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Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
All Wheel Drive, Front Wheel Drive
The Volkswagen Atlas is a midsize three-row SUV with a roomy cabin and a large cargo hold. Following a substantial 2024 refresh, it receives only one minor change for the 2026 model year. The update adds factory-installed HomeLink mirrors to the SE with Technology and higher trim levels. Pricing for the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas starts at $40,785, including the $1,475 destination charge.
Many full-size SUVs offer third-row seats with plenty of room for adults to stretch out, but three-row midsize SUVs are a bit more hit-or-miss. The Atlas is a midsize crossover SUV that delivers the goods if you want to ensure there is ample space for passengers in the third row. If you are seated in the last row, you get 33.7 inches of legroom. The competing 2026 Mazda CX-90 offers 30.4 inches of legroom in the third row.
The Atlas also excels in cargo capacity. It offers 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row and 55.5 cubic feet behind the second row. Folding the second- and third-row seats yields 96.6 cubic feet of cargo space. This Volkswagen offers more cargo room than rivals such as the CX-90 and the 2026 Hyundai Palisade.
Five trims are available: SE, SE with Technology, Peak Edition, SEL, and SEL Premium R-Line. The SE includes 18-inch alloy wheels and LED headlights that brighten the path ahead. The cabin features heated and ventilated front seats with synthetic leather upholstery, along with technology amenities such as a 12-inch infotainment display and wireless smartphone charging. The next trim in the lineup, the SE with Technology, adds 20-inch wheels, a hands-free power liftgate, and a sunroof. The top trims add features such as genuine leather upholstery, heated second-row outboard seats, and a Harman Kardon stereo system.
All 2026 Atlas SUVs feature a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that produces 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is standard, and all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the 2026 Atlas achieves up to 23 mpg combined.
The Atlas comes standard with a solid selection of driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot warning. The options list includes a head-up display.
The Atlas sits in the middle of the pack in its segment in terms of pricing. It costs less than rivals like the GMC Acadia and Toyota Highlander but is more expensive than competitors such as the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento. It offers a generous selection of standard driver assistance features. The Atlas is also excellent for those who need ample space for passengers and cargo, with more cargo room and third-row legroom than key competitors.
Volkswagen is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of February 7, 2026, but it may have changed since then. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker's website or your local dealership.
Warren Clarke is an automotive journalist specializing in vehicle reviews and consumer advice. In addition to JD Power, he has written for outlets including Credit Karma, Capital One Auto Navigator, U.S. News & World Report, and Car and Driver.
