Volkswagen Atlas generations: every model year, engine and price

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The Volkswagen Atlas is a three-row, seven-seat midsize SUV sold in the US since the 2018 model year and built in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The all-new 2027 Atlas runs from $41,610 to $56,610 before destination, and every version uses a 282-hp, 258 lb-ft 2.0L turbo four with an 8-speed automatic.

Type
Three-row, seven-seat midsize SUV (FWD or 4MOTION AWD)
Price (MSRP)
$41,610–$56,610 (2027 MY) · Starting MSRPs in VW's online builder on Nov 5, 2026, excluding destination. Low = SE (FWD); high = SEL Premium R-Line with 4MOTION. 4MOTION adds $2,000 to the SE and SE with Technology.[1]
Powertrains
Atlas 2.0T FWD (2027), Atlas 2.0T 4MOTION (2027), Atlas 2.0T (2024–2026), Atlas 3.6L V6 (2018–2023), Atlas 2.0T (2018–2023) · 269–282 hp
Towing
up to 5,000 lb (Available braked towing per VW's Atlas page, with the factory-installed hitch and a trailer brake controller. VW said the 2024 refresh kept the 5,000-lb rating.)[2]
Current generation
Atlas first generation (incl. 2024 refresh), 2018–2026

2027 Volkswagen Atlas price and trims

Volkswagen redesigned the Atlas for 2027 with new sheet metal, a 282-hp turbocharged four and an available 15-inch touchscreen. The lineup has four trims, and no Peak Edition appears in the 2027 builder. SE and SE with Technology can be front- or all-wheel drive.[16][17]

Volkswagen Atlas trims with 2027 model-year base MSRP (USD) and powertrains
TrimMSRP (2027)Powertrain
SE$41,610Starting MSRP shown in VW's online builder Nov 5, 2026; excludes destination; FWD, 4Motion AWD $43,6102.0L TSI turbo I-4, 8-speed automatic (282 hp, 258 lb-ft)[16]
SE with Technology$45,610Starting MSRP shown in VW's online builder Nov 5, 2026; excludes destination; FWD, 4Motion AWD $47,6102.0L TSI turbo I-4, 8-speed automatic (282 hp, 258 lb-ft)[16]
SEL R-Line$52,110Starting MSRP shown in VW's online builder Nov 5, 2026; excludes destination; 4Motion AWD standard2.0L TSI turbo I-4, 8-speed automatic (282 hp, 258 lb-ft)[16]
SEL Premium R-Line$56,610Starting MSRP shown in VW's online builder Nov 5, 2026; excludes destination; 4Motion AWD standard2.0L TSI turbo I-4, 8-speed automatic (282 hp, 258 lb-ft)[16]

Every Atlas trim compared, with standard equipment and previous-generation prices →

Volkswagen Atlas engines, horsepower and mpg

EPA figures for the 2024–2026 and 2018–2023 rows are FWD versions. VW's 2016 premiere release gave only metric output for the original engines (175 kW 2.0T, 206 kW VR6), so US hp ratings for 2018–2023 are not listed here. EPA's 2018 listing pairs 4MOTION only with the V6; a four-cylinder 4MOTION Atlas appears from 2021.

Volkswagen Atlas powertrains with Volkswagen-rated output and EPA fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
VersionEngineHorsepowerTorque (lb-ft)TransmissionDriveEPA mpg (city/hwy/comb)
Atlas 2.0T FWD (2027)SE, SE with Technology2.0L TSI turbocharged inline-4[2][1][3]2822588-speed automaticFront-wheel drive22/29/252027 MY[3]
Atlas 2.0T 4MOTION (2027)SE, SE with Technology, SEL R-Line, SEL Premium R-Line2.0L TSI turbocharged inline-4[2][1][4]2822588-speed automatic4MOTION all-wheel drive20/27/232027 MY[4]
Atlas 2.0T (2024–2026)2.0L TSI turbocharged inline-4[5][6][7]2692738-speed automaticFWD or 4MOTION AWD20/27/232026 MY[7]
Atlas 3.6L V6 (2018–2023)3.6L VR6 V6[8][9][10][11]——8-speed automaticFWD or 4MOTION AWD18/25/202018 MY[11]
Atlas 2.0T (2018–2023)2.0L TSI turbocharged inline-4[8][12][13][14]——8-speed automaticFWD (4MOTION from 2021)22/26/242018 MY[14]

Output is as rated by Volkswagen; fuel economy is the EPA estimate. "—" means no official figure was found.

