Volkswagen reveals the 2027 Atlas at an event in Manhattan on the eve of the New York International Auto Show on March. 31, 2026.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
Volkswagen revealed the all-new 2027 Atlas three-row SUV Tuesday evening in Manhattan prior to the start of the New York International Auto Show. While it has an upgraded turbocharged gas engine, the big change from the previous generation is on the inside, particularly the colour options and centre console.
While this is the most powerful Atlas ever build, there’s no hybrid powertrain. Surprising considering competition is growing in the market with players such as the Toyota Highlander hybrid, Hyundai Palisade hybrid and Kia Telluride hybrid.
But a hybrid Atlas is on the horizon. “We’ll bring a hybrid to the Atlas line with a mid-cycle refresh,” Edgar Estrada, president of Volkswagen Group Canada Inc., wrote in an email ahead of the Atlas debut. The timing of its arrival is still not confirmed, but typically a mid-life cycle refresh occurs two years after a major vehicle overhaul.
For 2027, the Atlas is powered by the fifth generation of the EA888 engine – it’s an updated two-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The engine produces 282 horsepower – that’s 13 more than the fourth generation in the previous Atlas. Torque is 258 lb-ft. Volkswagen expects fuel economy to be better, too, but official numbers haven’t been released. The towing capacity remains at 5,000 pounds and payload is unchanged from the outgoing model.
The biggest changes are inside the second-generation Atlas.
“In polling [customers] for areas we could work on, taking the interior up another notch was high on their list,” said Estrada. “As a result, we really sweat the details … the material, fit and finish of the new truck are really nice, especially on the inside.”
The gear shifter location has moved to the steering column which frees up space in the centre console.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
Upper-level trims offer 30 ambient mood lighting options, including this red.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
Or this bluePetrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
The new Atlas has a more premium feel and look compared to the outgoing model thanks to a larger centre screen, real wood accents and new ambient lighting in vibrant colours - 10 colours are standard, but upper-level trims get 30. Instead of ambient lighting flowing through the dashboard and front footwells, the top trims add a funky spiral pattern which twists along the door panels in the first and second rows.
New standard features include a power liftgate, rear sunshades, dual wireless charging, a centre airbag, a 10.25-inch digital cockpit gauge cluster and a front and rear park distance control system.
Available features include a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, second-row seat ventilation, massaging front seats, Nappa leather, a panoramic sunroof and a 15-inch infotainment centre screen versus the standard 12.9-inch display screen. Three interior colours are available – Mistral, Soul Black and Garnet Red. Contrasting colours and stitching on the Mistral seats on the display vehicle make it look modern and upscale, too.
The dashboard layout is clean and uncluttered. The gear shifter location has moved to the steering column which frees up space in the centre console, which now houses a new Driver Experience Dial; it controls the volume and drive modes.
The console also has room for two cellphones to charge side-by-side with an updated Qi2 wireless charging system. Seven USB-C ports are available throughout the vehicle as well.
The ambient colour extends to the cupholders, which are right behind the side-by-side charging stations.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
Inside, there’s seating for six or seven passengers, depending on if you opt for the second row captain’s chairs or a bench seat. Getting into the third row isn’t too bad either - the second-row seats tilt and slide and can be moved with one hand. Once inside’s there’s decent head and legroom in the third-row seats and it doesn’t feel claustrophobic thanks to rear windows and the large panoramic roof.
Compared to the outgoing Atlas, the three-row SUV is slightly longer but the height, width and wheelbase remain unchanged. The exterior is redesigned, too. The lighting is updated with double-stacked front LED headlights and a sportier, sleeker overall look with strong fenders and sharply sculpted side sills.
Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
The new Atlas is slightly longer but the height, width and wheelbase remain unchanged.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
At the back, the spoiler is more pronounced and the tailgate sits flush with the rear bumper for a more modern shape. New wheel designs, from 18 to 21 inches in size, with machined alloy and black finishes are available as are three bolder exterior colours - Blackberry, Ascot Grey and a gorgeous Boreal Green on display.
The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas launches this fall. It will be built at VW’s assembly plant in Tennessee. Prices will be announced closer to the sale date. The 2027 two-row Atlas Cross Sport will follow later.
Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
Even with all three rows up, there is a surprising amount of space in the trunk.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
The writer was a guest of the automaker. Content was not subject to approval.
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