2027 Volkswagen Atlas gets more tech, power and premium features

The three-row SUV gets updated design, increased power, new technology and more premium features.

2027 Volkswagen Atlas front and side — *The Volkswagen Atlas is all-new for 2027. – Volkswagen of America photo*

Volkswagen has revealed the second generation Atlas sport utility vehicle, which is launching in North America for the 2027 model year.

The new Atlas has similar proportions to the current one and updated design. Additionally, the SUV gets a more powerful engine, new technology and premium features.

“When we first launched Atlas in 2017, we delivered the space and style the SUV market was missing; practical, well-designed, and unmistakably Volkswagen,” said Kjell Gruner, president and CEO, Volkswagen of America, in a news release. “The all-new 2027 Atlas brings more of what matters: a stronger design, smarter technology, increased power, and a premium feel where it matters most.”

The new Atlas was revealed by Volkswagen of America ahead of the opening of the New York International Auto Show.

*The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas rides on wheels up to 21 inches in size. – Volkswagen of America photo*

Updated design

Up front, the Atlas gets new double staked LED headlights, a new masked upper grille, double lightlines and an illuminated VW badge as standard.

The fenders are sculpted for a more muscular appearance.

Illuminated door handles and puddle lamps with a unique projection pattern are available on some trims.

At the rear, the Atlas gets a new pronounced spoiler and a tailgate that is flush with the rear bumper.

*The cross-body taillights mirror those of the front. – Volkswagen of America photo*

The taillights have a cross-body design, which is intended to mirror the front lights. The dynamic turn signals get three animations.

All trims above the base model get new aluminum-alloy wheels measuring 20 or 21 inches, depending on trim (the base trim gets 18-inch rollers), and machined alloy and black finish wheels are available.

Three new colours join the palette, Blackberry, Sacramento Green, and Sandstone.

Interior

Volkswagen said it fitted the next-gen Atlas with upscale materials.

There’s now a loop that wraps the dashboard, containing the HVAC vents and displays.

Volkswagen moved the shift lever to the steering column to free up space in the centre console.

The automaker gave the Atlas new, higher-quality soft-touch surfaces and real wood decor on all trims. There are two leather choices available.

Ambient lighting offers 10 colours as standard, while the top two trims get 30 colour options.

An “Atmospheres” feature co-ordinates light and audio settings.

New B pillar air vents and second-row seat ventilation is now available.

The driver gets a revised 12-way ergonomic seat with four-way lumbar support, which is standard on all models.

*The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas has a centre display up to 15 inches in size. – Volkswagen of America photo*

New features

Standard features now include a power liftgate, rear sunshades, auto-dimming driver-side mirror, dual hatch lights and front and rear park distance control.

The base model now gets a nine-speaker audio system while the top trim has an available 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

The base model gets a 12.9-inch centre display while all other trims get a 15-inch unit. The configurable driver display measures 10.25 inches.

The centre console has dual Qi2 wireless charging pads plus the cabin has seven USB-C charge ports.

*The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas is a three-row SUV. – Volkswagen of America photo*

Powertrain

The 2027 Atlas is powered by a turbocharged 2-litre four-cylinder TSI engine with 282 hp (up 13 hp from outgoing model) and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. Towing capacity rated at 5,000 pounds, same as before.

All trims have available 4Motion all-wheel drive.

Volkswagen plans to introduce a hybrid powertrain when the Atlas receives its mid-cycle refresh, so that won’t happen for a few years.

*The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas has seven USB charging ports so all seven occupants can plug in their devices. – Volkswagen of America photo*

Safety technology

The 2027 Atlas gets a new centre airbag, bringing the total to seven, and comes standard with the IQ.Drive suite of driver assistance technology.

A Travel Assist feature offers semi-automated hands-on driving at speeds of zero to 95 mph. The system has been updated to offer driver-initiated lane change.

The system’s Emergency Assist feature can bring the vehicle to the side of the road if it senses a medical emergency.

The top trim gets Park Assist Plus, while front and rear Park Distance Control has been added to the base model.

The Atlas three-row SUV and its sibling Atlas Sport two-row SUV are assembled in the United States.

The 2027 Atlas is expected to launch this fall.

We can expect Canadian market details in the coming months.

For updates, visit the VW Canada website.