The three-row mid-size SUV is overhauled for 2027, making 13 more horsepower and featuring flashy new interior ambient lighting. Volkswagen has released EPA estimates for the new 2027 Atlas, which is powered by a revised EA888 2.0-liter turbo four. Along with having more horsepower and torque, the mid-size three-row SUV has better fuel-economy figures than its predecessor. The front-wheel-drive variants are rated at 22/29/25 mpg city/highway/combined, while the all-wheel-drive variants are rated at 20/27/23 mpg city/highway/combined.
The Volkswagen Atlas enters its second generation for the 2027 model year, and while VW's largest SUV doesn't look drastically different, there are several key changes. Sharper styling is paired with a more upscale interior, along with a more powerful engine and extra safety features. The Atlas rides on the MQB Evo platform, an adaptation of the architecture that has underpinned the SUV since it arrived in 2018.
View Price on AmazonThe Atlas grows roughly an inch in length, but the width, height, and wheelbase are unchanged. The sheetmetal is new but maintains the square-jawed look of the first generation, as well as the pronounced fenders and boxy profile. Up front, the Atlas wears dazzling illumination, with two LED lines in the headlights that continue across the grille, which now has a body-colored panel in the center. The lower light bar is intercepted by an illuminated VW badge, and this look is standard on all but the base trim.
Under the hood, the Atlas packs the latest version of the EA888 turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. It produces 13 more horsepower than before at 282 ponies, but torque is down from 273 pound-feet to 258 pound-feet. VW promises better fuel economy, and the Atlas continues to employ an eight-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive remains optional, and the Atlas can still tow up to 5000 pounds.
The cabin looks more modern and upscale, with wood trim lining the dashboard on all Atlases. Volkswagen went all in on ambient lighting, with a glowing band wrapping around the dashboard and backlit spiral-shaped perforations on both the front and rear doors on the top two trims, matching a spiral light-up display on the passenger's side of the dash. There are 10 colors available as standard, while the SEL and SEL Premium R-Line get 30 colors.
Source: caranddriver.com
