2025 VW Atlas SE AWD: The Brand’s Flagship Three-Row Vehicle

 

Highlight: The VW’s Atlas is being assembled in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $47,375 (Base MSRP): $39,625

Seating Capacity: 7 or 8

Standard Safety Equipment: ABS; air bags; a rear camera; a blind spot monitoring system; a lane departure warning system; hill descent control; a tire pressure monitoring system; and a lane assist system

Standard Equipment (SE w/Technology): 20-inch alloy wheels; a push button engine start; heated foldable power side mirrors; black roof rails; a three-zone automatic climate control system; a leather-like steering wheel; a heated steering wheel; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; heated/ventilated front seats; bench split seats; leather like seating surfaces; automatic dimming rearview mirror; a 12-inch infotainment screen; second-row manual sunshades; wireless charging; and hands-free power operated liftgate

Options: 20-inch Black alloy wheels; optional exterior color; and second-row Captain chairs

Other Trim Levels:

SE

Peak Edition

SEL

SEL Premium R-Line

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: an AM/FM audio system with SiriusXM

Android/Apple CarPlay: Yes

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Engine/Horsepower (Test Vehicle): 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder/269-hp

Standard Fuel Mileage: 19-city/26-hwy (test model)

Towing Capabilities: 5,000 lbs

What’s New: After going through an extensive makeover in 2024, the Atlas is literally a carryover model this year.

Why:

A three-row vehicle w/easy access seats

AWD or front wheel drive available

A contemporary design

Heated/ventilated front seats available

Power sunroof available

Wireless charging available

Power hands-free liftgate

A high-level of safety driving aids

A radar activated cruise control system

A semi-automated vehicle assistance

A 12-inch infotainment screen

Second-row manual sunshades

A powerful turbocharged 4-cylinder engine

Comfortable seating

An automatic parking assist system is available

Ability to open rear tailgate via a foot swipe

But:

No hybrid powertrain

Despite an intensive update in 2025, there is nothing unique that makes the vehicle standout in a segment

Verdict: At a starting price near $40,000, the Atlas, VW’s flagship seven- passenger utility vehicle, is available in five trims.

After receiving a major update during the 2024 model year, the family- oriented utility vehicle is essentially unchanged.

With its car-like ride, the Atlas is available in a front wheel drive or an AWD configuration. While the industry leaning in with offering hybrid powertrains, VW has opted to stick with its gasoline powered 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, which produced 260-horspower.

Moreover, the Atlas can be outfitted with such amenities as a panoramic power operated roof, remote start, wireless charging, second row bucket seats and ventilated front seats. This is typically for vehicles in this highly competitive segment.

So, for shoppers in need of a spacious three-row vehicle with a VW emblem, the Atlas should fit the bill.  VW plays it safe in terms of the design language and available features. 

Competition: Chevy Traverse; Ford Explorer; GMC Acadia; Honda Pilot; Hyundai Palisade; Kia Telluride; Mazda CX-9 and Toyota Highlander