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Photo of a Volkswagen Atlas

Volkswagen Atlas

The original Atlas thinks American: 7 adults, 17 cup holders.12

Researched October 30, 2026 from 29 sources

At a glance

0150300
183–295 hpPower
0510
7.1–8.3 s0–60 mph
0100200
180–190 km/hTop speed
0250500
320–500 N·mTorque
01,2502,500
1,864–2,159 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.2591011

Engine
2.0 L TSI I4; earlier US 3.6 L VR6; Chinese 2.5 L VR62
Layout
Front-engine; front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive2
Gearbox
8-speed automatic (North America); 7-speed DSG (China)2
Built at
Chattanooga Assembly Plant, US; SAIC-VW Ningbo, China2

The story

Built around American family needs, the original Atlas comes from Chattanooga, fits 7 adults and allows third-row access with child seats still installed in the second row.1234

2013: CrossBlue sets the family brief20132016: Atlas reaches the LA Auto Show20162017: Chattanooga meets Ningbo20172018: 2.0T beats the V6 to 60 mph20182020: 5 seats: Atlas Cross Sport · 2021 facelift brings turbo-four AWD20202022: Digital Cockpit for every Atlas20222023: 2024 refresh retires the VR620232026: 2027 Atlas moves to MQB Evo2026 Volkswagen Touareg (first generation) (7L): 2002–20107LVolkswagen Routan: 2009–2014 (model years)Volkswagen RoutanVolkswagen Touareg (second generation) (7P): 2010–20187PVolkswagen CrossBlue concept: 2013Volkswagen CrossBlue conceptVolkswagen Atlas / Teramont (first generation) (CA1): 2018–2026 (model years)CA1Volkswagen Atlas (second generation): 2027– (model years) 20052010201520202025
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones2918192021
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
2002–2010Volkswagen Touareg (first generation) (7L)
2009–2014 (model years)Volkswagen Routan
2010–2018Volkswagen Touareg (second generation) (7P)
2013Volkswagen CrossBlue concept
2018–2026 (model years)Volkswagen Atlas / Teramont (first generation) (CA1)
2027– (model years)Volkswagen Atlas (second generation)
2013CrossBlue sets the family brief
2016Atlas reaches the LA Auto Show
2017Chattanooga meets Ningbo
20182.0T beats the V6 to 60 mph
20205 seats: Atlas Cross Sport
20202021 facelift brings turbo-four AWD
2022Digital Cockpit for every Atlas
20232024 refresh retires the VR6
20262027 Atlas moves to MQB Evo
  1. 2013

    CrossBlue sets the family brief

    The CrossBlue concept targets the gap between Tiguan and Touareg with 6 separate seats; feedback pushes the design toward more room for American families.3

  2. 2016

    Atlas reaches the LA Auto Show

    The Atlas appears at the LA Auto Show in November, with a brief tailored to American needs and space for 7 adults.12

  3. 2017

    Chattanooga meets Ningbo

    US and Canadian sales begin in May for 2018. Chattanooga builds exports; Ningbo builds China's Teramont, also the name used in Mexico and the Middle East.2

  4. 2018

    2.0T beats the V6 to 60 mph

    With 235 hp, the FWD four reaches 60 mph in 7.1 seconds versus 7.8 for the AWD V6; its highway test returns 27 mpg versus 24.5

  5. 2020

    5 seats: Atlas Cross Sport

    The two-row Cross Sport debuts for 2020, retaining the Atlas wheelbase but adding a lower roof and more sharply angled rear window.26

  6. 2020

    2021 facelift brings turbo-four AWD

    For 2021, the Atlas gains a nose based on the Cross Sport, new taillights and a new steering wheel; turbo-four models can add all-wheel drive.26

  7. 2022

    Digital Cockpit for every Atlas

    A six-trim lineup makes Digital Cockpit standard; all models above SE get MIB3, while SEL trims include IQ.DRIVE.7

  8. 2023

    2024 refresh retires the VR6

    Redesigned cabins get 12-inch screens; a 269-hp turbo-four replaces the VR6 and retains 2,268-kg towing. Most trims add light bars and illuminated VW badges.28

  9. 2026

    2027 Atlas moves to MQB Evo

    The 2027 Atlas adopts MQB Evo, keeps its 117.3-inch wheelbase and grows 2.4 inches, with softer creases. The new Cross Sport is revealed in August.29

Every generation

  • Volkswagen Touareg (first generation)
    7L2002–2010
  • Volkswagen Routan
    Volkswagen Routan2009–2014 (model years)
  • Volkswagen Touareg (second generation)
    7P2010–2018
  • Volkswagen CrossBlue concept
    Volkswagen CrossBlue concept2013
  • Volkswagen Atlas / Teramont (first generation)
    CA12018–2026 (model years)

Power over the years

From 235 hp to 282 hp in 9 years.

