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We review the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas for details on the cabin, technology, amenities, and safety of this second-generation SUV.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas – vw.com | Shop 2025 Volkswagen Atlas on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas?
The 2025 Atlas, a three-row SUV competing with the likes of the Kia Telluride and Mazda CX-90, is part of a single generation that goes back to 2018. Following an extensive overhaul in 2024, this latest model brings light changes including standard automatic high beams and a wireless phone charging pad. Mountain Blue Lake joins the color palette and Avocado Green Metallic gets released for use on models besides the Peak Edition Atlas. At the top of the range, creature comforts like massaging front seats with perforated headrests join the content roster.
Carsforsale.com Score
7.75/10
Powertrain
Score
7.5/10
Interior
Score
7.75/10
Technology
Score
8/10
Value
Score
7.75/10
The Breakdown
Very well-equipped base model
Plenty of cargo space
Strong towing capacity
Poor fuel economy
Low ground clearance
No optional engine upgrade
A nice bland all-around driving appliance
2025 Volkswagen Atlas Specs
- 269 horsepower from base engine
- 273 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 5 available trims
- 20.6 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 96.8 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Top marks from the NHTSA and IIHS
- 12” digital gauge cluster and central display
- 5,000-pound max towing rating
- 2 years of complimentary maintenance
2025 Volkswagen Atlas Powertrain 7.5/10
Volkswagen fits every 2025 Atlas with a turbocharged 2.0L inline-4 good for 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, which is a bit down on power versus the former V6 model. It’s wholly adequate with its ability to run to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds, if a bit light on output compared to say, the 340-horse engine offered on the Mazda CX-90.
An 8-speed automatic routes power to the front wheels on base models or all four on Peak Edition trim and above. The 4MOTION AWD system can be fitted to the SE for an extra $2,000. Though the Peak Edition Atlas looks like an off-roader with all-terrain tires and the requisite black exterior trim, like the rest of the 2025 Atlas lineup, it has just 6.3” of ground clearance.
Fuel economy ranges from 22 mpg combined for FWD entry-level models to 20 in Peak Edition guise, which is par for the big three-row course, but not exactly impressive. It’d be nice to see a hybrid option, like Volvo offers with the XC90. Fortunately, the Atlas runs on regular. Those planning to tow should look to the SE Technology models or higher with their 5,000-lb capacity versus 2,000 on base models – assuming the trailer is braked.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas Interior 7.75/10
The 2025 VW Atlas is a three-row SUV with room for seven, unless you opt for second-row captain’s chairs, which reduce capacity to six. V-Tex faux leather and climatized front seats are standard with top-spec SEL Premium R-Line variants sporting upscale Vienna leather with massaging front seatbacks.
Second-row passengers will find 38” of legroom, which is a significant 4” off the mark set by the lauded Kia Telluride. That said, the 34” of third-row legroom is relatively substantial as is the 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind that row. Both middle rows of seating fold flat for a wide open cargo hold that can swallow 97 cubes of stuff putting it well beyond the Telluride and right on point with the equally cavernous Chevy Traverse.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas Technology Features 8/10
Volkswagen loads the 2025 Atlas with standard tech like a fully digital gauge cluster, a 12” central touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android, and even a wireless phone charging pad. There are dual USB ports in all three rows, but the 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system is reserved solely for the top-spec SEL Premium R-Line.
Advanced driver-assistance systems are another Atlas strong suit as all models come with forward collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring and collision mitigation, rear cross-traffic alert, a lane-keeping system, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Last years’ model earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS (the 2025 model has yet to be tested) and the NHTSA rated the 2025 Atlas 5 stars overall in crash testing.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas Trims & Pricing
SE – $38,200
Attractively priced, the base Atlas SE comes with 18” wheels, adaptive LED headlights, heated side mirrors, and rain-sensing wipers. A choice of beige or black V-Tex upholstery is available along with triple-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a heated steering wheel.
SE with Technology – $42,305
The SE with Technology setup rocks 20” wheels and an illuminated front light bar including the Volkswagen emblem. These Atlases also come with a hands-free liftgate, a trailer hitch, a 120-volt cabin outlet, and parking sensors at both ends. From here on up, second-row captain’s thrones can be added for $695.
SE with Technology Peak Edition – $46,655
Peak Edition models pretend to be off-road ready with all-terrain tires and the same styling cues every other automaker uses to indicate ruggedness – black trim, including the wheels. A panoramic roof is standard here as is ambient lighting and special orange cabin stitching.
SEL – $48,200
In SEL getup, the 2025 Atlas boasts heated washer nozzles, heated second-row outboard seats, and leather upholstery. Tech upgrades include built-in navigation, a head-up display, traffic sign recognition, and a safe exit assist system.
SEL Premium R-Line – $53,205
Sitting atop the 2025 Atlas line is the SEL Premium R-Line model. It features 21” wheels, R-Line exterior styling bits, and power-folding side mirrors. Exclusive interior touches include Vienna leather, massaging front seats, a Harman Kardon audio system, and the ability to park itself.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas Overall Value 7.75/10
The 2025 VW Atlas slots nicely into the three-row SUV segment pricewise and does offer a high level of standard content at the all-important sub-$40,000 level. Really, unless you demand a certain level of fanciness, the SE is the way to go.
Considering the target demographic is likely to have a kid or two, why spend $50,000 on a luxury-adjacent model that is just going to take all manner of untold abuse by those tiny humans anyway? One area the VW doesn’t hit a home run is the warranty. It does include 2 years of complimentary service, but the powertrain is only covered for 4 years or 50,000 miles, same as the basic term.
CarsForSale.com Overall Score 7.75/10
2025 Volkswagen Atlas – vw.com | Shop 2025 Volkswagen Atlas on Carsforsale.com
Volkswagen has done an impressive job of meeting value-leader Kia by stuffing the base model 2025 Atlas with loads of creature comforts, notable technology, and a full roster of advanced driver aids. And the interior is certainly huge, if a bit on the bland side of the styling scale. Which is where the Atlas seems to land, in that bland zone. There are lots of big SUVs to choose from these days and the 2025 Atlas is just one more that is certainly good, but nothing to write home about.
FAQs About the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas
Can the Atlas tow a boat?
Yes, most models are capable of towing 5,000 pounds with a trailer brake.
Is the Atlas all-wheel drive?
AWD is standard on the 2025 Atlas Peak Edition and above, or optional below that.
What is the safety rating of a Volkswagen Atlas?
The NHTSA rated the 2025 Atlas 5 stars overall and last year’s model took home a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.
