2025 Volkswagen Atlas: Premium Comfort Meets German Engineering

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas continues to strengthen its position in the competitive midsize SUV segment with meaningful updates and refinements. This three-row family hauler combines German engineering with American-sized proportions, offering exceptional comfort and versatility for up to seven passengers.

Category
Specification
Engine
2.0L Turbocharged Four-Cylinder
Horsepower
269 hp @ 5,400 rpm
Torque
273 lb-ft @ 1,600-4,500 rpm
Transmission
8-speed automatic
Drive Options
FWD or 4MOTION® AWD
Seating Capacity
6-7 passengers
Max Towing
5,000 pounds
Cargo Space
Up to 96.8 cubic feet

Trim Level
Starting MSRP
Key Features
SE
$37,995
18" wheels, LED lights, 12" digital cockpit
SE w/Technology
$41,595
19" wheels, power liftgate, wireless charging
SEL
$45,995
20" wheels, panoramic sunroof, navigation
SEL Premium R-Line
$51,995
21" wheels, Nappa leather, head-up display

Area
Headroom (in)
Legroom (in)
Shoulder Room (in)
First Row
41.3
41.7
61.5
Second Row
40.4
37.6
60.8
Third Row
38.1
33.7
54.9

Configuration
Space (cu. ft.)
Behind 3rd Row
20.6
Behind 2nd Row
55.5
Maximum
96.8

Color Name
Finish Type
Additional Cost
Pure White
Solid
Standard
Deep Black Pearl
Pearl
Standard
Atlantic Blue Metallic
Metallic
$595
Platinum Gray Metallic
Metallic
$595
Aurora Red Metallic
Metallic
$595
Oryx White Pearl
Premium
$995
Racing Green Metallic
Premium
$995
Kings Red Metallic
Premium
$995

Feature
SE
SE w/Tech
SEL
SEL Premium
Digital Cockpit
12"
12"
12" Pro
12" Pro
Infotainment Screen
12"
12"
12.9"
12.9"
Navigation
-
-
?
?
Wireless Phone Charging
-
?
?
?
Premium Audio
-
-
Fender
Fender
Head-up Display
-
-
-
?

Feature
Availability
Forward Collision Warning
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
SE w/Tech & Above
360° Camera System
SEL & Above
Park Assist
SEL Premium
Travel Assist
SEL & Above
Emergency Assist
Standard

Drive Type
City MPG
Highway MPG
Combined MPG
FWD
21
28
24
AWD
20
26
22

Trim Level
Material Type
Available Colors
SE
Cloth
Titan Black, Storm Gray
SE w/Tech
V-Tex Leatherette
Titan Black, Storm Gray, Mauro Brown
SEL
Vienna Leather
Titan Black, Storm Gray, Mauro Brown, Shetland Beige
SEL Premium
Nappa Leather
Titan Black, Storm Gray, Mauro Brown (all with R-Line logos)

Category
Available Modes
On-Road
Eco, Normal, Sport, Individual
Off-Road
Snow, Off-road, Custom Off-road

Type
Duration
Limited Vehicle
4 years/50,000 miles
Powertrain
5 years/60,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years/36,000 miles
Corrosion
7 years/100,000 miles
Maintenance
2 years/20,000 miles

Dimension
Measurement
Length
200.7 inches
Width
78.4 inches
Height
70.1 inches
Wheelbase
117.3 inches
Ground Clearance
8.0 inches

Metric
Value
0-60 mph
7.5 seconds
Top Speed
130 mph (limited)
Payload Capacity
1,213 pounds
Towing Capacity
5,000 pounds

Refreshed Design Language

The 2025 Atlas showcases Volkswagen's evolved design philosophy with a bold front fascia featuring a wider grille integrated with LED headlights. The refreshed exterior maintains the Atlas's commanding presence while introducing more sophisticated character lines and chrome accents. New wheel designs ranging from 18 to 21 inches complement the SUV's athletic stance.

Powertrain and Performance

Under the hood, the 2025 Atlas offers a refined powertrain lineup:

• 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine: 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque
• Enhanced 8-speed automatic transmission
• Available 4MOTION® all-wheel-drive system with driving mode selection

The suspension tuning strikes an impressive balance between comfort and handling, while the improved sound insulation creates a quieter cabin environment.

Interior Comfort and Technology

The Atlas's interior receives significant upgrades for 2025:

• 12-inch Digital Cockpit Pro display
• 12.9-inch center touchscreen with improved interface
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Enhanced ambient lighting with 30 color options
• Premium materials throughout, including available Nappa leather
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Available massaging function for front seats

Trim Levels and Features

SE (Base Model)

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights and taillights
• Three-zone automatic climate control
• 8-way power driver's seat
• 12-inch digital instrument cluster
• Forward collision warning
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert

SE with Technology

• 19-inch wheels
• Remote start
• Power Liftgate
• Wireless charging pad
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane-keeping assist
• Parking sensors

SEL

• 20-inch wheels
• Panoramic sunroof
• Navigation system
• 12.9-inch infotainment display
• Premium audio system
• Memory settings for driver's seat
• 360-degree camera system
• Road sign recognition

SEL Premium R-Line

• 21-inch wheels
• Nappa leather upholstery
• Heated steering wheel
• Ventilated front seats
• Massaging front seats
• Head-up display
• Park Assist
• Enhanced driver assistance features

Safety and Driver Assistance

The 2025 Atlas emphasizes safety with its comprehensive IQ.DRIVE suite:

• Travel Assist (semi-automated driving assistance)
• Emergency Assist
• Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go
• Lane-keeping system
• Front and rear emergency braking
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Dynamic Road Sign Display

Cargo and Practicality

The Atlas continues to lead its class in practical space:

• 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row
• 55.5 cubic feet with the third row folded
• 96.8 cubic feet with all rear seats folded
• Hands-free power liftgate
• Flexible seating configurations
• Easy third-row access

Fuel Economy and Environmental Impact

The 2025 Atlas achieves competitive fuel economy ratings:

• FWD: 21 City / 28 Highway MPG
• AWD: 20 City / 26 Highway MPG
• Enhanced start-stop system
• Improved aerodynamics

Price Points and Value Proposition

Starting MSRPs for each trim level:

• SE: $37,995
• SE with Technology: $41,595
• SEL: $45,995
• SEL Premium R-Line: $51,995

Warranty Coverage

Volkswagen backs the 2025 Atlas with comprehensive warranty protection:

• 4-year/50,000-mile limited warranty
• 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty
• 2 years of complimentary maintenance
• 3 years of roadside assistance

Competition and Market Position

The 2025 Atlas competes directly with established rivals like the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Ford Explorer. It distinguishes itself through:

• Class-leading passenger space
• German engineering and building quality
• Advanced technology integration
• Competitive pricing structure

Final Verdict

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas represents a compelling option in the midsize SUV segment. It successfully combines practical family-friendly features with premium amenities and advanced technology. While fuel economy figures remain average for the class, the overall package offers excellent value, particularly for families prioritizing space, comfort, and safety.

The extensive range of trim levels ensures buyers can find an Atlas that matches their needs and budget. From the well-equipped SE to the luxury-oriented SEL Premium R-Line, each variant delivers Volkswagen's signature blend of functionality and refinement.

With its refreshed design, enhanced technology, and comprehensive safety features, the 2025 Atlas continues to strengthen Volkswagen's position in the competitive three-row SUV market. It remains a smart choice for families seeking a spacious, comfortable, and well-equipped vehicle that doesn't sacrifice driving dynamics or build quality.