2025 Volkswagen Atlas: The family-friendly seven-seat midsize SUV
06/18/2025
Volkswagen
Assembled in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the seven-passenger Atlas offers highly competitive levels of technology and spaciousness combined with hallmark Volkswagen driving dynamics and attention to detail, all at a price designed to draw attention in the crowded family SUV segment.
New for 2025
After a major refresh for the 2024 model year, including an elegant new interior and a refined turbocharged engine, the Atlas midsize SUV returns to the Volkswagen lineup for 2025. It is available in five trims, including SE, SE w/ Technology, Peak Edition, SEL, and SEL Premium R-Line.
All trims now feature standard 15W wireless charging and Light Assist. The SEL Premium R-Line trim sports new high-end design and comfort features, including headrest perforation on all seats, four-way lumbar support, and massage function for front seats. New colors on Atlas include Mountain Lake Blue and Avocado Green, which was previously only on Atlas Peak EditionTM; Pure Grey is now available outside the Peak Edition trim.
Exterior
Atlas makes a style statement from the front. A wide chrome four-bar grille is framed by LED headlights with the standard Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS); SEL Premium R-Line models feature a gloss-black grille. Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) wrap around the headlights for a clean design and, on all but base trims, continue into an illuminated lightbar that sits atop of an illuminated VW logo, giving the vehicle an unmistakable premium look. A front fascia with integrated air intakes completes the front-end treatment.
Headlight designs feature standard full-LED lighting, including low beams, high beams, and Daytime Running Lights (DRLs); taillights are LEDs as well. All models feature 900D-lumen LED headlights with Volkswagen's Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) and automatic headlamps and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
The face of Atlas Peak Edition model immediately stands out from other Atlas trims with a rugged front fascia and underbody cladding in silver. A gloss-black "X" design element stretches across the lower fascia. Two chrome strips pop on an otherwise blacked-out grille, flowing to either side of the illuminated logo.
Moving around the side of Peak Edition models, a large gloss-black badge adorns the front quarter panel with the Peak Edition logo in orange and chrome, meeting rugged side sills in black and silver. Black mirror caps, window surround, and roof rails complete the black-out look in profile.
Overhead, roof rails are standard. They are black on the SE, SE with Technology and Peak Edition models and silver on SEL models and above. A large panoramic sunroof, measuring about 4.5 feet by 3 feet, with a two-part glass opening system and powered sunshade, is available on SE w/ Technology models and standard on Peak Edition models and above.
At the back, a chromed "Atlas" name strip sits above a sculpted rear bumper. On the Peak Edition TM model, the name strip is black with chrome lettering, to match a rugged black and silver diffuser with chrome exhaust bezels. All but base trims mirror the front lighting signature in the rear with an illuminated lightbar and VW logo sitting between the LED taillights. SE w/ Technology and higher trims offer the Easy Open and Close feature for the tailgate. Easy Open and Close works in conjunction with KESSY(R) keyless access to enable opening of the tailgate with just a kick of the foot below the rear bumper when the key is in range.
Eighteen-inch machined aluminum-alloy wheels wrapped in 245/60 all-season tires are standard, with 20-inch machined alloys with 255/50 all-season tires on SE with Technology and SEL models. SEL Premium R-Line trims up the ante with 21-inch two-tone machined alloy wheels with 265/45 all-season tires. Peak Edition models feature 18-inch glossy black alloy wheels equipped with 255/60 all-terrain tires, bolstering the versatility of the Atlas. The optional Black Wheel Package on SE with Technology models features 20-inch black painted 5-spoke alloy wheels with all-season tires.
The Atlas lineup features a variety of exterior colors, chosen to enhance its premium nature: Pure White, Opal White Pearl, Silver Mist, Platinum Grey, Deep Black Pearl and Aurora Red Chroma. New exterior colors for the Atlas family for 2025 are Mountain Lake Blue, Avocado Green, and Pure Grey-the latter two now available outside the Peak Edition.
