First Drive: The New VW Atlas Lost Some of Its Swagger

I remember when the Atlas first came out, nearly ten years ago. My wife and I were excited about VW’s first three-row SUV, owning a Jetta at the time, plus several other VWs before that. The 2018 Atlas felt big, confident, stylish, and unmistakably Volkswagen. After a few family trips to the mountains, we were sold and would’ve pulled the trigger on buying one if we hadn’t bought something else just before. But after spending time with this redesigned, second-generation 2027 Atlas, the vibe just felt off. Like it swapped its swagger for something more generic and undifferentiated, blending into a sea of mid-size haulers. The updated 2.0 turbo is nothing to write home about (and still has no hybrid or electrification); the otherwise well-proportioned looks and sleek new lighting are butchered with large chunks of glossy fake mesh bumper inserts front and in the rear; the completely revamped cabin is upscale and family-focused more than outgoing models, but nothing feels innovative, just more like catch-up.

More Power on Paper, But the 2027 Atlas Still Feels a Step Behind

• Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder
• Horsepower: 282 hp
• Torque: 258 lb-ft
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Standard FWD with available 4Motion AWD in the US; AWD standard on all Canadian models
• Max Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg)

“The German shows up a bit late to the party where the Telluride and Palisade became more luxurious, Toyota went big on hybrids, and Chevrolet pushed cabin tech and packaging.”

We drove the new Atlas around Huntsville, Alabama, across winding back roads and long stretches of highway, and the updated powertrain never made a particularly strong impression. The revised 2.0-litre turbo four now produces 282 hp, up from 269, but torque actually drops from 273 to 258 lb-ft. Around town it gets the job done, but acceleration feels leisurely for a large SUV that’s supposedly gained power, while passing at highway speeds can require a fairly determined push of the throttle before the eight-speed automatic wakes up.

“Hybrid is coming sooner than you think.”

Toyota has offered two electrified Grand Highlanders since 2024, while the newest Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride both offer 329-hp hybrid powertrains. The latter two aren’t just considerably more efficient but quicker, too. Volkswagen knows the gap is there. When we asked about an electrified Atlas in Huntsville, we were told a “hybrid is coming sooner than you think.” That’s encouraging. But we’ve been hearing this for years now, and its biggest rivals are already combining better performance with hybrid efficiency.

Interior Levels Up with More Family-Focused, Premium Features

The 2027 Atlas interior is the one bright spot, especially in our range-topping SEL Premium R-Line seen here. VW stepped it up with better materials, available real wood, massaging front seats, an available 15-inch infotainment screen, dual wireless phone chargers, and available heated and ventilated second-row seats. Basically, put the family first with family-first features. It’s more premium and upscale than ever, even after the Atlas’ two mid-cycle refreshes in 2021 and 2024, when most updates were in the cabin. But again, rivals got there first.

Kia was already offering heated and ventilated second-row seats in the 2023 Telluride. Chevrolet gave the redesigned 2024 Traverse a standard 17.7-inch touchscreen (larger than the Atlas’ new optional 15-inch unit) along with a column-mounted shifter specifically to free up centre-console space. VW has preserved what the Atlas has always done well: a genuinely roomy cabin, a useful third row, and loads of cargo space (the trunk is slightly larger than in 2026).

“Volkswagen had nearly a decade to make a substantial change to the Atlas. It did a lot of things right, mostly inside, but also failed to step up in other areas that count.”

The latest Atlas also deserves credit for becoming a better SUV, with a richer interior, B-pillar rear vents, rear window shades, and improved tech. But the German shows up a bit late to the party where the Telluride and Palisade became more luxurious, Toyota went big on hybrids, and Chevrolet pushed cabin tech and packaging.

VW has preserved what the Atlas has always done well: a genuinely roomy cabin, a useful third row, and loads of cargo space (the trunk is slightly larger than in 2026).

Styling

The once blocky Atlas now looks sleeker and more futuristic. To us, it feels and looks less substantial than before, even when compared to the 2018 model, despite being about an inch longer than the outgoing 2026 Atlas. And the burlier Atlas Peak Edition is gone. For 2027, the heavy side creases are replaced by smoother curves, replacing the single grille bar with a new double-stack LED face. Around back, the old basic taillights are gone, replaced by a 3D “equalizer” light bar that looks straight out of an Audi showroom. This all makes a positive impact above, but down below, things get, well, ugly.

We’re talking about massive, gloss-black plastic inserts dominating the lower corners of the bumpers, masquerading as functional performance cooling vents but actually leading straight to a dead end. Sure, fake vents aren’t exactly a new sin for the Atlas, but where the old model kept them relatively low-key, the 2027 version stretches them to cartoonish proportions that scream for attention. By slapping these oversized, non-functional plastic panels right against the newly smoothed-out bodywork, VW trades rugged charm for cheap visual filler, effectively cheapening an otherwise upscale redesign.

Takeaway

No question, the second-generation 2027 Atlas is a huge improvement over outgoing versions, especially for families wanting better tech and improved interior features; the cabin was completely rethought and redesigned, even if nothing is really innovative. In terms of looks, most SUV shoppers will likely be dazzled by the fancy new headlights, taillights, and illuminated badges (rightfully so), unfazed by the massive fake vent treatment below, which I feel ruins an otherwise handsome mid-sizer.

Volkswagen had nearly a decade to make a substantial change to the Atlas. It did a lot of things right, mostly inside, but also failed to step up in other areas that count. Guess we’ll wait another ten years. Ultimately, it’s a much-improved family SUV that checks the boxes that matter most. The problem is that much of what’s new feels less like the segment moving forward and more like VW finally catching up.

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