From The Drive · Joel Feder · · 1m 50s
2027 Volkswagen Atlas First Drive Review
Helicopter parents get a car that's too safety-focused.
In brief
Helicopter parents get a car that's too safety-focused. The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas offers great space and tech for families but struggles with intrusive safety features and lacks the refinement of its competitors. Originally reported by The Drive.
New Generation Atlas Arrives
The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas features a new turbocharged powertrain and updated tech but lacks a hybrid option.
Interior Design Mixes Strengths and Weaknesses
The dashboard has a large touchscreen and real buttons but some controls feel over-engineered.
Atmospheres Feature Adds Fun for Families
The Atmospheres function adjusts lighting, gauges, and audio settings through a volume knob.
Shiny Plastic Looks Terrible
The front center console has a shiny piano black plastic finish that looks terrible.
Family-Friendly Seating and Cargo
The Atlas offers flexible seating and 21.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row.
Overbearing Safety Systems
The car dings immediately if a seatbelt is unbuckled, even for a split second.
Infotainment Locks User Out
The car locks the touchscreen when the driver is distracted, even without a monitoring device.
Car Turns Off When Driver Leaves Seat
The car turns off if the driver leaves the seat, even with the key in the vehicle.
Price and Features
The base model costs $43,125 including a $1,525 destination charge.
Competition Lags Behind
The Atlas feels behind Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride in interior materials and powertrains.
Early Verdict
The Atlas excels at space but struggles with safety features and refinement compared to competitors.
Final Rating
The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas scores 7.5/10 for its family-friendly features and safety concerns.
What Happens Next
Volkswagen plans a hybrid model for the Atlas later in its model life cycle.
The takeaway
The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas offers great space and tech for families but struggles with intrusive safety features and lacks the refinement of its competitors.
