The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas is a family-friendly SUV that offers spacious seating for up to seven passengers and impressive cargo capacity. With a towing capacity of up to 5000 pounds, the Atlas is a capable people hauler with a reservedly handsome exterior styling. However, the interior design and materials lack zest, and the ride and handling could use more refinement. The Atlas is powered by a 269-hp turbocharged inline-four engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
For the 2025 model year, the Atlas comes with upgraded wireless device charging as standard, and SEL Premium R-Line trims receive additional luxury touches. Two new available colors, Mountain Lake Blue, Avocado Green, and Pure Grey, are introduced for the 2025 model year. Most models with an active subscription to VW’s Car-Net connected vehicle software will offer an available voice assistant powered by ChatGPT.
The pricing for the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas is expected to start around $40,000 and go up to $55,000 depending on the trim and options. We recommend choosing the Atlas SE with Technology and adding 4Motion all-wheel drive for the best value. This trim includes 20-inch wheels, a trailer hitch package, remote start, and USB charging ports for the third row.
The Atlas is equipped with a 269-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers sufficient acceleration. It responds obediently to steering inputs but feels a little clumsy when pushed around corners. The Atlas can tow up to 5000 pounds with a trailer equipped with brakes, making it a versatile option for families on the go.
In terms of fuel economy, the Atlas is estimated to achieve 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway for front-wheel-drive models, while all-wheel-drive models are rated at 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The Peak Edition trims are rated for 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. In our testing, an all-wheel-drive Atlas returned 25 mpg on a 75-mph highway fuel economy route.
The interior of the Atlas is family-friendly, with a practical layout and an abundance of cupholders. The third row of seats can comfortably accommodate full-size adults, and there is ample storage space throughout the cabin. The Atlas features a 12.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, wireless phone charging, and six USB-C ports.
Safety features on the Atlas include standard forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Available driver-assistance technology includes adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature. Volkswagen offers an above-average limited warranty and complimentary scheduled maintenance for two years or 20,000 miles.
Overall, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas offers spacious seating, impressive cargo capacity, and capable towing capabilities. While the interior design may lack excitement, the Atlas is a practical and versatile option for families in need of a reliable SUV.
