2027 VW Atlas Unveiled as Sleeker, More Powerful Telluride Rival

After a series of teasers, Volkswagen has finally unveiled the 2027 Atlas in New York. This is the second generation of the Atlas, following the arrival of the first one in 2017. The original model was a solid three-row crossover but tended to be overshadowed by more stylish and exciting rivals, but VW hopes that the changes made to this new model will rectify that. With fresh looks, a more high-tech interior, and a more powerful engine, the Atlas enters a tough segment that includes all-new versions of the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade.

Related: I Drove The 2027 Atlas (Prototype) In The Great Canadian North: Ice Dancing Anyone?

2027 Atlas Exterior Design

The new Atlas is similar in size to the outgoing model, with the width, wheelbase, and height remaining the same. However, it’s an inch longer and looks bolder, thanks to the new design. In front, it features double stacked LED headlights, a masked upper grille, and a more powerful hood. Other than the base model, all others have an illuminated VW badge.

The profile view shows off the SUV’s sharper, tauter lines, with particularly strong fenders. Moving to the back, we can see a more pronounced spoiler and new lighting that stretches across the width of the body. It’s still a boxy, fairly utilitarian vehicle, but clearly modernized.

On the base derivative, there are 18-inch wheels, while upper trims get 20- or 21-inch alloys with new designs. Blackberry, Sacramento Green, and Sandstone are three new colors added to the palette. Puddle lamps with a special projection and illuminated door handles are available for a premium touch. 

Interior Is an Even Bigger Step Forward

While the exterior design is quite evolutionary, a first glance at the interior suggests it’s where VW’s focus was. Materials look plush, there are some pleasingly light color schemes available, and VW has played around with the ambient lighting in an effort to give the Atlas more personality. Real wood decor provides a quality look and feel across the lineup, and the three color palettes are Pebble Grey, Black/Dark Gray, and Wine. Leatherette upholstery is standard making way for Varenna and Nappa leather on pricier trims. 

A 10-color ambient lighting system is standard, while the top two trims get 30 colors to choose from. This lighting extends to the dashboard loop and front footwells, with an organic spiral pattern on the dash of the top two models. 

As with any new-generation model, the technology has taken a meaningful step forward. The base trim has a 12.9-inch touchscreen while the others get a 15-inch unit. All Atlas models have a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and a new Driver Experience Dial in the center console for controlling the volume and drive modes. The following features are standard:

• Power liftgate
• Rear sunshades
• Front/rear parking sensors
• Nine-speaker sound system
• Dual wireless phone charging

Massaging seats and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system are available. VW also added a new front center airbag (taking the total to seven) and Travel Assist, which provides semi-automated hands-on driving at up to 95 mph.

Performance: Familiar Turbo-Four and Upcoming Hybrid

The 2027 Atlas is based on the upgraded MQB Evo platform that also underpins the new Audi Q3, so it’s expected to provide a refined ride. Power comes from the updated 2.0-liter EA888 Evo5 turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which now produces 282 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Although it’s 13 hp more powerful, torque has gone down by 15 lb-ft; we found the engine in the outgoing Atlas to be refined and punchy. Towing capacity stays at 5,000 lbs and payload is unchanged. For reference, the new Telluride’s turbo-four manages 274 hp and 311 lb-ft, with the same towing capacity.

An eight-speed automatic and front-wheel drive are standard, but VW’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is available on all trims. The shift lever, meanwhile, has moved to the steering column to free up space in the center console.

VW also confirmed the arrival of a hybrid variant when the Atlas undergoes a mid-cycle refresh. While that’s good news, a mid-cycle refresh suggests this electrified Atlas won’t arrive before the 2030 model year. Given how popular hybrids are—and the current availability of hybrid rivals from Toyota, Hyundai, and Kia—and the Atlas will likely lose ground to these models initially.

Final Thoughts

The second-generation VW Atlas looks to have addressed the slightly forgettable personality of its predecessor; inside and out, the new design does just enough to excite. Upper trims have a particularly pleasing interior, with more high-end features and better tech integration than before.

We expect the new Atlas to drive comfortably and the updated four-pot to be adequate, but it’s a bit disappointing there’ll be quite a wait for the hybrid variant. We’ll know more about how much better the 2027 Atlas is when it launches this fall, with pricing for the U.S. to be announced before then.