Archived model-year dossier
2026 Volkswagen Atlas
The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas's FuelEconomy.gov record holds 6 EPA certification records across 6 model/option labels (Atlas, Atlas 4motion Peak Edition, +4 more), spanning All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive drivetrains and Regular fuel type across 1 engine (2L 4-cyl SIDI). EPA classifies it under Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD vehicle classes, built on Conventional powertrain technology. Across those configurations, expect combined efficiency of 21–23 MPG/MPGe, an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700–$2,950/yr. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The site covers 3 model years of the Volkswagen Atlas, 2025 through 2027, and this is the 2026.
Configurations6
Model/option labels6
Combined efficiency21–23 MPG/MPGe
Electric rangeNot listed
Decision answers12
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas: 7 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic | FWD | 269 | 273 | 20 / 27 / 23 mpg | 7 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| SE 4MOTION | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic | AWD | 269 | 273 | 20 / 26 / 22 mpg | 7 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| SE w/Tech Pkg | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic | FWD | 269 | 273 | 20 / 27 / 23 mpg | 7 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| SE 4MOTION w/Tech Pkg | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic | AWD | 269 | 273 | 20 / 26 / 22 mpg | 7 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Peak Edition | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic | AWD | 269 | 273 | 19 / 25 / 21 mpg | 7 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| SEL 4MOTION | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic | AWD | 269 | 273 | 19 / 25 / 21 mpg | 7 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| SEL Premium R-Line 4MOTION | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic | AWD | 269 | 273 | 19 / 25 / 21 mpg | 7 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Ground clearance | Turning circle | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Towing | Payload | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE | 4,317 lb | 200.7 in | 70.4 in | 117.3 in | 6.3 in | 41 ft | 18.6 gal | 41.3 in | 41.7 in | 5,000 lb | 1,102 lb | P245/60R18 |
| SE 4MOTION | 4,484 lb | 200.7 in | 70.4 in | 117.3 in | 6.3 in | 41 ft | 18.6 gal | 41.3 in | 41.7 in | 5,000 lb | 1,102 lb | P245/60R18 |
| SE w/Tech Pkg | 4,317 lb | 200.7 in | 70.4 in | 117.3 in | 6.3 in | 41 ft | 18.6 gal | 41.3 in | 41.7 in | 5,000 lb | 1,102 lb | P255/50R20 |
| SE 4MOTION w/Tech Pkg | 4,484 lb | 200.7 in | 70.4 in | 117.3 in | 6.3 in | 41 ft | 18.6 gal | 41.3 in | 41.7 in | 5,000 lb | 1,102 lb | P255/50R20 |
| Peak Edition | 4,594 lb | 200.7 in | 70.4 in | 117.3 in | 6.3 in | 41 ft | 18.6 gal | 41.3 in | 41.7 in | 5,000 lb | 1,102 lb | P255/60R18 |
| SEL 4MOTION | 4,636 lb | 200.7 in | 70.4 in | 117.3 in | 6.3 in | 41 ft | 18.6 gal | 41.3 in | 41.7 in | 5,000 lb | 1,102 lb | P255/50R20 |
| SEL Premium R-Line 4MOTION | 4,636 lb | 200.7 in | 70.4 in | 117.3 in | 6.3 in | 41 ft | 18.6 gal | 41.3 in | 41.7 in | 5,000 lb | 1,102 lb | P265/45R21 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2026 Volkswagen Atlas trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | SE | SE 4MOTION | SE w/Tech Pkg | SE 4MOTION w/Tech Pkg | Peak Edition | SEL 4MOTION | SEL Premium R-Line 4MOTION |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | |||||||
| Adaptive headlights | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Anti-theft alarm | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Blind-spot alert | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child door locks | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hill-descent control | – | Std | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hill-start assist | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Pedestrian detection with automatic braking | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Surround-view camera | – | – | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Front and rear parking sensors | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear parking sensors | – | – | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Technology | |||||||
| Bluetooth audio streaming | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hands-free calling | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| IPod interface | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Built-in internet access | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Navigation system | – | – | – | – | – | Std | Std |
| Premium audio system | – | – | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Satellite radio | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Touchscreen | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Voice recognition | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Comfort | |||||||
| Heated front seats | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Heated rear seats | – | – | – | – | – | Std | Std |
| Heated steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Heated mirrors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power front seats for driver and passenger | – | – | – | – | – | Std | Std |
| Power driver's seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Leather seats | – | – | – | – | – | Std | Std |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | – | – | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Front and rear climate zones | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Panoramic moonroof | – | – | Opt | Opt | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | |||||||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Privacy glass | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Roof rails | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power-folding mirrors | – | – | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Power liftgate or trunk | Std | Std | – | – | – | – | – |
| 12-volt power outlet | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote engine start | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Push-button start | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Integrated garage-door opener | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rain-sensing wipers | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
Complete certification table
6 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49465Atlas | 2L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Regular | 20 | 27 | 23 | N/A |
| 49542Atlas 4motion Peak Edition | 2L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Regular | 19 | 25 | 21 | N/A |
| 49466Atlas Cross Sport | 2L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Regular | 20 | 27 | 23 | N/A |
| 49541Atlas Cross Sport 4motion | 2L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Regular | 20 | 26 | 22 | N/A |
| 49540Atlas SE 4motion | 2L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Regular | 20 | 26 | 22 | N/A |
| 49539Atlas SEL 4motion | 2L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Regular | 19 | 25 | 21 | N/A |
Model-specific answer center
12 answers for this exact family-year.
