Ten years in, Volkswagen is finally giving its US-assembled, US-sized three-row SUV a complete redesign, and although it may look similar to its predecessor, the 2027 Atlas is a big step forward. With more standard equipment, a higher-quality interior, improved ergonomics, and more power, it should be everything family crossover shoppers want and more – as long as the automaker keeps the price in check. A Crisp New Design For The Family SUV The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas shares the same general proportions with the current crossover, with the same width, wheelbase, and height – there's an extra inch of overall length but that's about it. As a result, the exterior looks more like an evolution of the first-gen SUV, but rest assured: Not one single body panel carries over from past to present. The new Atlas is immediately identifiable by its LED headlights, whose daytime running lamp matrix and twin full-width light bars – standard on all models but the base trim, which gets a single light bar – immediately cast a more techy vibe up front. 2027 Volkswagen Atlas Exterior 1A flat hood with a chiseled power bulge in the middle sits above an illuminated Volkswagen logo (also standard on all but the base trim), and the "grille" is actually a glossy piece of black trim, with air induction happening down low on the bumper. The only major styling misstep up front is the massive swath of simulated vent trim on each bumper corner, which looks very obviously phony and cheap. The Atlas forges into 2027 with chunky wheel arch accents that at first look like they carry over from the old one, but the body surfacing has been raised up to make the SUV look a little taller, and the chiseled sheetmetal no longer intersects the fuel door for a more seamless appearance.Brett T. Evans/CarBuzz/ValnetAround back, the Volkswagen SUV continues the pixelated LED theme, with flat-panel diodes that look more intricate and well-integrated than conventional reflector-type taillights. An illuminated VW logo sits in the middle of a full-width light bar – we wonder if that trend will ever go out of style – and above a modern "ATLAS" word mark. The rear hatch has a similar profile to the outgoing crossover, but a larger roof spoiler improves aerodynamics and imparts a sportier appearance. Family-Friendly Technology Stepping inside, the 2027 Volkswagen Atlas is substantially more attractive than its predecessor, with a loop-style dashboard that encompasses a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.9-inch touchscreen display on the base model, rising to a healthy 15 inches even on the other trims. In front of the passenger is a Tiguan-inspired ambient light panel that allows one of 10 colors to shine through on the entry-level Atlas or 30 colors on the upper tiers. The Tiggy also donates its multi-function dial on the center console, which defaults to a volume knob but can also switch drive modes or "atmospheres," VW's word for ambient lighting colors.2027 Volkswagen Atlas Interior 2Bounding the bottom edge of the dashboard and appearing on the center console is genuine wood trim, which comes standard on every 2027 Atlas for an unusually premium appearance, given the segment. The other materials in the pre-production model we saw are pretty class-competitive, with nicely grained and padded plastics appearing on the dash, center console front and rear door armrests, and front and rear windowsills – everywhere your elbows and knees might realistically impact. Natty, hard plastic appears on the door lowers, so your water bottle might clatter around more than it would in a Hyundai Palisade, for example.2027 Volkswagen Atlas Interior Studio 15Still, V-Tex leatherette upholstery and 12-way-adjustable power front seats are standard, with genuine leather appearing on the upper two trims. Another update to the interior is the addition of B-pillar air conditioning vents, which combine with the center vents to keep second-row passengers more comfortable. The flagship SEL Premium R-Line trim also gets second-row ventilated seats for the first time.Other new standards include dual wireless device chargers on the center console, which is made possible by moving the gear selector to the steering column. There are also seven USB-C outlets throughout the car, handy considering it comes in either a six- or seven-seater layout. A kick-operated, power liftgate is also standard, as are manual rear sunshades. Safer Than Ever Volkswagen is adding a number of convenience and safety features to the 2027 Atlas as well. The standard IQ.DRIVE suite of active safety technology continues to offer Travel Assist, the hands-on adaptive cruise and lane centering function, but the new Atlas improves on the old one by also including a driver-initiated lane change feature.VolkswagenIf Travel Assist detects a medical emergency or a non-responsive driver, it is now able to gently guide the Atlas to a stop on the side of the road – formerly, it could slow to a standstill and activate the hazard lights, but it wouldn't change lanes. Front and rear parking sensors are now standard on all models, as is a surround-view monitor for an even larger margin of safety in a crowded parking lot or school drop-off lane. Power And Efficiency Improvements The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas is powered by the latest version of the company's turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Now in its fifth generation, the EA888 engine produces 282 horsepower in the Atlas, up 13 over the outgoing model, although curiously, torque drops from 273 pound-feet to 258. Nevertheless, VW says the three-row SUV will still boast a 5,000-pound towing capacity and the same payload ratings as before, suggesting the new SUV has held the line on weight gain (and hopefully performance).VolkswagenFurthermore, the 2027 Atlas should be more efficient than its immediate predecessor, thanks to some undisclosed engine and powertrain enhancements plus the more aerodynamic body design. For comparison, the front-drive 2026 Atlas gets up to 23 miles per gallon combined with front-wheel drive or 22 mpg with all-wheel drive. The 2027 model will continue to offer both drivetrains, as well as an eight-speed automatic transmission. For those seeking more efficiency, the company copped to a hybrid model that will arrive for the current model's mid-cycle facelift, likely in 2030 or so.2027 Volkswagen Atlas Exterior 2Volkswagen will offer the Atlas in three trim levels, but apart from the top SEL Premium R-Line, it wouldn't cop to the other two specifically. Nor is pricing available for the 2027 SUV, although we suspect it should come pretty close to matching the 2026 model's sub-$40k starting price. Figure on spending around $42,000 for a base Atlas including destination, with the flagship trim demanding maybe 58 or 60 grand. The 2027 Atlas will arrive in dealers this fall, and given the added comfort, technology, and safety features, we suspect it'll be even more popular when it shows up.Source: Volkswagen