The SUV mid-size family market niche is undoubtedly a crowded one.
Volkwagen’s 2025 Atlas SEL Premium R-Line stands out from the rest with its competitive levels
of technology and spaciousness combined with VW’s hallmark driving dynamics, attention to
detail, and affordability.
A seven-passenger people and cargo mover, Atlas received a complete refresh last year and
competitive tweaks in 2025. It comes 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.
My tester was powered by a 2.0-liter, TSI 16-valve, DOHC, turbocharged four-cylinder engine
paired with an eight-speed automatic with Tiptronic 4MOTION technology. The combination
delivers 269 horsepower, 273 lb-ft of torque, and has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000
pounts. It has an extended range of over 460 miles, and provides 28 miles per gallon fuel
economy down the highway.
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.
A road trip took me on the Mountain Loop Highway between Granite Falls and Darrington. I
slipped the Atlas into Offroad mode, traversing Barlow Pass. It handled the pothole and rutted
gravel road with control and comfort to the surprise on my 90-year old inlaw passengers.
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 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. With all three rows in use, it
provides 20.5 cu.ft. of cargo space. Folding both the second- and third-rows flat opens up 96.6
cu.ft.
Among the many R-line upgrades are 21-inch alloy wheels, stainless steel pedal caps and a
Harman Kardon sound system with 400-watts power, a 12-channel amplifier, and 12 speakers
including multiple woofers and tweeters.
Other favored goodies included navigation, power moonroof, three-zone climate control,
Bluetooth connectivity, Qi wireless charging, XM radio, head-up display, and a digital cockpit pro
configurable instrument display.
IQ.DRIVE allows for semi-automated driving assistance with adapative cruise control, forward
collision warning and braking, lane assist, pedestrian and cyclist monitoring, active side assist
and rear traffic alerts, along with park assist, rear view camera, hill hold and hill descent control,
dynamic road sign display, and more.
Volkswagen’s Atlas competes toe-to-tow with the big boys in its category, and simply wins when
it comes to price. Families are ensured years of happiness, versatility and safety with its
purchase.
Base Price: $54,630
Price As Driven: $55,780
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufaturer. List
price may vary at local dealerships.
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