2027 volkswagen atlas first drive review small changes big effectsWith tasteful styling and a cavernous interior, the outgoing Volkswagen Atlas has always been a respectable utility vehicle for families. Building on that solid foundation, the German automaker has refined the second generation of this three-row SUV, adding more technology, increasing the quality of the interior and bolstering the powertrain, albeit mildly.None of these enhancements are exhilarating or particularly innovative, though, for stressed-out parents, being able to fit three car seats in the second row, having enough space for a weeklong road trip or the ability to play video games on the touchscreen could be just the thrills they're looking for.Quick TakeJust like its predecessor, the redesigned second-generation Volkswagen Atlas continues to deliver box truck-rivaling interior space and adult-friendly comfort in all three rows of seats, but the German automaker has made a raft of refinements for 2027. The Atlas wears fresh styling, features a noticeably more premium interior and this utility vehicle gains plenty of new technology, all with slightly more power and fuel economy than before.2027 volkswagen atlas first drive review small changes big effectsHandsome Good LooksThe new Atlas still looks like an Atlas and that is not a bad thing. Sharing the same platform as before but with a new electrical architecture, this VW is clean and attractive, free of the weird styling gimmicks so many other vehicles have these days, including rival models like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. The 2027 model retains its elevated hood, clean flanks and distinctive pumped-up fenders, though all trim levels except for the base variant gain a pair of light bars up front. LED headlamps with automatic high beams are standard on every model.Higher-end R-Line trims feature a few unique styling elements. Their sills are painted body color, they have blacked-out grilles, silver-finished blades on the lower air scoops, and, mirroring the grille, the rear diffuser is also gloss black.As for wheels, they run from 18 to 21 inches depending on your budget. At the rear, the Atlas' rump is embellished with a crossbody taillamp assembly comprised of blocky 3D lighting elements. And if your hands are full, you'll surely appreciate the power-operated tailgate, which is now standard equipment.When it comes to cargo space, this VW has 21.2 cubic feet behind the third-row seat. Drop the split backrest down and that number grows to 55.9. Drop the second row and the Atlas maxes out and a commodious 95.4 cubes.2027 volkswagen atlas first drive review small changes big effectsMeaningful Improvements InsideThe changes VW made to the exterior of this SUV are generally minor, though the enhancements inside are much more impactful. The interior is noticeably more premium than before, with an attractive dashboard, richer materials, including standard wood trim. There's a new steering column-mounted electronic gear selector and lovely new door handles that feel super slick and are mounted on the forward ends of the armrests, lifting up to unlatch the doors.Artificial leather seating surfaces are standard, though the higher-end SEL R-Line model gains Varenna leather, while the SEL Premium R-Line gets Nappa cow hides. Fortunately, even the base model's interior looks nice, and nothing feels cheap.Offering greater flexibility, the Atlas is available with either six or seven seats. A second-row bench with three positions is standard on all trim levels – and it's even wide enough to fit a trio of car seats - though for $695 more, you can get second-row captain's chairs on all but the base SE trim. New for 2027 are standard second-row sunshades, a nice addition, especially for families with babies.2027 volkswagen atlas first drive review small changes big effectsWhen it comes to tech, the Atlas includes a standard reconfigurable 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. SEL models also include a head-up display. Center stage, however, is the dashboard-mounted touchscreen. A 12.9-inch panel is standard fare, but a gargantuan 15-incher is also available. The larger display looks great, and the infotainment system seems reasonably intuitive and is very responsive. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are both included at no extra charge.Dual Qi wireless-charging pads are fitted to the center console. These also incorporate MagSafe, so your phone locks in position for reliable charging at up to 15 Watts. Naturally, the Atlas also has a phalanx of (specifically seven) USB Type-C ports.Helping keep you entertained while waiting in the school pickup line is AirConsole. This feature allows you to play a range of video games right on the touchscreen using a mobile device as a controller. Titles like Uno, Pac-Man, Who Wants to be a Millionaire?, Asteroids: Recharged, and many others are included. AirConsole is standard on all trims for three months, but after that, you have to subscribe to the In-Vehicle Premium Package for $149 per year. This also includes a Wi-Fi hotspot, premium radio, a digital AI assistant, navigation, and other connected-car features.2027 volkswagen atlas first drive review small changes big effectsPleasant to Drive With No Deal-Breaking VicesThe only powertrain offered in the 2027 Atlas is pretty much the industry standard these days: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission. If you've driven any Volkswagen over roughly the last 20 years, you've probably experienced the EA888 engine.The Evo5 generation of this powerplant gains a range of enhancements, including a new charge cooling system, a variable-geometry turbo, updated camshafts, and more. These upgrades deliver 13 more horsepower for a total of 282. Peak torque clocks in at 285 pound-feet.VW's EA888 has always been creamy smooth, and that hasn't changed. Nearly zero powertrain vibration can be felt in the Atlas' cabin, and this engine is mostly quiet, though its voice can be heard in the background when it's working hard, which is often.Bury the accelerator pedal and the Atlas moves well enough. The performance for a vehicle of this size is perfectly fine, though more oomph would still be appreciated, especially if you've got a full load of passengers or cargo. Whether upshifting or dropping gears, the transmission is smooth and shifts with impressive speed.Aside from slightly increased power, engineers were also able to wring out a bit more efficiency from the Atlas' powertrain. Expect 22 miles per gallon city, 29 highway and 25 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 20/27/23, respectively, for models fitted with 4Motion all-wheel drive, a $2,000 option on certain trims.2027 volkswagen atlas first drive review small changes big effectsThe Atlas' ride and handling are respectable, at least for the midrange SE model with the Tech Package that I tested. This SUV feels rock solid and the suspension, which is slightly on the firm side, does a commendable job filtering out roadway harshness without allowing the body to flop around in corners. The steering is light at lower speeds for enhanced maneuverability, though the weighting builds noticeably as you drive.All Atlas models come standard with Volkswagen's IQ.Drive suite of advanced assistance technologies. This includes items like forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and more. Front and rear parking distance sensors are also standard across the model range, a new addition for 2027.If there's a dynamic downside to the Atlas, it's forward visibility.That elevated hood slightly blocks your sightlines, which can make parking a bit more challenging since you can't easily see the lines. I also noticed the auto brake hold, which keeps the vehicle from creeping forward when stopped at a red light or in traffic, is a bit abrupt when you tap the gas pedal to move forward, though you should be able to turn this feature off if you don't like it.2027 volkswagen atlas first drive review small changes big effectsThe VerdictSo, how much does the 2027 Volkswagen Atlas cost? Well, the base SE model starts at $43,135, including $1,525 in destination fees, a price that is comparable to entry-level versions of the Chevy Traverse, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Grand Highlander. Oddly enough, the base Ford Explorer, Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride are a couple grand cheaper. The Atlas SE model with the optional Technology Package and all-wheel drive that was tested here has an MSRP of $51,030 with delivery, not an unreasonable sum for everything you get.The refreshed 2027 Volkswagen Atlas is much improved. This utility doesn't stand apart from other three-row SUVs in any particular way – some rivals offer more fancy features, others have far more avant-garde design, and many are significantly more potent - but the Atlas still a great option for families in search of three unusually comfortable rows of seats, plenty of standard amenities and under-the-radar good looks.Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter.ProsConsSmooth engine and transmissionElevated hood blocks forward visibilitySpeedy infotainment systemNeeds a little more oomphRoomy in all three rowsAbrupt auto brake holdGenerous cargo spaceHandsome stylingDecent efficiency