2026 Atlas vs all-new 2027 Atlas

Both use a 2.0L turbo four and an 8-speed automatic; the 2027 engine is a new-generation unit.[5][2][7][3]

2026 Atlas vs all-new 2027 Atlas
2026 Atlas (first gen, refreshed)2027 Atlas (second gen)
Horsepower269 hp282 hp
Torque273 lb-ft258 lb-ft
EPA mpg, FWD (city/hwy/comb)20/27/2322/29/25
Towing5,000 lbsUp to 5,000 lbs
Transmission8-speed automatic8-speed automatic
  • The 2027 Atlas gains 13 hp and 2 mpg combined but gives up 15 lb-ft of torque.
  • Towing capacity is unchanged at 5,000 lbs.

What changed for the all-new 2027 Atlas

VW redesigned the Atlas for 2027 with all-new sheet metal, a more upright stance and an available illuminated LED light line across the front. The new-generation 2.0L turbo four makes 282 hp and 258 lb-ft, 13 hp more but 15 lb-ft less than the 269-hp engine used from 2024 to 2026.

Fuel economy improved. EPA rates the 2027 FWD Atlas at 22 city, 29 highway and 25 combined mpg, against 20/27/23 for the 2026 FWD model. The 2027 lineup has four trims: SE ($41,610), SE with Technology ($45,610), SEL R-Line ($52,110) and SEL Premium R-Line ($56,610).

  • 12.9-inch touchscreen on SE; 15-inch screen from SE with Technology
  • Heated and ventilated front seats standard
  • USB-C ports in all three rows; up to 7 charging ports
  • 95.4 cu ft of cargo space with the second and third rows folded
  • [2][1][5][3][7]

Front-drive vs 4MOTION Atlas

The SE and SE with Technology come with front-wheel drive, and 4MOTION all-wheel drive adds $2,000 ($43,610 and $47,610). The SEL R-Line and SEL Premium R-Line include 4MOTION as standard.

All-wheel drive costs about 2 mpg. EPA rates the 2027 Atlas 4MOTION at 20/27/23 mpg against 22/29/25 for the FWD version.[1][3][4]

Atlas engines by model year: four-cylinder vs VR6

From 2018 to 2023, EPA lists two Atlas engines: a 2.0L turbo four and a 3.6L VR6, both with an 8-speed automatic. In 2018 the VR6 was the only engine offered with 4MOTION; EPA lists a four-cylinder 4MOTION Atlas from 2021.

For 2024, VW replaced both engines with one 269-hp, 273 lb-ft turbo four, which it said matched the VR6 for power with more torque and kept the 5,000-lb tow rating. For 2027 the second-generation Atlas moved to a 282-hp version. EPA rated a 2018 FWD Atlas at 18/25/20 mpg with the V6 and 22/26/24 with the turbo four.[12][9][13][10][5][2][11][14]

Where the Atlas is built

Every Atlas has been assembled at Volkswagen's plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, which also builds the Atlas Cross Sport. VW says the plant has assembled more than 1.85 million vehicles since it opened in 2011.[8][15]

Volkswagen Atlas generations by year

Every US Volkswagen Atlas generation with model years and engines, newest first
GenerationUS model yearsEnginesNotes
Atlas first generation (incl. 2024 refresh)2018–20262.0L turbo four or 3.6L VR6 V6, 8-speed automatic (2018–2023); 269-hp 2.0L turbo four only (2024–2026)Revealed at Santa Monica Pier in October 2016 as a seven-seat SUV for North America, built in Chattanooga on VW's MQB platform. At 5,037 mm long it was larger than any other VW then sold in the US. EPA lists a four-cylinder 4MOTION version from 2021. The 2024 refresh dropped the VR6, brought a new interior and kept 5,000-lb towing.[8][12][13][5][6]
Atlas second generation2027–present282-hp, 258 lb-ft 2.0L TSI turbo four, 8-speed automaticVW calls the 2027 Atlas all-new, with new sheet metal, an available 15-inch touchscreen and four trims from SE to SEL Premium R-Line. EPA rates the FWD version at 22/29/25 mpg, up from 20/27/23 for the 2026 FWD Atlas.[2][1][3][7]

Volkswagen Atlas problems and recalls

The most widespread documented Volkswagen Atlas problems are air bag recalls: a passenger seat sensor wiring fault that can switch off the front passenger air bag (23V215, 24V464) and corroding door wiring that can delay the front side air bags (22V152). Other Atlas recalls cover steering knuckles, engine connecting rod bearings, A/C drain leaks and rear camera software.