0100200300 201820202022202420262028 hp 2018 · 235 hp · US Atlas 2.0 TSI2018 · 276 hp · US Atlas 3.6 VR62024 · 269 hp · Atlas turbo-four replaces VR62027 · 282 hp · Atlas / Cross Sport EA888 EVO5 282 hp Atlas / Cross Sport EA888 EVO5 235 hp US Atlas 2.0 TSI
2812
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
2018235US Atlas 2.0 TSI
2018276US Atlas 3.6 VR6
2024269Atlas turbo-four replaces VR6
2027282Atlas / Cross Sport EA888 EVO5

Versions

10 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    Atlas 2.0T S

    2018

    235 hp
  • Atlas SE

    Standard

    Atlas SE

    2024

    269 hp

  • Standard

    Atlas SE w/ Technology

    2024

    269 hp

  • Standard

    Atlas SEL

    2024

    269 hp

  • Standard

    Atlas V-6 SEL Premium

    2018

    276 hp

  • Standard

    Atlas Cross Sport (second generation)

    2027

    282 hp
  • Atlas Peak Edition

    Special

    Atlas Peak Edition

    2024

    269 hp

  • Special

    Atlas / Cross Sport Basecamp kits

    2020 / 2024

  • Special

    Atlas Weekend Edition Concept

    2017

  • Special

    Atlas Cross Sport GT Concept

    2021

How to spot one

Look for

  • Early Atlas: pronounced wheel arches and character lines that run from nose to tail.4
  • 2022 Atlas: upright body, a three-bar grille merging into the lamps, and a chrome Atlas strip at the rear.7
  • First-generation Cross Sport: lower roof, shorter body and steeper rear glass than the three-row Atlas.6
  • 2027 Atlas: stacked headlights, softer side creases; most trims add twin front light lines and lit VW badges.912

Year by year

  1. 2021

    The first facelift adopts a Cross Sport-style front end, redesigned wheels and new rear lights.2

  2. 2021, China

    China's Teramont gains a revised front, redesigned wheels and full-width rear lights in its own facelift.2

  3. 2027

    Softer side creases and stacked headlights mark the second generation; most trims add twin front light lines and illuminated VW emblems.912

  4. 2027 Cross Sport

    The new two-row body has a shorter rear overhang, shortened greenhouse and more angled hatch glass; its tailgate is nearly flush below the taillights.12

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Volkswagen Atlas
    Atlas
    Photo of a Ford Explorer
    Ford Explorer

    Ford Explorer

    The original Atlas appears longer and wider than the Explorer; its LED running lights are integrated into a chrome-rich grille.418

  • Photo of a Volkswagen Atlas
    Atlas
    Photo of a Kia Telluride
    Kia Telluride

    Kia Telluride

    Against the 2020 Telluride's chunkier body, the 2019 Atlas has a sleeker front and more raked rear glass.11

  • Photo of a Volkswagen Atlas
    Atlas
    Photo of a Audi Q8
    Audi Q8

    Audi Q8

    The Cross Sport's low roof and shallow side glass echo the Q8; most 2024 trims identify themselves with illuminated VW emblems.68

Against its rivals

  • Atlas vs Kia Telluride SX AWD (2020)

    Skidpad grip

    Atlas0.9 g
    Kia Telluride SX AWD (2020)0.8 g
    11

  • Atlas vs Toyota Grand Highlander 2.4 Turbo

    0–96.6 km/h lower is better

    Atlas7.5 s
    Toyota Grand Highlander 2.4 Turbo8.3 s
    22
  • Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy (2026)

    Atlas vs Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy (2026)

    0–96.6 km/h lower is better

    Atlas7.6 s
    Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy (2026)8 s
    9

