp and solid torque for everyday use.
New This Year
- Driver seat upgraded to 10-way power adjustment
- Light Assist (automatic high beams) becomes standard across trims
- New voice assistant powered by ChatGPT in VW Car-Net system
- Atlas adds new color options: Mountain Lake Blue, Avocado Green, and Pure Grey
- SEL Premium adds massaging front seats and perforated leather
- All trims now include standard wireless charging
Cars Similar to the Volkswagen Atlas 2025
Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot are similar to the Volkswagen Atlas, lets compare their features side by side
Volkswagen Atlas
Toyota Highlander
Honda Pilot| Aspect | Volkswagen Atlas | Toyota Highlander | Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | 269 hp Turbo I4 | 265 hp Turbo/Hybrid | 285 hp V6 |
| Tech & Interior | Big screens, modern feel | Simpler layout, hybrid available | Clean, ergonomic interior |
| Practicality | Best-in-class space | Smaller cargo, hybrid MPG | 8-seater, clever storage |
| Comfort & Space | Spacious 3rd row | Tight rear seats | Plush V6 ride, mid cargo |
| Who’s It For? | Space-seeking families | MPG-focused buyers | Balanced-family SUV users |
| Best Choice For | Comfort & tech Big families Budget buyers | Hybrid efficiency Eco drivers Small families | Reliable V6 Towing trips All-around balance |
Asked & Answered
Is the 2025 Atlas all-wheel drive?
Yes. AWD (4MOTION) is optional or standard on most trims and recommended for snowy or off-road conditions.
Does the Atlas have Apple CarPlay/Android Auto?
Yes, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard on all trims with a 12-inch touchscreen.
What’s the Atlas towing capacity?
With the towing package, it can tow up to 5,000 pounds—great for boats, trailers, or small campers.
Is the third row adult-friendly?
Absolutely. Unlike many competitors, the Atlas can fit two adults in the third row comfortably.