2026 Volkswagen Atlas

Overview

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 of VW's largest SUV should start to trickle out over the next few months.

Edmunds spotlight: We're hoping for more refinement

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.

Competitors to consider

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.

The new Atlas might be worth waiting for, but we won't know for sure until we get behind the wheel.