2027 Volkswagen Atlas Review: Elevated for the Family

The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas is a case study in how a mainstream family SUV can evolve while holding on to what made it a favorite. The 2027 Atlas isn’t a reinvention of the brand’s popular three-row SUV, but instead a more luxurious, stylish and family oriented SUV that will easily win over more buyers.

There is a good deal more to be said for this updated Atlas than there was before. A responsive turbo engine, room in the third row that does not insult the adult passenger and some modern tech make it a contender in the affordable three-row space. You will not find hybrid efficiency or razor-sharp handling here, but if the aim is a premium interior and plenty of room without the luxury brand price tag, the 2027 Atlas is hard to overlook.

From the outside it is a familiar sight, though the styling is cleaner and more contemporary, lending the large vehicle a bit more polish on the road. The changes within are where the story is told. Volkswagen has done a number on the interior with soft-touch surfaces and the real wood trim; in the right spec the finish and look come close to what you would expect from an entry-level Audi, far more so than the badge implies. It is a quiet, comfortable place to be, well suited to the long-haul duties of a family hauler. And unlike some midsize rivals, the third row is spacious enough for older children or adults.

During our drive with the new Atlas, VW actually picked us up from the airport in the last generation Atlas and the new interior is definitely elevated.

Volkswagen has added some nice touches for the family. Standard rear window shades are a given, and the new shifter mounted on the column frees up room in the the center console. There are dual wireless charging pads that use MagSafe to keep your phones from sliding around, which makes you wonder why other automakers don’t use a similar set up. Ambient lighting with 30 colors adds some personality in the cabin at night. On the technology front, a 12.9-inch touchscreen is standard, with a 15-inch version available. A 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster is standard and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon system is available on the top trim level.

There are only a few gripes with the interior. In the name of more screens and fewer buttons, some things are harder to get at while in motion. The door releases have been reworked to be more modern looking, but they are less intuitive; you have to lift and push rather than pull a conventional handle.

Mechanically, the Atlas is an improvement. The revised 2.0-liter turbo four makes 282 hp and works well with the eight-speed automatic for everyday use, whether you are merging into traffic or passing on the highway, but it’s not a sporty driving experience like some of its rivals. The 2027 Atlas is slightly heavier than its predecessor, so it is also a tad slower off the line. The suspension is set up for comfort, which means some body roll on a twisty road, but it is an easygoing drive in the way most three-row SUVs are.

The front-wheel drive Atlas is rated at 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined. The all-wheel drive version is rated at 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined.

It is also a capable tool. With a 5,000-pound towing capacity it can handle a small camper or boat, making it a one-vehicle solution for gear and weekend toys alike. What is missing is a hybrid, which for fuel-conscious buyers who do a lot of city driving might be better served by a competitor.

Pricing for the 2027 VW Atlas starts at $43,135, which includes the $1,525 destination fee.

The Verdict

All in all, the 2027 Volkswagen Atlas has the fundamentals down pat. It is quieter and more upscale than its predecessors and the third row is truly usable. One could take issue with the lack of physical controls or a hybrid option, but for an affordable, functional SUV with a premium feel, the Atlas should be near the top of any family’s list.

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