Engineered from Volkswagen's award-winning Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) architecture, the Atlas is larger than any other vehicle in the Volkswagen portfolio, sitting 200.7 inches long, 78.3 inches wide, and 70.4 inches high. Despite its size, the Atlas still offers a low coefficient of drag of 0.33. Atlas models feature 6.3 inches of ground clearance and departure angles of 20.8 and 21.3/21.1 degrees (front/rear FWD/AWD).
Interior
The interior design of the Atlas is classic Volkswagen-clean and functional, with a premium feel. Driver controls are positioned for optimal ergonomics and usability, and simple, driver-centric displays enhance involvement behind the wheel. The seat position, shifter height, and the spacing between the pedals are all designed for maximum driver comfort.
Premium materials are embraced through the interior, including a leatherette-trimmed soft touch dash and center console. Front row door trim and decor flow seamlessly into the dash panel, creating an upscale cockpit; the door treatment is also mirrored in the second row. Available ambient lighting with 30 color choices pairs with innovative backlit dash decor featuring the model's name to elevate the design.
The Atlas makes maximum use of its three-row seating layout to offer space for up to seven adults, boasting a cavernous 154 cu-ft of total passenger volume. Headroom is 41.3/40.4/38.3 inches (first/second/third rows), while legroom is 41.7/37.6/33.7 inches, respectively. Standard second-row bench seating offers a 60/40 split, a 14-degree backrest recline function, and a 7.7-inch sliding range (each side sliding separately). An innovative folding mechanism for the second row offers easy entry and exit room on both sides by enabling the second-row bench to tilt and slide forward, even with child seats in place.
Leatherette seating surfaces come standard with heated and ventilated front seats, a 10-way power adjustable driver's seat, a height-adjustable passenger seat, and a second-row middle armrest with integrated cup holders. SEL models have a three-profile driver's-seat memory function and an eight-way power passenger seat. SEL models feature standard leather seating surfaces with contrast stitching and heated outboard seats for the second row. SEL Premium R-Line models feature quilted leather seats with a diamond pattern and headrest perforation on driver, passenger, and second row outboard headrests, along with four-way lumbar support and massage function for both front seats.
Peak Edition models feature a signature look that pulls from the logo colors. Titan Black leatherette is paired with light grey accents and orange contrast stitching. Stainless steel pedal caps are added along with dash and door inserts in a black metallic check pattern to further set the look apart from the rest of the Atlas family. A steering wheel clip bears the same logo as the exterior badging and ambient lighting with 30 color choices pairs with innovative backlit dash decor reading "Peak Edition."
Captain's Chairs are available on SE w/ Technology models and above. These replace the three-passenger, second-row bench seat with two individual seats for even greater comfort and adjustability. The two-passenger third-row bench seat offers a 50/50 split, and both second- and third-row seats feature fold-flat functionality.
Across all three rows, an array of available inputs (12V, USB), cup holders, bottle holders, storage nets, and cargo containers provide convenience for all passengers. Atlas has a maximum cargo volume of 96.6 cu-ft behind the front-row seats when all rear seats are folded down. With just the third-row folded, cargo capacity is 55.5 cu-ft, and with all seats up, cargo capacity is 20.6 cu-ft.
Atlas makes comfort and convenience for drivers and passengers a priority. The center console is designed with a storage cubby underneath, and all models come standard with three-zone Climatronic(R) automatic climate control, heated steering wheel with shift paddles, and Voice Control, in addition to five-door KESSY keyless access on front doors and push-button start. SE w/Technology trim levels include remote start and a rear sunshade. SEL Premium R-Line(R) models include an R-Line logo on the MIB3 start screen, as well as an R-Line steering wheel clip and stainless-steel pedal caps.
A 12-inch floating infotainment display is an elegant focal point in the cockpit, offering a seamlessly connected experience. Connecting devices is easy with standard wireless App-Connect, wireless charging (upgraded to 15W for 2025 to improve charging efficiency and cooling), and six USB-C ports (eight available). All USB-C ports except the rearview mirror port feature 45-watt fast charging.
