Scotty ReissWe've loved the VW Atlas for its roomy cabin, smart tech and seating that truly accommodates families. A redesign for the 2027 model year adds more to love, including joy.Maybe the best thing about the redesigned 2027 VW Atlas is what didn't change in this smart, chic 3-row SUV. The design is still crisp and elevated; seating is comfortable and easily accessible. The drive is still commanding and confident. And the prominent VW badge on the front and rear are a reminder that life in the car can be, and should be, fun.What's different in the 2027 VW Atlas then? It's all the little details and big upgrades at each trim level that take this SUV from good to great. Especially if you're the type who likes to be spoiled.Have you subscribed to our newsletter? Get it here!This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks Additionally, I was VW's guest for this test drive but all opinions are my own..Joy Comes Standard in the 2027 VW AtlasJoy mode in the 2027 VW AtlasProbably the biggest change in the 2027 VW Atlas is in what is included standard. It's a long list that falls under the entry-level SE trim that starts at $41,610. Among them is Joy mode.Joy mode is part of the Atmospheres cabin themes, a preset menu that combines ambient color with audio settings to set a desired mood. While you can adjust all this yourself with the audio and ambient lighting menus, you can also quickly set the mood with Nature, Lounge, Energetic, Minimal or Me modes, or, of course, Joy.What else is included standard in the 2027 VW Atlas? It's a good list:3 rows of seating with slide and tilt center row seatsLeatherette upholstery with heated and vented front seats and a heated steering wheelAmbient lighting (10 colors) and Atmospheres cabin themesWood interior trimDigital cockpit proDual wireless phone chargers,A new 13" display with voice-activated control and a 3 month trial of My VW enhanced connectivity: premium navigation, enhanced speech, enhanced audio, Wi-Fi hotspot, Air Console game system and connected garageRear seat air vents on the door pillarsKeyless entryRear window sunshadesEasy-open lift gateIQ Drive with upgraded adaptive cruise, emergency assist, exit warning assist and automatic high beam headlights18" wheels and back roof railsTow capacity of 5,000 lbs.Related: If you haven't yet, check out our podcast!A New Interior Allows Joy to Flow in the VW Atlas CabinThe front seat lit up by Joy mode in the 2027 VW AtlasTo access Joy mode, just press and swipe the dial on the center console; this dial toggles between radio volume, drive modes and cabin themes: Press it down for volume or press again to access modes; then swipe between drive modes — eco, sport, comfort, custom, snow and off-road — and Atmosphere settings. If you want to quickly go into sport mode, just tap the gear shifter back into S mode, a quick and easy way to have a bit more fun on the road.The center console has been opened up for storage and function—and fun, adding the Atmospheres dial. The gear shifter moved to the steering column leaving more room for a cubby that holds two phones on raised magnetic phone chargers. There are also two large cup holders, surrounded by ambient light and there's a storage cubby under the console; this isn't a new detail but it's a good one.The dashboard is surrounded by a wood veneer panel and features a Digital Cockpit driver's display behind the steering wheel and a light panel in front of the passenger. At the center is a new 15" multimedia touch screen (13" in the SE model) and the entire dash is rimmed in ambient lighting in upper trims.The ambient lighting also plays out on the door panels; perforated leatherette panels let the chosen color play across the door.Smart, Easy to Use Rear Seats are One of Atlas's Best FeaturesWelcome in to the rear seat of the 2027 VW Atlas!The rear cabin, with second and 3rd row seating, in the VW Atlas is one of the better-built for families, it's just that simple. And it's like this by design. When VW first introduced the Atlas one of the must-haves was a large center row and a 3rd row that had enough head room and leg room for adults.For 2027 this just got better. The overall seat dimensions didn't change; the center row seats are on rails and can move forward and back to accommodate 3rd row passengers; and center row seats slide and tilt forward for 3rd row access and can do this with a child car seat LATCH installed.The 3rd row is spacious and lives up to a higher standard — USB ports, cup holders and cubbies to hold a phone or small items are a nice touch; but the wide windows rear and air vents for 3rd row passengers keep you from feeling hemmed in.Best of all is how these seats function. First, they are mechanical-release seats, meaning they work by lifting a tab on the seat shoulder to slide and tilt forward; the 3rd row seats fold flat by pulling a shoulder tab. And instead of the seat back folding on top of the seat bottom, the seat bottoms lift