It’s no secret that Volkswagen’s three-row Atlas is aging a bit. It went into production for the first time in 2017 and has already undergone two facelifts, but the time has come for a new generation of the crossover. VW has previewed the 2027 Atlas at a media event in Canada, and although it wears a colorful camouflage wrap, some of the changes made to this key model are evident in the new images.
2027 Atlas: Familiar Profile, But No Hybrid Yet
2027 Volkswagen Atlas Volkswagen
The current Atlas has a boxy, utilitarian look about it that speaks to its practical nature, and the 2027 model has retained this profile. The wrap and decals are designed to make the headlights and taillights look like the older Atlas’, but a VW spokesperson told Automotive News that everything is new besides the roof. It hasn’t changed much in size, as the wheelbase is the same length. We expect the new model to look a lot like the VW Teramont Pro, which is essentially the new Atlas sold in other markets.
Based on the MQB Evo platform, the Atlas will use VW’s EA888 Evo5 engine. In the Tiguan, this mill delivers 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque; that’s less torque than the 273 lb-ft in the outgoing Atlas, so VW may tune the engine for more power in the larger SUV. No hybrid will be launched initially, but VW will hopefully add one sooner rather than later. Most of the Atlas’ key rivals now have efficient hybrid options as consumers increasingly choose these powertrains over non-hybrids and EVs.
The interior will be new too, and we hope VW has done away with the finicky touch-based controls that make operating the current Atlas’ features a chore.
Why It Matters
V
Volkswagen of America had a tough 2025, with sales down 13% relative to 2024. Sales of almost every vehicle were down, including the Atlas. However, the three-row crossover still hit sales of 71,044 units, behind only the Tiguan. This, then, is a crucial product for VW.
Added to that, the three-row segment has seen a lot of action in recent months. Hyundai has a new Palisade on sale and the all-new Kia Telluride is hitting showrooms imminently. VW needs a competitive three-row crossover now more than ever if it hopes to keep pace with these impressive rivals—and we haven’t even mentioned segment stalwarts from Toyota and Honda.
The new Atlas will be revealed at the New York auto show in April, before sales begin around August or September.
Â