The advanced Volkswagen Digital Cockpit system, standard on all Atlas models, presents drivers with a fully digital instrument cluster. All models receive the 10.25-inch fully configurable Digital Cockpit Pro with up to four views-including full-screen navigation for equipped models-and numerous viewing options, including car status, navigation, driving data, phone information, driver assistance features, and more. Models equipped with native navigation are able to display a full screen map in the digital cluster and simultaneously on the center display.
There are two speaker configurations for Atlas-most models include six speakers, while SEL Premium R-Line trims feature the Harmon Kardon(R) Premium Audio System. The system was engineered to create the atmosphere of a live performance within the vehicle. A powerful, 400-watt, 12-channel amplifier delivers powerful bass and detailed playback of mid-range sound frequencies to the spacious Atlas cabin. There are 12 speakers in total, including an innovative center channel speaker, tweeters and woofers in each door, two effects speakers in the D-pillars, a center speaker in the dash, and a subwoofer in the rear.
SiriusXM with 360L. All Atlas trims offer SiriusXM with 360L, which combines satellite and streaming content delivery into a single, cohesive in-vehicle entertainment experience and provides more choice and a more personalized listening experience. Available by subscription (three-month trial subscription included), SiriusXM with 360L delivers more SiriusXM channels, an expansive library of on demand content, plus personalized "For You" recommendations help listeners to discover more of what they love. An enhanced sports play-by-play offering makes it easier to find the listener's favorite team when it is game time, and individual listener profiles allow multiple drivers and passengers to customize their own favorite channels.
Volkswagen Car-Net(R). For model year 2025, myVW users can enroll in a number of Car-Net connected services such as: Remote Access, Safe & Secure, Vehicle Insights, and Wi-Fi- Hotspot. The Vehicle Insights plan will be available this Fall at no additional charge for seven years from original vehicle in-service date. For vehicles with a compatible infotainment system and active data plan, additional online features are available with a paid subscription that provides enhanced navigation and infotainment.
Remote Access allows users the ability to interact with their vehicle via the myVW mobile app. It is offered at no additional charge for five years from the date of vehicle purchase. Features include remote start and stop (if equipped), door lock and unlock, honk and flash of lights, last parked location, parking information, Vehicle Alerts, and Roadside Call Assist.
For vehicles equipped with factory-installed navigation systems, Car-Net can make customers' lives easier by locating off-street parking information and sending destinations or points of interest directly to their car from the app. The parking information feature, Powered by ParkopediaTM, is accessed through the Navigate tab on the app. Users can click the "P" icon to show available parking locations, either in the immediate vicinity or near a Point of Interest. Clicking on a specific location will display the address, hours of operation and pricing. Users can also send the location to their car's navigation system, if so equipped, by clicking the "Send to Vehicle" button.
Vehicle Alerts and Roadside Call Assist can provide added peace-of-mind no matter who is driving. Speed Alert notifies the user when the pre-determined maximum speed limit is exceeded. Boundary Alert lets the user know when the vehicle has traveled outside of a pre-set virtual boundary. Curfew Alert notifies the user if the vehicle is driven while curfew alert is on. Valet Alert warns if the vehicle is driven more than 0.2 miles from the valet drop-off location. The myVW app allows users to control who receives notifications by designating primary and secondary users, with varying levels of control and functionality for each. Notifications can come in the form of text messages, emails, or push notifications from the mobile app itself. If the vehicle is disabled, Roadside Call Assist is available at the touch of the wrench button.
With the Car-Net skill enabled on your Amazon devices, users can ask Alexa TM to send remote commands to their vehicle from the comfort of their own home-for instance: "Alexa, ask Car-Net to honk my horn." To set up, users who have an active Amazon account should open the skills page associated with their car model in their Alexa app and link the skill to their VW Car-Net account.
