The Volkswagen Atlas has been on the market for a few years now, and it's fair to say that the German automaker's SUV has found its audience. Its popularity continues to grow, and it's a model that's aging gracefully. Add to that its practical nature and upscale comfort, and you've got a vehicle that truly deserves your attention.
The Atlas checks all the right boxes in nearly every aspect of its design. It's stylish, spacious, and packed with cutting-edge technology — not to mention its refined driving experience. Honestly, it's not far off from earning an Audi badge, though no one at Volkswagen will admit that.
The Volkswagen Atlas is a great choice, regardless of the version you go for. In fact, I could write a whole book about it, but instead, I've decided to make things a little more interesting by sharing the 7 features that, in my opinion, make this German SUV a must-consider.
1 — A Dual Identity
Most people don't realize that there's more than one Atlas in the Volkswagen lineup. We all know the full-size Atlas that can seat up to seven passengers. But the brand also offers a smaller, sportier sibling — the Atlas Cross Sport — which seats five and boasts a silhouette that comes surprisingly close to the Audi Q8 in terms of style and presence.
2 — A Single Powertrain
Unlike most of its competitors, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas offers just one powertrain option — a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Despite its modest displacement, this unit produces 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard across the board. On top of that, the Atlas boasts a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, making it more capable than many of its rivals.
3 — Aggressive Pricing and Great Value
With a starting price of $53,360 CAD for the Cross Sport and $54,460 CAD for the standard version, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas is an outstanding bargain. It's one of the most affordable midsize SUVs in its class — yet it features build quality that surpasses many of its pricier rivals. That's just one of the many benefits of being part of the Volkswagen family.
4 — Effective Driver Assistance Systems
Driver assistance technologies have come a long way over the past decade, but not all systems are created equal. Some are still frustratingly clunky. Fortunately, Volkswagen has clearly done its homework: the driver aids in the Atlas are highly effective without being overly intrusive. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist in particular are a pleasure to use. So it's no surprise that the Atlas ranks among the safest vehicles in its segment.
5 — A Premium Cabin
Not so long ago, Volkswagen's interiors often fell short of expectations. But those days are gone. Today, the Atlas features a dashboard that looks more modern than what you'll find in many Audi models. I particularly appreciate the infotainment screen — both for its clean design and smooth operation. The ambient lighting is also among the nicest in the industry.
6 — Generous Cargo Space
Volkswagen has long been known for offering vehicles that are roomier than average, and the Atlas is no exception. With up to 2,735 litres (96.6 cu-ft) of cargo space, it beats out even some full-size SUVs, despite being classified as a midsize model. It's a true standout in terms of practicality.
7 — A Prestigious Appearance
As mentioned earlier, the Atlas looks almost like an Audi wearing a Volkswagen badge. The automaker made excellent design choices in terms of wheels, trims, and colors. There's no doubt that the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas turns heads wherever it goes — it simply has that premium presence that's hard to ignore.
By Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
