Open Today Sales: 7:30 AM-7 PMOpen Today Service: 7:30 AM-7 PM
While the flagship three-row VW SUV was already an impressive force in the US marketplace, the 2027 Volkswagen Atlas promises to raise the bar on value-driven performance. With diverse interior designs, incredible standard and available features, and the most up-to-date safety technology in the prestigious Volkswagen lineup, this year's VW Atlas occupies a league of its own. However, the VW Atlas competitors do provide their own merits. Before you visit Jim Ellis Volkswagen of Kennesaw to see the 2027 Atlas in action, let's see how it fares against some popular three-row picks.
The Kia lineup begins impressively with a 274-horsepower engine, eight-passenger seating, and a 12.3-inch central touchscreen display. The Telluride prioritizes simplicity; the base model is available in just three exterior colors and a single interior color, with upgrades needed for more variety. Furthermore, you'll need to step up to a higher trim level to move away from cloth seating – only the third-level EX starts offering synthetic leather upholstery.
With 10 trims to choose from, the Kia Telluride can be intimidating. For instance, the standard LX has eight-passenger seating, the S has seven-passenger seating, and the third-level EX returns to eight-passenger seating, with no option for captain's chairs on that specific tier. In addition, several features are restricted to higher trim levels; for example, Auto Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers are reserved for the seventh trim level, the SX Prestige. The standard driver's seat is also a six-way manual, meaning you'll have to pay more for power-adjustable front seats.
A three-row SUV from a well-loved brand, the Honda Pilot utilizes a 285-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6. While responsive, this performance puts the Honda Pilot on the lower end of the fuel-efficiency spectrum. However, it does offer impressive interior amenities, such as leather-trimmed seats with fabric accents, heated front seats, and a 10-way power driver's seat with two-way lumbar adjustment.
Safety is strong across the board, but the Pilot restricts some features, such as its Front and Rear Parking Sensors and Low-Speed Braking Control, to the second trim level and beyond. Compared with many three-row SUVs, the Honda Pilot is a capable, value-driven vehicle. However, compared to the Volkswagen Atlas, you're losing out on several base features.
A 265-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is the key powertrain for the Highlander, with a lower-power hybrid engine an option for a handful of trims. Like the other models on our list, the Toyota model comes out strong, with a standard 10-way driver's seat with power lumbar support, a wireless charging pad, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a comprehensive list of safety features courtesy of Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+. Upgrades include an 11-speaker sound system, a 12.3-inch central touchscreen, and a digital rearview mirror.
While the Highlander has some excellent tech features, like the standard auto-dimming rearview mirror, some drawbacks, such as the standard 8-inch central touchscreen, can turn off drivers seeking a more modern infotainment experience.
Now that we've seen what the baseline is for SUVs, let's see how the 2027 Volkswagen Atlas effortlessly raises the bar. It starts under the hood; a refined 2.0-liter four-cylinder TSI engine now produces 282 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, the most seen on any Atlas model. It's paired with a familiar eight-speed automatic transmission and comes with FWD by default, with 4MOTION AWD as an option. Despite the power boost, this powertrain is expected to be more efficient than previous versions. The Atlas can also still tow 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, so you're just gaining engine perks when you consider a 2027 Volkswagen Atlas. For those looking for maximum efficiency, a hybrid variant is planned halfway through the rollout.
The exterior has also been refreshed. The 2027 Atlas comes with a double-stacked LED headlight, masked upper grille, and an overall sturdier look that lets the VW SUV conquer the road. A solid character line from the fenders to the spoiler strikes an unforgettable silhouette that makes the VW Atlas immediately distinctive, even in the dark of night. Additionally, you can now choose Blackberry, Sacramento Green, and Sandstone for exterior paints.
Step inside and take a seat behind the wheel or in either of the two rear rows, where captain's chairs are now available on any trim. Inside, you'll find real wood decor and a choice between leatherette, Varenna leather, or Nappa leather. By default, your interior comes in an airy pebble gray, moody black/dark gray, or the all-new deep wine shades, allowing for prestigious customization of your interior – supported by the standard 10-shade ambient lighting configuration. However, the top two trims receive the Atmospheres interior display, a 30-color ambient lighting configuration that coordinates lighting and audio settings to perfectly paint your interior's canvas. Paired with a 14-speaker Harman Kardon® premium audio system, your mood defines your drive with the highest-end Volkswagen SUV. A panoramic sunroof, available across the lineup, also bathes your interior in natural light.
The driver gets immediate access to a revised 12-way ergonomic seat with enhanced four-way lumbar support, with available upgrades for thigh support and a four-way massage. The central display is now a standard 15-inch screen on almost every model, and the Driver Experience Dial – a tactile, multi-function controller that puts audio, drive modes, and Atmospheres settings right at your fingertips with a simple turn. Enjoy updated Qi2 wireless charging for two cell phones, with seven USB-C ports also available throughout the cabin. For those tech-loving drivers in the crowd, you receive a year of Premium Speech, the generative AI-enabled voice assistant that is exclusive to new Volkswagen models.
Finally, IQ.DRIVE has been updated once again. Travel Assist, the semi-automated, hands-on driver system, now offers driver-initiated lane changes, giving you more control while you're carefully directed on the interstate. Emergency Assist can guide the vehicle to the side of the road if it notices a medical emergency. If that wasn't enough, parking assistance has been updated across the lineup, ensuring that both the base and top trims have even better accessibility when it's time to stop driving.
That's just the start. Keep an eye on our 2027 VW Atlas updates to get the latest news on the specifications, features, and safety systems.
Ready to explore an incredible SUV? You can shop our VW Atlas inventory today, or contact us to ask when we get 2027 VW Atlas models rolling into our lot. Our dedicated team of automotive experts is standing by to help you find the perfect trim for your specific lifestyle.
Alternatively, our VW Atlas special offers will soon include deals on some of the brand-new, fully refreshed three-row SUVs. Visit our showroom today to experience the future of driving and take advantage of our exclusive seasonal leasing and financing.