Safe & Secure is available at no additional cost for five years for model year 2025 vehicles. Upon activation, the five-year plan includes Emergency Assistance, Information Assistance, Automatic Crash Notification, Anti-Theft Alert (requires the myVW app), Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance, Vehicle H.E.L.P.(R), and Roadside Awareness Alerts. Emergency Assistance can be accessed through the SOS button in the vehicle, and, if a cellular connection can be established, puts the driver in contact with the Volkswagen Response center, who can direct emergency responders to the vehicle's location and notify the user's Emergency Contact. Information Assistance-accessed through the i-call button within the vehicle-allows the driver to speak to a Volkswagen Response agent for support needs, such as points of interest and account services. Provided a cellular connection can be established, Automatic Crash Notification can help automatically notify an operator who can quickly contact first responders in the event of a collision. Anti-Theft Alert sends a push notification to the user if the vehicle's anti-theft alarm is triggered, and Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance uses vehicle location to assist law enforcement with tracking the vehicle in the event that it is stolen. Vehicle H.E.L.P. and Roadside Awareness Alerts are new additions to the Safe and Secure plan and will be available for select vehicles in the Fall. Vehicle H.E.L.P. can be activated by the driver if their vehicle is disabled on the road due to a crash or maintenance issue (e.g., flat tire). Once activated, this feature can notify oncoming drivers that they are approaching a disabled vehicle to help avoid potential collisions. Roadside Awareness Alerts are in-vehicle warnings that may appear when an emergency vehicle or disabled vehicle is nearby. To activate the plan, accept the Car-Net Terms of Service during myVW sign up and then enroll in Safe & Secure located in the Shop section of the myVW app.
Coming this Fall, the new Vehicle Insights plan is available for seven years (from original vehicle in-service date) at no additional charge for model year 2025 vehicles. With this plan, the user has access to vehicle health, status, and maintenance alerts. Vehicle Health Reports provide easy access to vehicle diagnostic information. Reports generate automatically each month after enrollment and are sent directly to the email address in the user's profile; updated reports can be requested anytime through the mobile app. Users can also check vehicle status to make sure their vehicle is fueled up and ready for their next commute. Additionally, users can receive maintenance notifications when their vehicle may need attention at their local VW dealer.
A Wi-Fi Hotspot data plan subscription allows passengers to access the internet with up to four connected devices simultaneously, including compatible tablets, smartphones, laptops, gaming devices, and more-at 4G LTE-enabled speed. Volkswagen's Carrier of Choice gives our customers the option to select a Wi-Fi data plan from either VerizonTM or T-Mobile(R). With just a few clicks in the myVW mobile app, users can add their new Volkswagen vehicle to their existing mobile data plan or purchase a new one. Verizon Wireless or T-Mobile customers with an existing mobile data plan can simply add their Volkswagen vehicle as a new line item to their existing monthly bill; non-Verizon or T-Mobile customers can set up an unlimited plan for $20/month (taxes and fees may apply). With an active Wi-Fi data plan, the Plus Online radio subscription can be purchased to enable online internet radio with 30,000+ radio stations and podcasts. The in-vehicle iHeartRadioTM streaming app can also be accessed at no additional charge (requires existing streaming account).
Car-Net also offers additional annual paid subscription packages to enhance the navigation and infotainment experience for MY25 VW users with a compatible infotainment system. The Plus Nav package allows drivers to access online map updates, traffic reports, fuel prices, and parking information. For certain MY25 vehicles, Plus Speech with AI is available. The Plus Speech package offers advanced voice controls using natural language to enhance map destination entry for addresses and points of interest, media on demand, and more.
To activate these connected features, users must download the myVW mobile app and accept the myVW and Car-Net terms of service. Some services mentioned require additional enrollment.
Powertrain
All Atlas models are propelled by one of the most advanced Volkswagen engines ever built, the new turbocharged and direct-injection "Evo4" 2.0-liter four-cylinder TSI(R) EA888 engine. Producing 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque with regular fuel-an increase of 34 horsepower and 15 lb-ft over the previous generation four-cylinder engine-it offers similar horsepower and more torque over a broader rev range (1600-4500 rpm) than previous six-cylinder models.
