2027 VW Atlas.
VW is getting ready to finally offer a new generation of the big Atlas SUV in the US. After over almost 10 years! We apparently will be seeing it at the New York Auto Show in a couple of months. Until then, they have released a few images of a camouflaged prototype. And it looks very familiar.
Familiar because it is obviously the same car as the Chinese VW Terramont. Which is the name of the Atlas in China. There will of course be small differences. But the new Atlas will basically be the same car as the Chinese Terramont. Just like it always was.
The current Terramont came out in 2025. So our version will be about a year late. Which is actually not that bad for VW. Which usually releases their new models very late in North America.
This new Atlas is basically a new design and interior on top of the old Atlas. The wheelbase is even exactly the same, so don’t expect more room inside or anything. The transmission is also the same 8-speed. No news about the engine, but it will probably be very similar to the Chinese model, which uses an updated version of the good old VW 2.0-liter turbo engine. It seems VW has been using some version of a 2.0-liter engine on everything they make for decades now…
I haven’t heard anything about a hybrid or PHEV. Which makes you wonder how long this thing will last. In 2026, VW still doesn’t offer any kind of hybrid tech in North America. Which is pretty bad. After the ID.Buzz departure (until next year), they are back to just one EV as well. While car companies like Toyota are going from one to at least four or even five in less than a year.
What is interesting is that the Atlas has actually been a decent success for VW in America. It is one of their best-selling models here. Which makes it even more surprising that they are not pushing the technology further. The three-row SUV segment is extremely competitive. With the Toyota Grand Highlander, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot and even newer entries from Mazda and Subaru all stepping up their game. Many of these offer hybrid options, better fuel economy, or more modern infotainment systems.
If the new Atlas really is just a heavy refresh, it will have to rely mostly on styling and pricing to stay relevant. VW interiors have improved a lot lately. So maybe that will be one of the highlights. But without electrification, better efficiency, or some big innovation, it does feel like VW is playing it safe. And in today’s market, playing it safe might not be enough.
It seems that, again, VW is behind the times. It makes you wonder how long that can last in the US.