Documented Volkswagen Atlas issues and NHTSA recall campaigns
IssueGenerationYearsType
Corroded steering rack bolt may break (recall 26V590)[18]Atlas, original (2018–2020)2018–2019Recall 26V590
Seat sensor wiring can switch off the passenger air bag (recall 23V215)[19]Atlas, original and 2021 update (2018–2023)2018–2021Recall 23V215
Corroded door wiring can delay front side air bags (recall 22V152)[20]Atlas, original and 2021 update (2018–2023)2019–2023Recall 22V152
Twisted A/C drain tube can wet the air bag module (recall 18V537)[21]Atlas, original (2018–2020)2018Recall 18V537
Passenger front air bag may tear when it deploys (recall 18V375)[22]Atlas, original (2018–2020)2018Recall 18V375
Wide child-seat bases can damage second-row buckles (recall 18V380)[23]Atlas, original (2018–2020)2018Recall 18V380
Brake caliper pistons may lack coating (recall 18V369)[24]Atlas, original (2018–2020)2018Recall 18V369
Brake caliper bracket bolts may be loose (recall 18V536)[25]Atlas, original (2018–2020)2018Recall 18V536

All 31 documented Atlas issues and 31 recalls, with symptoms and pre-purchase checks →

MSRP is the starting point, not the transaction price. These CarWhere pages show buyer-reported prices and dealer invoice estimates for the Volkswagen Atlas.

More Atlas research

See how an Atlas was built at the factory.

Trim names and packages on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere Volkswagen build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Volkswagen build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

How many generations of the Volkswagen Atlas are there?

Two. The first generation covered the 2018–2026 model years, including the 2024 refresh that switched to a turbo four only. The all-new second generation started with the 2027 model year.

How much is the 2027 Volkswagen Atlas?

VW's builder lists the 2027 Atlas from $41,610 for the SE to $56,610 for the SEL Premium R-Line, before destination. 4MOTION adds $2,000 on the SE and SE with Technology.

Does the Atlas still have a V6?

No. EPA lists the 3.6L VR6 through the 2023 model year. The Atlas has used a 2.0L turbo four only since 2024, rated 269 hp through 2026 and 282 hp for 2027.

How much can the Volkswagen Atlas tow?

VW lists up to 5,000 lbs of braked towing with the factory hitch and a trailer brake controller. VW said the 2024 refresh kept the same 5,000-lb rating.

What gas mileage does the 2027 Atlas get?

EPA rates the 2027 Atlas at 22 city, 29 highway and 25 combined mpg with FWD, and 20/27/23 mpg with 4MOTION.

Where is the Volkswagen Atlas made?

In Chattanooga, Tennessee. VW built the Atlas there from launch, and the plant also assembles the Atlas Cross Sport.

Sources

Prices and output are as published by Volkswagen for the model year shown; fuel economy is from the EPA. Equipment changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its original paperwork or build sheet.

  1. Volkswagen Build & Price: current trims and starting MSRPs (accessed Nov 5, 2026) — Volkswagen of America (vw.com)
  2. 2027 Volkswagen Atlas model page (specs, EPA estimates, towing) — Volkswagen of America (vw.com)
  3. EPA fuel economy: 2027 Volkswagen Atlas FWD 2.0L turbo — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  4. EPA fuel economy: 2027 Volkswagen Atlas 4MOTION 2.0L turbo — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  5. 2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport debut at the Chicago Auto Show (Feb 10, 2023) — Volkswagen AG Newsroom (volkswagen-newsroom.com)
  6. EPA engine/transmission listing: 2024 Volkswagen Atlas — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  7. EPA fuel economy: 2026 Volkswagen Atlas FWD 2.0L turbo — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  8. World premiere of the Volkswagen Atlas – all-new seven-seater SUV for America (Oct 28, 2016) — Volkswagen AG Newsroom (volkswagen-newsroom.com)
  9. EPA engine/transmission listing: 2018 Volkswagen Atlas 4motion — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  10. EPA engine/transmission listing: 2023 Volkswagen Atlas — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  11. EPA fuel economy: 2018 Volkswagen Atlas FWD 3.6L V6 — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  12. EPA engine/transmission listing: 2018 Volkswagen Atlas — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  13. EPA engine/transmission listing: 2021 Volkswagen Atlas 4motion — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  14. EPA fuel economy: 2018 Volkswagen Atlas FWD 2.0L turbo — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  15. Production and locations: Volkswagen Group of America Chattanooga — Volkswagen AG Newsroom (volkswagen-newsroom.com)
  16. Volkswagen Build & Price: current trims, starting MSRPs and key features (accessed Nov 5, 2026) — Volkswagen of America (vw.com)
  17. 2027 Volkswagen Atlas model page — Volkswagen of America (vw.com)
  18. Recall 26V590: Loss of Steering Control from Bolt Failure — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  19. Recall 23V215: Front Passenger Air Bag May Not Deploy — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  20. Recall 22V152: Delayed Deployment of Front Side Air Bag — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  21. Recall 18V537: A/C Drain Tube Causing Air Bag Malfunction — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  22. Recall 18V375: Passenger Frontal Air Bag may Deploy Improperly — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  23. Recall 18V380: Certain Child Seats may Damage Seat Belt Buckles — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  24. Recall 18V369: Insufficient Coating on Brake Caliper Pistons — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  25. Recall 18V536: Brake Caliper Bracket Bolts may be Loose — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. or Volkswagen AG. Volkswagen and the model names are trademarks of their owners.