Augmenting the EA888's 16-valve, dual-overhead-camshaft layout is Volkswagen's latest variable cam phasing system, which controls both intake and exhaust valves, as well as a variable lift system for the exhaust valves. The cast-iron engine block uses a wall thickness of just 0.12 inches to help contain its weight to only 72 pounds, while lightweight aluminum-alloy screws and fasteners reduce mass.
The engine's exhaust headers are integrated directly into the cylinder head, optimizing turbocharger proximity and permitting more rapid warm-up (which improves efficiency), while allowing greater thermal management of the exhaust stream. The new Evo4 single-scroll turbocharger feeds intercooled air through the aluminum-alloy crossflow cylinder head.
On all Atlas models, an eight-speed automatic transmission designed to maximize efficiency sends power to either the front wheels or to all four wheels when equipped with 4Motion(R) with Active Control all-wheel drive. Urban efficiency is aided by start/stop technology, which turns off the engine during idle when the brake pedal is held (such as when waiting at a red light). When the brake pedal is released, the engine restarts.
The majority of Atlas models now offer a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs with a braked trailer. SE with Technology models and above include a trailer hitch as standard. SE models offer a towing capacity of 2,000 lbs with an aftermarket hitch and a braked trailer-hitch preparation is included.
EPA-estimated fuel economy for 2025 models equipped with front-wheel drive is 20/26/22 mpg (city/hwy/combined). For models equipped with the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, the EPA-estimated fuel economy is 19/26/21 for SE and SE with Technology models, 18/25/21 for SEL and SEL Premium R-Line models, and 18/25/20 for Atlas Peak Edition models.
4Motion All-wheel-drive System
The latest-generation 4Motion(R) with Active Control all-wheel-drive system is designed to activate before wheelspin occurs, helping eliminate traction losses. The system achieves this by using an advanced control function based on specific driving conditions. When operating under a relatively low load or when coasting, the front wheels are driven and the rear wheels are decoupled, a feature designed to help to save fuel. However, the rear wheels can be engaged in fractions of a second whenever necessary via the center differential, which is activated by an electro-hydraulic oil pump.
A control unit continually calculates the ideal drive torque for the rear wheels and controls how much the multi-plate clutch should be closed by activating the oil pump. The oil pressure increases the contact pressure at the clutch plates in proportion to the torque desired at the rear axle. So, the amount of pressure applied to the clutch plates can be used to continuously vary the amount of torque going between the front and rear wheels, up to a maximum of 50 percent at the rear axle.
In addition to the center differential that acts longitudinally, electronic differential locks that are a function of the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system act laterally. The system can briefly brake a wheel that is slipping, enabling uninterrupted and stable transfer of drive power to the wheel on the opposite side.
Drive Mode Select. All Atlas models feature Drive Mode Select, which allows the driver to select specific vehicle profiles based on driving conditions. It has five settings for front-wheel-drive models: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Custom, and Snow. All-wheel-drive models add an Offroad mode.
Drive Mode Select alters operating parameters for drive systems like the engine, transmission, steering, and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), as well as traction-assistance systems like Hill Descent Assist and Hill Start Assist. The singular user interface is highly intuitive: pushing a button on the panel below the infotainment screen triggers a pop-up menu on the screen, allowing the driver to access the modes. The system starts up in the last mode that was chosen, with Comfort being the default if the last mode was Snow or Offroad.
In Snow mode, the controls are adjusted to help negate unintentional and excessive wheelspin, and the transmission upshifts earlier to help optimize traction. Communicating with the accelerator pedal and individual wheel speed sensors, the Traction Control System (TCS) helps reduce engine power the moment it detects slippage. The sensitivity of the system is more relaxed in straight-line situations to allow adequate power transfer, while the limits are tightened in cornering, where traction is of paramount importance. Last but not least, ACC is switched to the more defensive Eco driving profile when in Snow mode.
