
What Is the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas?
The Volkswagen Atlas is a three-row mid-size SUV that seats six or seven depending on the second-row seating configuration. If you don’t need a third row but otherwise like the Atlas’ size, VW also sells a two-row Atlas Cross Sport with five seats and a sleek, fastback-style rear roofline. All Atlases come with a 269-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front- or all-wheel drive. The Atlas’ rivals include the Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Mazda CX-90 and Toyota Grand Highlander.
What’s New on the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas?
After a significant refresh last year, the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport receive tweaks to standard equipment for 2025. Wireless device charging and automatic high beams are now standard across the line, and massaging front seats with adjustable lumbar support are now included on the range-topping Premium R-Line trim.
What Features in the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Are Most Important?
Standard features include:
- 10.25-inch digital instrument display
- 12-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Four USB ports
- Amazon Alexa
- Wi-Fi hot spot
- Synthetic leather upholstery
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Voice recognition
- Wireless device charging
- Tri-zone climate control (Atlas)
- Blind spot warning
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane departure steering assist
- Lane-centering steering
Available features include:
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Hands-free power liftgate
- Leather upholstery
- Second-row captain’s chairs (Atlas)
- Power-adjustable front passenger seat
- Navigation
- Ambient interior lighting
- Self-parking system
- 360-degree camera system
- Harman Kardon audio system
Should I Buy the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas?
The Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport make a strong case for themselves when it comes to interior space, cabin quality and a long lineup of standard comfort, tech and safety features. Choose the Atlas if you plan on routinely carrying up to seven people, or go with the Atlas Sport if you like its slightly sportier shape and can live without a third row. Last year’s refresh brought the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport a punchy four-cylinder engine and noteworthy improvements to cabin materials, but also some tedious touch-sensitive controls that we find hard to use.