
2025 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas is a spacious and practical three-row SUV designed to meet the needs of modern families. With seating for up to seven passengers and ample cargo space, the Atlas offers functionality wrapped in a reservedly stylish exterior. Powered by a 269-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it balances performance with efficiency, making it a reliable choice for daily commutes and long trips alike.
Towing capacity reaches an impressive 5000 pounds, and all-wheel drive is available for enhanced traction. The Atlas excels in interior space, providing exceptional legroom and comfortable seating in all three rows. While its cabin focuses on practicality over panache, it boasts family-friendly features such as numerous storage compartments and user-friendly technology. Competitors like the Kia Telluride and Mazda CX-90 may offer more dynamic performance and upscale interiors, but the Atlas remains a compelling choice for those prioritizing versatility and reliability.
What's New for 2025?
The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas sees minor updates following its significant 2024 refresh. Standard wireless device charging enhances convenience across all trims. At the same time, the top-tier SEL Premium R-Line adds luxurious touches such as perforated headrest upholstery, four-way adjustable lumbar support, and massaging front seats.
Volkswagen introduces two new colors-Avocado Green and Pure Grey-previously exclusive to the Peak Edition, alongside Mountain Lake Blue. Additionally, models equipped with an active Car-Net subscription now feature a voice assistant powered by ChatGPT, offering advanced connectivity. These updates solidify the Atlas as a family-friendly SUV while keeping its technology offerings competitive in a crowded segment.

2025 Volkswagen Atlas Interior
The interior of the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas is designed with family practicality in mind. Its three rows of seating provide generous space for up to seven passengers, with the second row offering impressive legroom. The third row comfortably accommodates adults, making it a standout feature in its class. Cargo space is equally impressive, with the Atlas capable of holding up to 38 carry-on suitcases when the second and third rows are folded flat. Thoughtfully placed storage compartments and cupholders further enhance convenience.
While the cabin design leans toward utilitarian, updates for 2024 have slightly elevated material quality. Features like a standard 12-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and six USB-C ports ensure connectivity for all passengers. However, critics may find the reliance on touch controls over physical knobs less intuitive. Overall, the Atlas interior prioritizes functionality, making it an excellent choice for families seeking a practical yet connected SUV.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas Exterior
The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas maintains its reputation for understated yet handsome styling. Its boxy, balanced proportions contribute to a commanding road presence, while subtle design updates keep it modern without venturing into flashy territory. Sleek LED headlights and a bold grille highlight the front fascia, giving the SUV a confident look. The Peak Edition adds rugged design cues, including unique wheels and accents, catering to drivers who prefer a more adventurous aesthetic.
Volkswagen has expanded its exterior color options for 2025, introducing Mountain Lake Blue, Avocado Green, and Pure Grey, the latter two previously limited to the Peak Edition trim. Alloy wheel sizes range from 18 to 21 inches, depending on the trim level, ensuring buyers can customize the Atlas's appearance. While it may not turn heads like some competitors, the Atlas's refined yet practical design perfectly complements its role as a family-friendly vehicle.
Performance and Powertrain
The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas is equipped with a single, capable powertrain across all trims: a 269-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup delivers a responsive driving experience, offering 273 lb-ft of torque for confident acceleration. While not as thrilling as some rivals, the powertrain feels refined, particularly with the updated transmission, which provides smooth gear changes and improved throttle response. Front-wheel drive is standard on lower trims. However, Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is available and standard on Peak Edition SE and higher trims, enhancing traction and stability in various conditions.
The Atlas can tow up to 5000 pounds, making it suitable for families with trailers or boats. Ride quality is smooth over most surfaces, though its handling is less agile than competitors like the Mazda CX-90. While not sporty, the Atlas prioritizes comfort and practicality, perfectly aligning with its family-friendly ethos.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Safety is a strong focus for the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas, which comes equipped with a suite of advanced driver-assistance features. Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking provide essential peace of mind, while blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert enhance visibility and awareness. Families will appreciate the optional adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature, ideal for reducing driver fatigue on long trips.
