2027 VW Atlas Has More Power, Better Fuel EconomyVolkswagen (Volkswagen)Volkswagen has revealed the 2027 Atlas, the second generation of the mid-size SUV, ahead of the New York auto show.The Atlas wears fresh bodywork and features an updated four-cylinder engine, which makes 13 more horsepower but 15 pound-feet of torque less than before.The cabin sports a new 15-inch touchscreen and dazzling ambient lighting that glows out of a spiral perforation pattern on the doors.UPDATE 6/4/2026: Volkswagen has released EPA estimates for the new 2027 Atlas, which is powered by a revised EA888 2.0-liter turbo four. Along with having more horsepower and torque, the mid-size three-row SUV has better fuel-economy figures than its predecessor. The front-wheel-drive variants are rated at 22/29/25 mpg city/highway/combined, while the all-wheel-drive variants are rated at 20/27/23 mpg city/highway/combined.The Volkswagen Atlas enters its second generation for the 2027 model year, and while VW's largest SUV doesn't look drastically different, there are several key changes. Sharper styling is paired with a more upscale interior, along with a more powerful engine and extra safety features.Volkswagen (Volkswagen)The Atlas rides on the MQB Evo platform, an adaptation of the architecture that has underpinned the SUV since it arrived in 2018. The Atlas grows roughly an inch in length, but the width, height, and wheelbase are unchanged. The sheetmetal is new but maintains the square-jawed look of the first generation, as well as the pronounced fenders and boxy profile.AdvertisementAdvertisementUp front, the Atlas wears dazzling illumination, with two LED lines in the headlights that continue across the grille, which now has a body-colored panel in the center. The lower light bar is intercepted by an illuminated VW badge, and this look is standard on all but the base trim. As a VW representative told us, "Lighting is the new chrome."Volkswagen (Volkswagen)The front bumper's wide, trapezoidal lower grille is flanked by large vents beneath the headlights. A crisp crease runs along the side of the car, sitting higher than the beltline on the current Atlas, and the side glass no longer kicks up at the rear. Around back, there's a larger spoiler and a full-width taillight with LED squares that echo the headlights. Illuminated door handles are available front and rear. There are new 20- and 21-inch aluminum alloy wheels for all but the base trim, which sports 18-inch wheels. Three new colors are available too: Blackberry, Sandstone, and the Sacramento Green seen here.Under the hood, the Atlas packs the latest version of the EA888 turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. It produces 13 more horsepower than before at 282 ponies, but torque is down from 273 pound-feet to 258 pound-feet. VW promises better fuel economy, and the Atlas continues to employ an eight-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive remains optional, and the Atlas can still tow up to 5000 pounds. Volkswagen says a hybrid is coming for the mid-cycle refresh, but at this rate, that probably won't show up until around 2030.Volkswagen (Volkswagen)The cabin looks more modern and upscale, with wood trim lining the dashboard on all Atlases. Volkswagen went all in on ambient lighting, with a glowing band wrapping around the dashboard and backlit spiral-shaped perforations on both the front and rear doors on the top two trims, matching a spiral light-up display on the passenger's side of the dash. There are 10 colors available as standard, while the SEL and SEL Premium R-Line get 30 colors. The lights also turn blue or red when you adjust the temperature, or pulse in orange when you activate the hazards.AdvertisementAdvertisementThere's also a new multi-function knob on the center console. Most of the time, this dial adjusts volume, but press the small screen on top and it becomes the drive mode selector. Swipe to the left on the screen and the dial changes the "Atmospheres," a feature that combines lighting and audio settings. The tiny knob-based screen is joined by a huge 15-inch central touchscreen on all but the base Atlas, where the display measures 12.9 inches. A 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster is standard across the lineup.Volkswagen (Volkswagen)VW relocated the gear selector to the steering column, freeing up space in the center console for a pair of Qi2 wireless chargers, which use magnets to keep your phone in place and are designed to prevent your device from getting hot. Two leather upholsteries are available, with the SEL trim sporting Varenna leather and the SEL Premium R-Line wearing nappa leather. The base trim features a synthetic leatherette. Three interior colors are offered: light gray, black and dark gray, and a new "deep wine."Volkswagen also added lots of new standard equipment: a power liftgate, rear sunshades, an auto-dimming driver's-side mirror, and front and rear park distance control. There are also two lights to illuminate the cargo area when you lift the hatch, and the base sound system goes from six to nine speakers. A 14-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system is available on the top trim.Volkswagen (Volkswagen)New vents live on the B-pillars to help the rear passengers get some more air, and the second-row seats are also now available with ventilation. The driver's seat has 12-way adjustability with four-way lumbar support as standard, and a massage function is available on upper trims. Captain's chairs in the second row and a panoramic sunroof remain available across most of the lineup.AdvertisementAdvertisementVolkswagen made some key safety improvements, adding a new front center airbag and upgrading the driver-assistance technology. The hands-on Travel Assist function—which combines adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist to control steering, braking, and acceleration between zero and 95 mph—can now perform driver-initiated lane changes. Emergency Assist can slow the vehicle and pull it to the side of the road if it detects a potential medical emergency, and the Park Assist Plus joins the top trim.The Atlas will continue to be built in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and VW says more details and pricing will be announced before it arrives this fall. We expect pricing to rise slightly from the $40,785 required to get behind the wheel of a base 2026 Atlas.➡️ Skip the lot. Let Car and Driver help you find your next car.Shop New Cars Shop Used CarsYou Might Also LikeGift Guide: Best Ride-On Electric Cars for KidsFuture Cars Worth Waiting For: 2025–2029