Q01What changed on the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas versus the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas?
Model year
Against the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas: Midpoint combined efficiency moved from 21.5 to 22.0 MPG/MPGe. Federal recall campaigns on file went from 5 for the 2025 to 2 for the 2026.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov certification records for both model years
Q02How did the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas do in NHTSA's side crash and rollover tests?
Safety record
The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas earned 5 stars in the side crash test (5 stars driver side, 5 stars passenger side) and 4 stars for rollover resistance, a 13.6% to 16.9% chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash. Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, read 2026-09-20.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program
Q03Has any 2026 Volkswagen Atlas recall told owners to stop driving or park outside?
Safety record
Yes. Campaign 25V-835 (Dec 2025, wheels (lugs/nuts/bolts/studs)) carries a do-not-drive warning. Incorrect wheel bolts can allow a wheel to detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Q04How do the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas trims differ from one another?
Trims
All 7 trims share the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) making 269 hp. The SE 4MOTION has AWD instead of FWD and hill-descent control as standard equipment over the SE. The SE w/Tech Pkg has FWD instead of AWD and front and rear parking sensors, an integrated garage-door opener and remote engine start as standard equipment over the SE 4MOTION. The SE 4MOTION w/Tech Pkg has AWD instead of FWD and hill-descent control as standard equipment over the SE w/Tech Pkg. The Peak Edition has a panoramic moonroof as standard equipment over the SE 4MOTION w/Tech Pkg. The SEL 4MOTION has power front seats for driver and passenger, heated rear seats, leather seats and a navigation system as standard equipment over the Peak Edition.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q05What kind of brakes does the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas have?
Brakes and suspension
MotorTrend lists the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas with four-wheel disc brakes. Source: MotorTrend, read 2026-09-25.
Q06What suspension does the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas use?
Brakes and suspension
MotorTrend describes the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas's suspension this way. Front: a MacPherson-type strut design. Rear: a multi-link design. Source: MotorTrend, read 2026-09-25.
Q07Did the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas earn an IIHS Top Safety Pick award?
Safety
IIHS lists the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas as a Top Safety Pick. IIHS states the rating applies to 2018-26, 2024-26 and 2026 models, based on a test of the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas S 4-door 4wd. Source: IIHS vehicle ratings, read 2026-09-24.
Source: iihs.org (opens in a new tab)
Q08How did the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas do in IIHS crash tests?
Safety
IIHS rated the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas: Good in the small overlap front test, Good in the updated moderate overlap front test, Good in the updated side test. IIHS states the rating applies to 2018-26, 2024-26 and 2026 models, based on a test of the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas S 4-door 4wd. Grades run Good, Acceptable, Marginal, Poor. Source: IIHS vehicle ratings, read 2026-09-24.
Source: iihs.org (opens in a new tab)
Q09What warranty does the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas SE 4dr SUV come with?
Specifications
CarDealerships.com lists the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas SE 4dr SUV with basic coverage of 48 months or 50,000 miles, powertrain coverage of 48 months or 50,000 miles and roadside assistance of 36 months or 36,000 miles.
Source: CarDealerships.com model-year specification page
Q10How quickly does the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas accelerate from 0 to 60 mph?
Specifications
The most recent instrumented 0 to 60 mph tests of this model that 0-60Specs.com lists are of earlier model years than the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas: 7.3 seconds for the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium R-Line 4MOTION (Car and Driver) and 7.5 seconds for the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium R-Line 4MOTION (Motor Trend).
Source: 0-60Specs.com model-year specification page
Q11What does the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas cost across its trims?
Pricing
Kelley Blue Book's national base prices for the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas run from $40,785 for the SE to $56,105 for the SEL Premium R-Line 4MOTION, across 7 trims.
Source: Kelley Blue Book
Q12What size wheels does the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas have?
Wheels and tires
The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas's wheel diameter is 18 inches on the SE, SE 4MOTION and Peak Edition, 20 inches on the SE w/Tech Pkg, SE 4MOTION w/Tech Pkg and SEL 4MOTION and 21 inches on the SEL Premium R-Line 4MOTION. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications. The 2025 model year has the same figure.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
This model year’s federal safety record
2 federal recall campaigns are on file for the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Federal filings for the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas name wheels, backup camera. These are the systems cited in recall documents for this model year specifically, not a survey of every fault owners report, and not a statement that any individual 2026 Volkswagen Atlas is affected.
The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas carries 5 recall campaigns: 3 more recalls than the 2026. Open the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas record
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API; NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Complaints API.
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2026 Volkswagen Atlas.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Check the exact vehicle, not just the model name.
Recalls, build data and service applicability are determined at VIN level, not by model name.
01 · NHTSASafety ratings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck open safety recalls by 17-character VINOfficial VIN remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAQuery another year, make, model and option1984–current browser →
FuelEconomy.gov data source (opens in a new tab) · Methodology
Other model years
Compare the Volkswagen Atlas across model years.
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