Volkswagen may have decided against offering the latest Touareg in North America, but at least the brand's lineup includes a similarly-sized (slightly larger) alternative called the Atlas.
It doesn't utilize the MLB Evo construction of the Touareg, which is also the foundation stone of the Audi Q7, Q8, Porsche Cayenne, Cayenne Coupe, Bentley Bentayga, and Lamborghini Urus. Instead, it uses the old MQB platform, which ties it to some small and aging products in the German giant's portfolio, including the previous-gen Golf, China's Passat, the Audi Q2, and the Mk3 SEAT Leon.
This is how Volkswagen managed to keep the Atlas' pricing in check, as while the latest Touareg starts at €71,275 (equal to $76,751) in its home market, the Atlas comes at a mere (by comparison) $37,995 (equaling €35,279). As for its less practical sibling, the Atlas Cross Sport crossover coupe, it is a bit more affordable, as it starts at $36,985. Keep in mind that these are MSRPs and exclude destination and dealer fees.
Volkswagen originally introduced the Atlas in 2017, and three years later, the model received its first mid-cycle refresh. Fast forward to 2024, and the second facelift was introduced, which also applies to its Cross Sport sibling that first arrived in our market in 2020. Thus, this model is in dire need of a more significant makeover, and the car manufacturer is aware of it. As a result, they're planning the second generation, which has been scooped multiple times these past few months.
Photo: Screenshot Youtube | CarSpyMedia
Updates stacked headlamps, a slightly smaller grille, shrunken vents in the new bumper, which features a large air intake in the middle, and probably a full-width light bar at the rear, connecting the redesigned taillights. A backlit VW logo could adorn the tailgate, and elsewhere, we expect the company to revise the color palette and introduce new wheels, including some optional ones that will allow future buyers to customize theirs.
Flush-mounted door handles are also part of the revisions, and while the clever camouflage may trick some into thinking they're looking at the current VW Atlas, this is indeed the all-new one. Our latest encounter with it came from the other side of the pond, where this tester was snapped doing its thing in the Alps, which explains the snow while Europe is dealing with a heatwave.
More updates will revolve around the chassis. It's unknown yet whether the new Atlas will transition to the MLB Evo, but we think it won't. Instead, Volkswagen's engineers might revise the current underpinnings with an emphasis on cleverer packaging that would allow backseat occupants to have more legroom. It should also feature a superior cargo area with all seats in place compared to the outgoing Atlas, and reports also speak about a new 15-inch infotainment system, perhaps sourced from Europe's latest Tiguan. This should join a new digital instrument cluster, as well as new tech and safety features.
The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas is only available with a four-pot, as the automaker dropped the VR6. The 2.0L TSI is good for 269 hp (273 ps/201 kW) and 273 pound-foot (370 Nm) of torque, 34 hp (34 ps/25 kW) more than the old 2.0L TSI and 7 hp (7 ps/5 kW) less than the 3.6L VR6. The mill works in concert with an 8-speed automatic transmission with standard front-wheel drive and optional 4Motion all-wheel drive. The model has a 5,000-pound (2,268 kg) towing capacity.
Photo: Screenshot Youtube | CarSpyMedia
So, what will the all-new Atlas (Teramont overseas) use for power? This question has yet to be officially answered. However, the rumor mill speaks about a 2.0-liter gasoline unit, perhaps an updated version of the current one. It might be partially electrified, as a hybrid powertrain would allow the high-rider to tackle different rivals. Nevertheless, we don't know yet whether electrification is on the menu for the upcoming Atlas. A battery-electric alternative won't become a thing, as such models have become less popular.
It has been said that the all-new Volkswagen Atlas will be presented sometime next year. Thus, it will likely be a 2026 model in our market, which means that the car manufacturer still has some time to make a few final adjustments to the outgoing one and turn it into a 2025 model. However, we wouldn't bet on it, as most shoppers interested in the Atlas are probably waiting for VW to introduce the all-new one, which should bring a small price bump – or maybe a more significant one if partial electrification is indeed on the menu.
Meanwhile, we will keep seeing more prototypes in the open as VW gradually starts removing their fake skin, and we hope to know more about it before the grand unveiling, which is probably more than half a year away. We expect the Atlas Cross Sport to premiere shortly after its more practical sibling debuts. So, are you excited about the all-new 2025 VW Atlas?
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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