Finding the right three-row SUV can feel like a huge task. You need space for family, friends, and all their gear, but you also want a vehicle that’s comfortable, safe, and enjoyable to drive. The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas steps up as a strong contender in this crowded market, offering a compelling blend of practicality and refined German engineering. Following a major refresh in 2024, the latest model continues to build on its strengths with a powerful standard engine, a spacious and versatile interior, and user-friendly technology. This review will explore what the 2025 Atlas brings to the table, breaking down its performance, features, and the different trim levels available to help you decide if this is the right family hauler for you.

Performance and Driving Experience

Every 2025 Atlas is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces a healthy 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain replaced the previous V6 option, and it delivers a more responsive feel, especially when accelerating from a stop. While it’s not designed to be a sports car, the Atlas gets up to speed confidently, hitting 60 mph in around 7.3 seconds, which is respectable for a vehicle of its size.

The ride is composed and comfortable, easily soaking up most bumps on the road, making it a great choice for long highway trips. In the city, its handling is predictable and reasonably nimble for a larger SUV. Front-wheel drive is standard on the lower trims, but Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system is available and comes standard on higher trims. This system provides extra grip and stability in bad weather or on less-than-perfect roads. Most trims can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, which is enough for a small trailer or boat.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

One of the Atlas's biggest selling points is its incredibly spacious and practical interior. It’s a true three-row SUV, with a third row that can comfortably accommodate adults, not just children. This is a feature many competitors can't honestly claim. The cabin is thoughtfully designed, with an emphasis on function and ease of use. There are plenty of cupholders and storage cubbies to keep everyone’s things organized.

Following its 2024 redesign, the interior materials feel more premium. Even the base model comes with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel, features often reserved for higher trims on other vehicles. The layout is straightforward, though some may find the reliance on the touchscreen for climate and volume controls to be a bit distracting compared to physical knobs.

Cargo space is another area where the Atlas excels. You get a generous 20.6 cubic feet of space behind the third row. Fold that row down, and the space expands to 55.5 cubic feet. For those big shopping trips or moving days, folding both the second and third rows flat opens up a massive 96.6 cubic feet of cargo volume, making it one of the most capable haulers in its class.

A Breakdown of the 2025 Atlas Trims

The 2025 Atlas is available in several trims, each building upon the last with more features and technology.

SE

  • Best for: Families who need maximum space and a strong set of standard features without breaking the bank.
  • Starting MSRP: Around $39,600

The base SE trim is impressively well-equipped. It comes standard with keyless access, three-zone automatic climate control, and V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces. The front seats are heated and ventilated, and the driver’s seat is power-adjustable. Technologically, it features the 12-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital cockpit, wireless charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The standard IQ.DRIVE suite of safety features includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.

SE with Technology

  • Best for: Buyers who want more convenience features and towing capability.
  • Starting MSRP: Around $43,700

This trim adds a front grille with an integrated lightbar, 20-inch alloy wheels, and remote start. It also includes a standard trailer hitch, unlocking the full 5,000-pound towing capacity. For added convenience, you get rear sunshades and more USB-C ports for back-seat passengers.

Peak Edition

  • Best for: Those who want a rugged, off-road-inspired look combined with the features of the SE with Technology.
  • Starting MSRP: Around $48,000

The Peak Edition is primarily an appearance package. It adds unique exterior styling with blacked-out trim, rugged body cladding, and 18-inch black alloy wheels with all-terrain tires. Inside, you'll find special décor and badging. While it looks the part, it doesn’t include mechanical upgrades for serious off-roading but does come standard with 4MOTION all-wheel drive. New for 2025, its exclusive Avocado Green and Pure Grey paint colors are now available on other trims.

SEL

  • Best for: Drivers looking for more luxury and advanced tech features.
  • Starting MSRP: Around $49,600

The SEL trim makes 4MOTION all-wheel drive standard and adds a significant number of premium upgrades. These include a panoramic sunroof, leather seating surfaces, and driver’s seat memory. The interior is enhanced with multi-color ambient lighting, and the safety tech is boosted with a head-up display and Dynamic Road Sign Display.

SEL Premium R-Line

  • Best for: The buyer who wants all the bells and whistles and a sportier design.
  • Starting MSRP: Around $54,600

At the top of the lineup, the SEL Premium R-Line combines luxury with a sporty aesthetic. It features unique R-Line exterior styling with 21-inch alloy wheels. The interior gets a major upgrade with perforated Vienna leather seats, which now include a massage function for the front passengers. It also comes standard with a premium Harman Kardon audio system and an overhead-view camera system (Area View) for easy parking.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas is a highly functional and spacious SUV that puts family needs first. Its powerful standard engine, comfortable ride, and class-leading cargo and passenger room make it a top choice for anyone needing a versatile three-row vehicle. While its interior design may not be as flashy as some rivals, its practicality and strong list of standard features are hard to beat. From the well-equipped base SE to the luxurious SEL Premium R-Line, there's an Atlas trim designed to fit a wide range of needs and budgets.