Offroad mode offers similar throttle and transmission characteristics to Snow mode, adding manual control of transmission shifting via Tiptronic(R) (the throttle kickdown switch will force a downshift). The Start/Stop system is switched off in this mode, and ACC operates normally. The ESC system is relaxed to help avoid false positives often encountered off-road, and Hill Descent Control is automatically activated on gradients of more than 10 percent. It functions at speeds between approximately 1 mph and 19 mph, and is adjustable via the brakes or throttle.
With unique Offroad ABS programming, the wheels can lock up briefly before the system reduces the brake pressure. This allows time for a small wedge of material from the ground (such as gravel or sand) to build up in front of the wheel, thus helping increase the braking effect. This means that the car still remains steerable while its stopping distance can be substantially reduced.
Chassis
The 2025 Atlas is built on the same MQB chassis architecture as most other vehicles in the Volkswagen lineup. The unitary construction chassis has two solid-mounted subframes with bolt-on front fenders and utilizes advanced technologies such as the laser clamp welder, which produces "wobble seam" welds in a wave pattern to help maximize strength in a limited space.
The stamped steel body and chassis boasts a large percentage of high-strength, hot- formed steel. This technology, along with the use of ultra-high-strength steels, allows much of the chassis and body to be constructed from thinner and lighter parts without loss in strength.
Thanks to the extensive use of modern construction techniques and high-strength and ultra-high-strength steels, the Atlas chassis manages to remain lightweight despite its upscale features and enhanced structure. Throughout the car, components such as the seats, air conditioning unit, and even the electrical architecture are optimized to help reduce weight.
The Atlas features independent suspension for all four wheels. In the front, the Atlas features a strut layout with coil springs and telescopic dampers, and at back, a multilink arrangement with coil springs and telescopic dampers.
The braking system is comprised of 13.2-inch vented front discs and 12.2-inch vented rear discs with standard three-channel ABS with electronic brake pressure distribution. The rack-and-pinion steering features electric power assist and speed-sensitive variable steering assist. This system offers a 15.5:1 steering ratio that allows for 2.97 steering wheel turns from lock to lock and a vehicle turning circle of 41 feet.
Safety and Driver Assistance
To help protect occupants, the Atlas provides a combination of both passive and active safety systems. It features six airbags as standard (front and side airbags for front passengers and side curtain airbags for outboard seating positions), along with a number of electronic safety systems, such as an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). All Atlas models feature a standard rearview camera.
A standard feature on the Atlas is Volkswagen's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. This builds on the premise that a collision is rarely a single, instantaneous action, but rather a series of events that follow the initial impact-the most significant of which can cause additional collisions. The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System helps address this, in certain crash scenarios, by applying the brakes when a primary collision is detected by the airbag sensors, thus potentially reducing residual kinetic energy and, in turn, the chance of additional damage.
The Atlas also includes Volkswagen's Intelligent Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in certain types of collisions.
Volkswagen's IQ.DRIVE(R) advanced driver assistance technology features hands-on semi-automated capability. On the highway, IQ.DRIVE features lane centering and a capacitive steering wheel to help make driving easier. Around town, IQ.DRIVE can alert you to surprise obstacles in front of you, and keeps an eye around you to help make driving safer.
The IQ.DRIVE system is standard on all trims for model year 2025 The system utilizes front and rear radar, a front camera and several ultrasound sensors to collect data from the surrounding area, enabling Travel Assist (semi-automated driving assistance); Front Assist (Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring); Active Side Assist (Blind Spot Monitor); Rear Traffic Alert; Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Stop and Go; Lane Assist (Lane Keeping System); and Emergency Assist (semi-automated vehicle assistance in a medical emergency).
Travel Assist enables semi-automated hands-on driving capability from 0 to 95 mph. Travel Assist can be activated by a button on the steering wheel, and uses the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Assist (Lane Keeping Assist) features to help to steer as well as accelerate and brake the vehicle in response to traffic and center the vehicle within lane markings. This allows the driver to observe driving tasks while using minimal force on the wheel. It is the driver's responsibility to continuously monitor the system, remain alert, and maintain control of the vehicle at all times. To ensure this, Travel Assist monitors the capacitive steering wheel to make sure the driver has their hands on it. When Travel Assist is active, the cockpit display can show the lane markings (solid or dotted) and may also show adjacent vehicles (car, motorcycle or box truck).