and tuck into the cargo floor for a totally flat cargo space.After seeing so many car makers add expense and complication, as well as danger to small children, by adding power second and 3rd row seats, it's great to see these rear seats remain analog and easy to use.Related: Do You Need a 3-Row SUVs? These 5-Seater SUVs Challenge That NotionYes, You Can Have 3 Kids Car Seats Across The Center RowThe 2027 VW Atlas with 3 car seats installed across the center bench 2Another great thing that didn't change is the center row and 3rd row space — essential for accommodating kids car seats or tall passengers, or both.I measured seat-back-to-seat-back between the front passenger's seat set for someone who is 6'2" (possibly more) and the center row seat and found 29" of space. This means a rear-facing car seat will fit behind a tall passenger. I also measured the space behind my seat — and I'm 5'8″ — and I found 32″ of space, more than enough for a rear facing child car seat.Center row seats can move forward quite a bit, so families who need to install a child car seat in the 3rd row will have room to maneuver and to climb into the row with their kids to buckle them in. This isn't always easy to do in all 3rd rows, but it's good here.Maybe the best part, though is that buyers who want to install 3 kids car seats across the center row bench can do that. VW included 3 full sets of LATCHes, lower anchors and upper tethers, for installing car seats. LATCH installation is key to using the slide-and-tilt feature, since it won't work properly with car seats installed using a seatbelt — though this is perfectly safe and how child car seats are installed in the 3rd row, which does not have lower anchors.For buyers who don't want a bench, captains chairs are available for $695 in all but the SE trim. The captains chairs are comfortable, include adjustable arm rests and can fold flat for added cargo space. They lend an elegant feeling, though I love the open cabin feel they create and having a pass through to the 3rd row. It just feels more hospitable.Listen To Your Mother: Storage, Cargo and Conveniences MatterCustom storage options in the 2027 VW Atlas include made-to-fit seat back organizers and a velcro cargo holderThe cargo and storage solutions in the VW Atlas feel like details moms would ask for. Probably because they did: The VW team that planned the new VW Atlas includes a lot of parents, and a lot of moms.So they asked for things that moms would think of (aside of the 3 LATCHes on the center row bench): more rear air vents, divided door pockets for water bottles, all-weather floor mats, rear window shades, easy-to-see USB ports, a household outlet (in upper trims). The cargo area has an optional Velcro storage system, under floor storage and side bins that'll hold a gallon milk. And VW designed its own seat back organizers that are tailored to fit the seats perfectly.The VW moms also really love the ambient light and how it is such a mood-changer, and the Air Console gaming system that lets their kids take a break from the day and play a game (when the car is parked, of course).Probably most importantly, heated and vented front seats and in the SEL Premium R-Line, massaging front seats. A girl's gotta take car of herself, after all.Related: 15 Clever Places to Put Your HandbagSharp, Crisp Style Maintains the VW CachetThe rear of the 2027 VW AtlasOf course a redesign includes changes on the exterior too, and the 2027 VW Atlas is no exception. Though, the changes are subtle and fit with the model's ethos of a sharp, crisp design that feels sophisticated for a family SUV. There are no rounded corners or swooping roof lines; the Atlas leans into the shape and stance of an SUV.But as with the interior, exterior lighting is a key design element. On all but the SE model VW has included a lighted VW badge on the front and rear, with double light bars that connect the headlights to the badge. A rear light bar spans the lift gate above the digital-inspired tail lights for a modern, crisp look.If there's a natural color combination for the VW Atlas (in my opinion) it's white with black accents and a cream interior. A white suit is chic all year. But to take it a step further for 2027, VW added Sandstone, the color of our test model. This is a subtle, ceramic beige that really sets off the lighting and exterior accents like the black roof rails and graphic-inspired wheels. At first I thought "beige = dull" but then I saw it and it made my heart beat just a bit faster. Combined with Mistral, a parchment-colored interior (ours was finished in Varenna leather) the look and feel is so very chic.The interior really glowed with all the different ambient light choices. And while I loved the bright pink of Joy, I'd probably tone it down a bit with colors that go to the elegance of the Mistral and Sandstone; here, diamonds feel appropriate. The ambient light system allows you to pick a a primary and secondary color so I'd either