2026 Volkswagen
Atlas

The Volkswagen Atlas stays focused on family space and everyday usability for model year 2026. Built in Chattanooga, Tennessee, this three-row midsized crossover presents a highly desired blend of traits – passenger room, technology, and straightforward driving manners – making it a staple of VW’s U.S. lineup. New for ’26, all trims except the base SE now include a HomeLink mirror, giving owners built-in controls for garage doors and other connected devices.

Value is also standard with every 2026 Volkswagen, thanks to a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. The automaker also includes the Carefree Maintenance Program, which provides complimentary standard scheduled services for two years or 20,000 miles. The Atlas is also covered with three years/36,000 miles of 24-hour roadside assistance.

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Trims and Powertrain

The 2026 Atlas lineup contains five trim levels: SE, SE with Technology, Peak Edition, SEL, and SEL Premium R-Line. Their power comes from a turbocharged 269-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The SE and SE with Technology have standard front-wheel drive (FWD), with 4Motion all-wheel drive (AWD) optional (AWD is included on the higher trims).

Towing capacity reaches 5,000 pounds when the Atlas is equipped with the factory hitch and an available third-party trailer-brake controller. Cargo flexibility is another strong point of this model: with both rear rows folded, it offers 96.6 cubic feet of space, with a potential 55.5 cubic feet is behind the second row and 20.6 cubic feet in the designated cargo area with all seats in place. The estimated fuel economy for the SE and SE with Technology is 20 mpg in the city (FWD and AWD) and 27 mpg (FWD) or 26 mpg (AWD) on the highway. The higher trims are rated to return 19 mpg around town and 25 mpg on the open road.

Standard Features

The SE trim is positioned as a well-equipped starting point, offering perforated V-Tex leatherette upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, three zones of automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver’s seat, a heated leatherette-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, heated power side mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, wireless device charging, six fast-charging USB-C ports, and 18-inch alloy wheels. This base trim also has roof rails, Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit Pro with a 10.25-inch display, adaptive LED exterior lighting, proximity keyless entry, push-button ignition, and rain-sensing wipers.

The SE with Technology builds on this foundation with remote start, a hands-free power tailgate, illuminated light bars at the front and rear, a factory trailer hitch, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink controls, and a second-row 115-volt AC outlet. A panoramic sunroof is optional. In the middle of the range, the Peak Edition is aimed at buyers seeking a more rugged look along with the open-air benefit of a standard panoramic sunroof. It adds unique exterior details including all-terrain tires on black-finished 18-inch alloy wheels, brushed stainless-steel pedals, and multi-color adjustable ambient lighting.

The SEL emphasizes comfort and luxury with a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery for the first two rows, a driver’s memory system, an eight-way power passenger seat, a head-up display, and 20-inch wheels. Heated outboard second-row seats and heated headlight washers add cold-weather convenience. At the top of the lineup, the SEL Premium R-Line introduces quilted Vienna leather upholstery, massaging front seats, exclusive R-Line exterior treatments, power-folding heated mirrors, and 21-inch wheels. Second-row captain’s chairs, which change the seating capacity from seven to six, are optional on all trims except the SE.

Advanced Safety Technology

Volkswagen equips every Atlas with the IQ.Drive suite of driver-aid systems. The list includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, and Travel Assist, which allows hands-on semi-automated highway driving. Emergency Assist (semi-automated support in a medical emergency), automatic high beams, and exit warning are also standard. Front and rear parking sensors are found on the SE with Technology edition and above. The SEL Premium R-Line adds a surround-view camera and semi-automatic parking assistance. All trims get an array of airbags, stability control, traction control, hill hold control, hill descent control, and a rearview monitor.

Infotainment and Connectivity

A 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system graces every Atlas trim with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (through AppConnect) plus Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. Navigation is included starting with the SEL. Most versions use a six-speaker audio setup, while the SEL Premium R-Line upgrades to a 12-speaker Harman Kardon system.

MSRP is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of the vehicle. Dealer sets final price. Sales tax, title, and registration fees are not included in vehicle prices or manufacturer offers that appear on this site and must be paid by the purchaser. $420 doc & title prep fees apply to all vehicle sales, including manufacturer offers that may appear on this website (with the exception of vehicle sales under $10,000 which incur only a $20 title preparation fee). Actual odometer reading may vary due to test drives and other miles driven since vehicle was listed. MPG ratings are EPA estimates. Actual results may vary for many reasons, including driving conditions and how you drive and maintain your vehicle. See full site disclosure here.

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