Front Assist is intended to warn drivers of potential frontal collisions (Forward Collision Warning) with vehicles and pedestrians, and in some cases provide automatic braking assistance (Automatic Emergency Braking). The system can detect cyclists or pedestrians traveling parallel to or crossing in front of the vehicle and alert the driver.
Within physical system limits, Forward Collision Warning warns the driver of potential imminent front-end collision situations, both acoustically and visually by a warning symbol in the instrument cluster if the car is traveling above 18 mph. Furthermore, an automatic jolt of the brakes can warn the driver of the danger. If the driver fails to brake, Automatic Emergency Braking is activated to help slow the vehicle. If the car is traveling below 18 mph and the system detects a potential front-end collision, Automatic Emergency Braking activates without a prior acoustic and visual warning. If the brake pedal is applied but the driver brakes too lightly, the brake pressure can be increased by the system (Braking Support).
Side Assist (Blind Spot Monitor) uses two radar sensors at the rear of the vehicle to scan the approaching traffic and is intended to warn drivers of the presence of other vehicles in adjacent lanes. If the driver uses the turn signal to indicate a lane change while a vehicle is detected in a blind spot, the system utilizes a flashing LED symbol in the outer area of the side mirrors. Even if the driver does not use a turn signal, the LED symbol in the mirror will illuminate if a vehicle is detected in the blind spot. The system is designed to help alert drivers in specific situations; stationary objects or oncoming vehicles do not trigger warnings, nor do vehicles more than one lane across away from the vehicle.
If Lane Assist is active, Side Assist (Blind Spot Monitor) becomes Active Side Assist (Blind Spot Monitor) and the system not only warns the driver with the flashing LED symbol if a vehicle is detected in the blind spot, but within system limits, it can also countersteer to help keep the car in its lane even if the turn signal is on. If the driver still tries to steer out of the lane, the system will warn with an additional vibration of the steering wheel.
The Rear Traffic Alert system is intended to detect vehicles approaching from the side that may be difficult for the driver to see while reversing. The system offers a 180-degree view of the back of the car, and will present a visual and an acoustic warning, if a potential collision with a crossing vehicle is detected. If the driver does not react, the system can apply the brakes to help mitigate and, in the best case, can prevent a collision. The system is activated by putting the car in reverse.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) uses a forward-facing radar to maintain a set speed while helping maintain a set distance to the vehicle in front. The driver sets the speed and the desired spacing via buttons on the multifunction steering wheel and can further use those buttons to adjust and cancel the ACC function while the accelerator can be used to override the ACC function. Pressing the brakes always cancels the ACC function. All ACC-related system messages appear in the central multifunction display.
When the roadway ahead of the vehicle is clear, the system maintains the set speed. Models fitted with ACC can match speeds with a vehicle in front and come to a stop if the vehicle in front stops. If the car in front moves within three seconds, ACC will resume automatically to the set speed. If the car stands longer than three seconds, the driver can resume ACC control by pressing the accelerator pedal or the "resume" button on the steering wheel. If the driver continues to keep their hands on the steering wheel, the time that the vehicle can automatically resume can be extended beyond three seconds.
Lane Assist (Lane Keeping System) uses cameras to recognize lane markings and help drivers stay within them. When driving above 35 mph, if the system's camera recognizes visible lane markings and, using a special algorithm, calculates that the vehicle is unintentionally straying from its lane without using a turn signal, Lane Assist will vibrate the steering wheel to warn the driver, and then actively countersteer to help keep the vehicle in its lane. If the driver takes his or her hands off the wheel for a defined period of time, the system provides an audible warning and a visual signal in the instrument cluster, asking the driver to take over.
