Volkswagen Atlas
The Volkswagen Atlas is a midsize crossover SUV with seating for up to seven passengers in three rows. Introduced for the 2018 model year, the Atlas provides up to 96.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity and can tow up to 5,000 pounds, when properly equipped. The 2024-2025 Atlas is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while 2018-2023 Atlas models are offered with a base four-cylinder turbo or an available V6. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is available.
Explore the evolution of the Volkswagen Atlas
Get our expert take on used Volkswagen Atlas models, or view year-by-year changes.
First generation Volkswagen Atlas
The Volkswagen Atlas debuted for the 2018 model year as an all-new vehicle. The Atlas offered seating for six or seven passengers, plus a cargo capacity of up to 96.6 cubic feet—big enough to carry a large home appliance. The standard engine in the Atlas was a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard on base trim levels, and then depending on the trim level, all-wheel drive was standard or available. Buyers could add a more powerful V6 engine from 2018 to 2023.
A comprehensive exterior and interior update took place for the 2024 model year, giving the most recent Atlas models a new look and a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, plus a standard, more powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine to replace the V6.
Model highlights
Four-cylinder turbocharged or available V6 engine (through 2023)
Available all-wheel drive
Seating for six or seven passengers
12-inch infotainment touchscreen (added for 2024)
96.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity
Changes by year
Latest generation from 2018 - present
2025 Volkswagen Atlas
2024 Volkswagen Atlas
Highlights
New exterior styling
12-inch touchscreen now standard
V6 dropped
Ventilated seats became standard
Off-road-inspired Peak Edition trim level added
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2023 Volkswagen Atlas
Highlights
Standard 10-inch digital gauge cluster on SE and above
SEL R-Line trim discontinued
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2022 Volkswagen Atlas
Highlights
Base S trim discontinued
All SEL models included all-wheel drive
Minor standard feature revisions
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2021 Volkswagen Atlas
Highlights
Split model year with carry-over 2021 and updated 2021.5 models
Revised front and rear ends
All but base S model received a new eight-inch infotainment touchscreen
10-inch digital instrument cluster on SEL and above
New driver-assist features included hands-on highway driving system and system to stop the vehicle if the driver is incapacitated
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2020 Volkswagen Atlas
Highlights
VW’s Car-Net® communications system and Wi-Fi hotspot newly standard
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2019 Volkswagen Atlas
Highlights
Two new trim levels
More standard comfort and driver-assist features
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2018 Volkswagen Atlas
Highlights
All-new three-row SUV joined the lineup
2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and 3.6-liter V6 engines
Front- or all-wheel drive
Eight-speed automatic transmission
Seating for six or seven
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Jeff Zurschmeide has been an automotive journalist for more than 20 years, covering the new car business as well as motorsports and industry news. He lives in Tillamook, Oregon, at the confluence of great roads, nice weather, and plenty of space for a collection of strange old automobiles.
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