The Atlas has earned excellent safety ratings, including a five-star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Its high-strength chassis and multiple airbags contribute to its strong crash-test performance. SEL Premium R-Line trims also include additional features, such as a surround-view camera system for enhanced parking precision. While its driver-assistance features are competitive, some rivals offer more innovative safety tech. Nevertheless, the Atlas provides a well-rounded package, ensuring drivers and passengers feel secure on every journey.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas offers a robust suite of infotainment and connectivity features designed to keep passengers entertained and connected. A standard 12-inch touchscreen serves as the centerpiece of the dashboard, providing sharp visuals and seamless navigation through its interface. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, enabling easy smartphone integration, while a wireless charging pad and six USB-C ports ensure devices remain powered on the go.
Higher trims add premium features like a 10-speaker Fender sound system for an elevated audio experience. New for 2025, models with an active Car-Net subscription include a ChatGPT-powered voice assistant, offering advanced, conversational control of various vehicle functions. However, the absence of physical knobs for volume and tuning may frustrate some users. Overall, the Atlas excels in providing a modern and well-connected cabin, making it an ideal companion for tech-savvy families on road trips or daily commutes.
Fuel Economy and MPG
The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas delivers respectable fuel economy for its class, with EPA estimates of 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway for front-wheel-drive models. Opting for all-wheel drive slightly reduces these figures to 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The rugged Peak Edition trims are rated somewhat lower at 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. During real-world testing, an all-wheel-drive 2024 Atlas achieved 25 mpg on a 75-mph highway route, demonstrating efficiency close to its official ratings. While not class-leading, the Atlas strikes a reasonable balance between performance and fuel efficiency, making it a practical choice for families.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas is available in five trims, offering a variety of features and configurations to suit different needs and budgets. The base SE trim starts at $39,625 and includes essential features such as a 12-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and LED headlights. The SE with Technology, priced at $43,730, adds convenience upgrades like remote start, third-row USB-C ports, and a trailer hitch. The rugged SE with Technology Peak Edition starts at $48,080 and comes with standard all-wheel drive and exclusive design elements.
The SEL trim, starting at $49,625, for more luxury, includes a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable front seats, and adaptive cruise control. Topping the range, the SEL Premium R-Line starts at $54,630, featuring massaging front seats, premium upholstery, and a surround-view camera. Each trim offers a well-rounded combination of practicality and features, ensuring there's an Atlas for every family's needs.
SE
Starting MSRP: $39,625
The SE trim provides a solid foundation with its 12-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, as well as LED headlights. It is designed for functionality and has heated front seats and a spacious interior, making it an excellent choice for families seeking a practical and reliable entry-level SUV.
SE with Technology
Starting MSRP: $43,730
The SE with Technology adds convenient upgrades, including remote start, a trailer hitch, and USB-C charging ports for the third row. Its larger 20-inch alloy wheels enhance the SUV's appearance, while optional second-row captain's chairs provide added comfort, making it a practical and stylish step up.
SE with Technology Peak Edition
Starting MSRP: $48,080
The SE with Technology Peak Edition is designed for adventure. Standard all-wheel drive, rugged styling, and exclusive exterior colors like Avocado Green set it apart. It retains all the features of the SE with Technology while adding off-road capabilities, making it ideal for active families and outdoor enthusiasts.
SEL
Starting MSRP: $49,625
The SEL trim of the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas delivers a premium experience with a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable front seats, and adaptive cruise control. Additional luxury touches like ambient interior lighting and enhanced upholstery elevate the cabin. It's perfect for families seeking a balance of practicality, advanced tech, and upscale features.
SEL Premium R-Line
Starting MSRP: $54,630
The SEL Premium R-Line offers the ultimate Atlas experience. Features include massaging front seats, perforated headrest upholstery, and a surround-view camera for effortless parking. Its sporty R-Line styling and top-tier amenities make it a standout choice for those wanting maximum comfort, luxury, and advanced technology in an SUV.
Get Your Volkswagen Atlas at Central Volkswagen
Discover the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas at Central Volkswagen, where family-focused practicality meets modern sophistication. Explore our full range of trims, from the reliable SE to the luxurious SEL Premium R-Line, each designed to meet diverse needs and preferences.
Whether you're looking for a spacious SUV for daily commutes or a rugged companion for weekend adventures, the Atlas has it all. Our knowledgeable team is here to help you find the perfect fit and ensure a seamless buying experience. Visit Central Volkswagen in Plainfield, CT, today to test drive the 2025 Atlas and see why it's the ultimate choice for families on the go.