The system will not intervene if it cannot properly detect lane markings. If the turn signal has been set before crossing a lane marking, the Lane Assist system will not intervene or give a warning. The driver can override the system at any time by applying minimal force to the steering wheel.
Emergency Assist can bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver is incapacitated. Emergency Assist constantly monitors the driver's attentiveness by checking the input of their hands on the steering wheel. If the system does not detect driver input, a series of warnings (visual, audible, and brake jolts) will occur. If still no input is detected, Emergency Assist will slow the vehicle to a gradual stop in its own lane and activate hazard lights. Emergency Assist requires Lane Assist or Travel Assist to be active for the system to intervene.
In addition to IQ.DRIVE, the Atlas has standard Light Assist (High Beam Control for Headlights) and Exit Warning, and available Park Distance Control, Park Assist (Parking Steering Assistant), Dynamic Road Sign Display, Head-up Display, Predictive ACC, and Area View (Overhead View Camera).
The Exit Warning system warns the driver or passengers if they attempt to open a door while a detected vehicle or cyclist is approaching from behind. A warning signal will sound, and the yellow Blind Spot Monitor indicator in the side mirror will flash to warn the occupants of a detected hazard.
Park Distance Control, standard on SE with Technology models and above, uses ultrasonic sensors located in the front and rear bumpers to monitor a range of up to approximately five feet in front or behind the vehicle. The system may activate below 9 mph and helps provide guidance when parking or in tight spaces. The system has audible and visual warnings when the car starts to approach parked cars or static objects of sufficient size from the rear.
Maneuver Braking, a part of the Park Distance Control system, is intended to mitigate or help prevent collisions with detected static obstacles to the rear while the vehicle is maneuvered. The system is active between 1-6 mph. If the system detects a stationary object, it can apply the brakes automatically to help prevent or mitigate a collision. The system can be deactivated at any time using the touch display or permanently in the setup menu.
Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist) is standard on SEL Premium R-Line(R). This system can automatically steer the car into parallel and perpendicular parking spaces (the latter both forward and in reverse). While driving below 25 mph, pressing the Park Assist button in the center console will activate the system to scan the left and right sides of the vehicle for parking spots. By using the turn signal indicator, the driver can indicate which side of the road they would like to park. When the system detects a space, "Parking Space Found" will appear in the multifunction display. The driver only needs to select a gear and activate the accelerator pedal and brake, as Park Assist can automatically help steer the vehicle into the parking space. The driver can override or deactivate the steering assistance at any time by turning the steering wheel or pressing the button.
Dynamic Road Sign Display, standard on SEL and above, uses a forward-facing camera to detect and read road signs. After verifying the information with signage data stored in the onboard navigation, the system alerts the driver on the Discover Media screen in the center console, and on the Digital Cockpit Pro instrument display.
The head-up display, standard on SEL and above, floats information in the driver's line of sight, including digital speed, navigation information, and driver assistance system info and warnings.
Two final driver assistance features help provide drivers with better visibility. Light Assist, now standard across the Atlas lineup, automatically switches on the headlamp high beams above 18 mph on dark or poorly lit roads, if there is no oncoming traffic detected. Below 12 mph, the high beams automatically switch off. Area View, standard on SEL Premium R-Line(R), uses the car's four cameras to supplement the driver's view of what is around the vehicle.
Warranty & Maintenance
Every 2025 Atlas comes with a bumper-to-bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty and Carefree Maintenance Program. The warranty provides coverage for four years or 50,000-miles (whichever occurs first) and can be transferred to a subsequent owner throughout the remainder of its duration. The Carefree Maintenance Program provides scheduled maintenance services at one year or 10,000 miles (whichever occurs first) and two years or 20,000 miles (whichever occurs first) at no additional charge and can be transferred to a subsequent owner throughout the remainder of its duration. Atlas models also receive complimentary coverage in the Volkswagen 24-Hour Roadside Assistance Program for three years or 36,000 miles (whichever occurs first).
Competitive Set
Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, Mazda CX-90, Subaru Ascent, Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Palisade