2026 VW Atlas.
Last Updated:
While the North American VW Atlas hasn’t been released yet, we do have new photos of the all-new VW Teramont for the Chinese market. Which is basically the same car. And a very accurate preview of the 2026 US Atlas.
Of course, after all these years, the new Atlas is indeed an improvement. This is not hard to do since the current design already looked old when it came out, 8 years ago.
It looks better but still not that great. But also not much worse than other new models like the Toyota Grand Highlander. Or even the new Buick Enclave. It seems the Mazda CX-90 might be the better-looking model of a rather ugly bunch.
The same thing inside where the new interior is a huge step forward. Even if the current model interior was redesigned a couple of years ago, It was just never really acceptable. But again, VW missed a bit of opportunity here by not integrating the center screen into the dashboard. Especially since there is plenty of room to do so. Instead, they chose, again, the cheapest way possible. By using the same screen they are using on every single model they sell these days. Whether it fits or not. Which is a shame.
Otherwise, that interior does seem much better.
The 2.0 Liter turbo is said to have been heavily revised to provide more power. But also to be quieter. Which seems badly needed. I haven’t driven the Atlas myself but every time one drives by I am quite amazed at how loud the engine is.
Of course, in true VW fashion, no hybrid is offered. And that will probably be true in the US as well.
Which I think is a big mistake. I think these days, a big SUV should either offer a hybrid or a super smooth V6. Like the new Honda Passport.
The new design will probably keep the big VW Atlas going for a while. Until most buyers demand a hybrid. And later a real EV. So far, this seems like a stopgap.
Nice design that will wear well for 7 or 8 years. VW has stated a hybrid powertrain will arrive in a couple of years. Nice evolution of the VW design language.
I really miss when VW’s had an Identity.