go with light blue and white, or white and light blue. Just for a bit of extra sparkle and sheen.Behind the Wheel of the VW Atlas: Confidence is StandardThe 2027 VW Atlas at nightAnother thing that VW didn't change much is the engine: the 2027 VW Atlas is powered by a 4-cylinder turbo engine that generates 282 HP and 258 pound-feet of torque. It's the same engine that has powered the Atlas in the past, just updated for better fuel economy (about 23 MPG in AWD version) and more power. The Atlas can tow up to 5,000 pounds; a tow hitch is included in all but the SE trim.The engine lends to a confident and capable feel in the '27 Atlas. Even merging onto the highway and getting ahead of a big truck in the right lane it was fine. In adaptive cruise mode it did a nice job of maintaining speed and regulating its position in the lane, allowing me to relax a bit; though if I took my hands off the wheel I got a stern warning on the driver's display. VW hasn't added hands-free highway driving, but the graphics and function make me think that it's not all that far off.In sport mode you can really feel the system respond; the car suddenly feels a bit more anxious and there's more power instantly under foot. The suspension tightens and the Atlas handles with even more precision and less floaty comfort. VW is the parent company of Audi and Porsche, after all, so it's not surprising that they take sport mode seriously.Related: Which VW SUV is Right For You?Updated Tech Is a Huge New BenefitHead up display in the 2027 VW AtlasFor 2027 VW updated the center screens and operating systems, adding a 13" screen in the SE and a 15" screen in the other models. The screens, which is where most functions are found, have a multi-function setup. You can pick a 3-screen view, a map view or a multi-function view. The setup is customizable so owners can add what they want and remove what they don't need. A fixed quick-access bar at the top allows a few more options to be added (or subtracted).Before anyone complains about climate and radio being added to the screen rather than button-and-dial controls, these are on a fixed control bar at the bottom of the touch screen; they were easy to find and use.And if you really just hate the hunt-and-peck of screens, use your voice: Just say "hey VW" (or one of several other wake words that can be set). The system uses ChatGPT to listen and learn and deliver what you need, and as AI, it'll get better over time adding functions and features though over the air updates.One more huge benefit: For buyers of the SEL models, the head up display will also display Google or Apple maps when the phone is connected. This was such a bonus on our test drive; while my co-driver took a call, tuned the radio and played with the touch screen I could clearly see my navigation instructions.Which One To GetThe door handle in the 2027 VW AtlasThis might be the hardest choice. With a starting price of just over $41K and an all-in price of about $59,000 with everything, including the $1,525 designation charge, you can go basic and still get nearly every cool feature, or go posh and feel very sophisticated.VW says that the SE with Tech is likely the most popular choice, but I'd go for the SEL R-Line; really, the only thing I'd miss are massaging seats, but you get head up display, AWD and a panoramic sunroof. Here's how the trims line up:The SE, priced from $41,610, comes with the list of standard features (above), has a center row bench seat but does not offer the option of captains chairs or a panoramic sunroof but can add AWD for $2,000The SE with Tech, from $45,610 upgrades the center screen to 15", adds 20" wheels, the new front and rear lights, trailer hitch, remote start, enhanced ambient lighting with footwell and dashboard lights, rear household outlet and a Homelink garage door opener; buyers can add a sunroof for $1,200 and captains chairs for $695The SEL R-Line starts at $52,110 and adds standard AWD, R-line bumpers and cladding, R-line badge, LED headlights panoramic sunroof, leather seats, 30-color ambient lighting display, head up display, navigation, scuff plates, driver memory seat, heated and vented second row seats, road sign display and predictive adaptive cruise controlThe SEL Premium R-Line starts at $56,610 and adds upgraded 21" wheels, puddle lights with the VW logo, a 14 speaker Harman Kardon sound system, Nappa leather with massaging front seats, power folding mirrors, a surround view camera and park assistOur SEL R-Line test model as tested was $54,626 including $1,525 delivery, and an SEL Premium R-Line we drove came in at just under $60K with everything.VW doesn't make it easy to pick a trim; at the top of the line there are some compelling reasons to go all-in, but even in the entry model there are very few, if any downsides. And isn't that the definition of joy — happiness and contentment without compromise? And it's what our mothers wish for us, something that VW seems to understand.