Prices

Price when new
$0$20K$40K$60K 201820202022202420262028 2018 · $31,675 · US base, S 2.0T FWD2019 · $31,890 · US base FWD2020 · $32,565 · US base, S 2.0T FWD2020 · $31,565 · US Cross Sport S 2.0T FWD2022 · $33,475 · US base 2.0T FWD, excl. dest.2024 · $37,725 · US SE FWD, excl. dest.2024 · $46,555 · US Peak SE w/Tech AWD, excl. dest.2024 · $52,455 · US SEL Premium R-Line, excl. dest.2027 · $43,135 · US SE FWD, incl. dest.2027 · $58,135 · US SEL Premium R-Line, incl. dest. 2018 · $31,675 · US base price, 2018 model year
1567132829
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2018Launch price$31,675US base price, 2018 model year
2018Price when new$31,675US base, S 2.0T FWD
2019Price when new$31,890US base FWD
2020Price when new$32,565US base, S 2.0T FWD
2020Price when new$31,565US Cross Sport S 2.0T FWD
2022Price when new$33,475US base 2.0T FWD, excl. dest.
2024Price when new$37,725US SE FWD, excl. dest.
2024Price when new$46,555US Peak SE w/Tech AWD, excl. dest.
2024Price when new$52,455US SEL Premium R-Line, excl. dest.
2027Price when new$43,135US SE FWD, incl. dest.
2027Price when new$58,135US SEL Premium R-Line, incl. dest.

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 10 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 12 stories from its legend
    • “480 hp for a planned Baja assault”
    • “A Baja Atlas in DIRT 5”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 6 generations

  • Market

    • 2 things to check before buying one
Read the full file in SPOT

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 29 sources
  1. World premiere of the Volkswagen Atlas – all-new seven-seater SUV for America | Volkswagen Newsroom volkswagen-newsroom.com
  2. Volkswagen Atlas - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  3. How VW CrossBlue Concept Became the Atlas | Volkswagen vw.com
  4. Volkswagen Designers Create Atlas to Take On US Market formtrends.com
  5. Tested: 2018 Volkswagen Atlas 2.0T FWD caranddriver.com
  6. Volkswagen Atlas Versus Atlas Cross Sport: What’s The Difference? motortrend.com
  7. Volkswagen Atlas | 2022MY caricos.com
  8. 2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport debut at the Chicago Auto Show | Volkswagen Newsroom volkswagen-newsroom.com
  9. Tested: 2027 Volkswagen Atlas Gets a Glow-Up caranddriver.com
  10. 2024 VW Atlas First Drive Review: Fixes issues through the art of listening - Autoblog autoblog.com
  11. 2020 Kia Telluride vs. 2019 Volkswagen Atlas caranddriver.com
  12. 2027 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Revealed with a Clean New Look caranddriver.com
  13. Volkswagen announces pricing for refreshed 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport imprintent.org
  14. Volkswagen Atlas Peak Edition Debuts as Yet Another Mild Off-Roader - The Car Guide guideautoweb.com
  15. 2024 VW Atlas Cross Sport Looks Outdoorsy with New Basecamp Kit caranddriver.com
  16. The Volkswagen Atlas Weekend Edition Concept is aimed at weekend warriors, NPR listeners - Autoblog autoblog.com
  17. Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport GT Concept revealed - 300 hp SUV, coilover suspension, Kingfisher Blue - paultan.org paultan.org
  18. 2018 Volkswagen Atlas first drive: American-style family hauler done right autoweek.com
  19. Volkswagen Touareg - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  20. Volkswagen Routan - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  21. Volkswagen CrossBlue - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  22. 2024 Volkswagen Atlas First Test Review: Comfort-UV motortrend.com
  23. 480-HP Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport R Off-Road Truck Will Race at 2020 Baja 1000 thedrive.com
  24. DIRT 5 - Super Size Content Pack on Steam store.steampowered.com
  25. 2024 Volkswagen Atlas First Drive: More American for Americans motortrend.com
  26. No Reserve: 2018 Volkswagen Atlas S for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $8,200 on October 8, 2026 (Lot #267,338) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  27. No Reserve: 2018 Volkswagen Atlas V6 SE 4Motion for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $8,300 on June 29, 2026 (Lot #249,922) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  28. 2019 Volkswagen Atlas Long-Term Road Test: 40,000-Mile Wrap-Up caranddriver.com
  29. 2027 Volkswagen Atlas MSRPs Announced, New Version Pricier Than Before motortrend.com
  • volkswagen-newsroom.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • vw.com
  • formtrends.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • motortrend.com
  • caricos.com
  • autoblog.com
  • imprintent.org
  • guideautoweb.com
  • paultan.org
  • autoweek.com
  • thedrive.com
  • store.steampowered.com

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