2026 Volkswagen Atlas

After being on sale for eight model years, Volkswagen's big three-row SUV is finally receiving a much-needed redesign. Recent spy shots show a new Volkswagen Atlas for 2026, and it appears to adopt VW's recent minimalist design aesthetic. Expect smooth surfaces and an overall look that can be best described as inoffensive. We don't know much about the next-generation Atlas for now, but details about VW's largest SUV should start to trickle out over the next few months.

The current Atlas has a lot going for it. Its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine (which we expect to return for the next-generation car largely unchanged) doesn't leave us wanting more power and returns acceptable fuel economy for something so big. That said, we have a few things we'd like to see in the next Atlas. The first is better-defined and easier-to-use controls. The current Atlas relies far too heavily on touch controls for things like the volume and climate functions — we'd like a return to physical knobs and buttons for both. The second wish is a more refined driving experience. While ride comfort is acceptable, we'd like to see body roll controlled a bit better and a cabin that better insulates you from road and wind noise.

If you don't want to wait for the next Atlas, there is no shortage of other SUVs to pick from. The Kia Telluride has been a top pick for its mix of value, comfort and build quality. The Ford Explorer offers a wide swath of trims to pick from — including a performance-oriented ST model — and plenty of space. The Hyundai Palisade is another entrant that's easy to recommend, though it too will be getting a major overhaul soon.

Edmunds evaluated a first-generation Volkswagen Atlas over the course of a year and 20,000 miles. You can read all the hits and misses we documented in Edmunds' VW Atlas One-Year Road Test review. Note that this long-term test was based on a 2018 model, so some elements may not carry over to the upcoming second-gen model. But we expect the new Atlas to use a similar powertrain and be just as spacious as its predecessor, so many of our observations will still apply.

[Editor's note: The following unofficial information is based on last year's Atlas. We expect the 2026 model will have a similar lineup and we'll update this section once we have complete information.] The Volkswagen Atlas is a midsize three-row SUV available in five primary trim levels: SE, SE with Technology, Peak Edition, SEL and SEL Premium R-Line. All come standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (269 horsepower, 273 lb-ft of torque) that is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The SE and SE with Technology are available in front- or all-wheel drive. All other versions come standard with AWD.