Volkswagen's three-row family SUV, two ways: the all-new 2027 Atlas, or a 2026 Atlas at runout pricing. Both are in stock at Elk Grove Volkswagen.
Right now is an unusual moment to buy an Atlas: the redesigned 2027 is arriving while 2026 models are still on the lot. This page lays out the differences honestly so you can pick the one that fits, then links to our detailed guides for each.
The 2027 is newer and more powerful. The 2026 costs less and gives up surprisingly little.
| 2027 Atlas (all-new) | 2026 Atlas | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $43,135 | $39,310 |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo four, 282 hp / 258 lb-ft | 2.0L turbo four, 269 hp / 273 lb-ft |
| EPA combined MPG (AWD) | 23 | 21–22 |
| Largest touchscreen | 15" | 12" |
| 3rd-row legroom | 34.1" | 33.7" |
| Cargo behind 3rd row | 21.2 cu ft | 20.6 cu ft |
| Max cargo | 95.4 cu ft | 96.8 cu ft |
| Seating / towing | 7 / 5,000 lb | 7 / 5,000 lb |
| Trims | SE, SE w/ Technology, SEL R-Line, SEL Premium R-Line | SE, SE w/ Technology, Peak Edition, SEL, SEL Premium R-Line |
Green = better on that line. Manufacturer figures; MSRP excludes destination.
You want the latest design inside and out, the most powerful Atlas yet, the 15-inch screen and the newest driver tech, and you plan to keep the SUV a long time. New colors like Sacramento Green and Blackberry are 2027-only.
Price matters most. The 2026 starts nearly $4,000 lower before any runout offers, keeps ventilated front seats and IQ.DRIVE standard, and is the only way to get the rugged Peak Edition with all-terrain tires. See current Volkswagen specials.
The second-generation Atlas is new from the ground up. A 282-hp version of VW's 2.0-liter turbo is the most powerful Atlas engine yet, and AWD models are EPA-rated 20/27/23 mpg. Inside, an available 15-inch touchscreen, ventilated front seats on every trim and more third-row legroom than the Telluride, Palisade, Pilot or Ascent lead the upgrades.
SE, SE Technology, SEL R-Line and SEL Premium R-Line, from $43,135.
2027 ColorsAll eight colors, including new Sacramento Green and Blackberry.
CompareTelluride, Palisade, Pilot and Ascent on one page.
Head-to-headPlus Palisade, Pilot & Ascent head-to-heads.
More head-to-heads: Atlas vs. Palisade · Atlas vs. Pilot · Atlas vs. Ascent
Five trims, all with a 269-hp turbo, IQ.DRIVE driver assistance and heated and ventilated front seats. Prices are starting MSRP before destination.

From $39,310

From $43,730

From $48,060

From $49,620

From $54,630
Detailed guides on the questions Atlas shoppers ask us most.
Engine, transmission, fuel economy and capability.
SizeExterior size, interior room and garage fit.
CargoBehind every row, with real-world examples.
TowingWhat 5,000 pounds of towing gets you.
CompareThree rows or two: size, cargo and seating.
CompareMidsize or compact: which VW SUV fits.
CompareHow the Atlas stacks up against Toyota.
ColorsExterior and interior colors for the current-generation 2026.
Also: The all-new 2027 Atlas Cross Sport · Atlas maintenance schedule · All Volkswagen models
Every new Atlas bought from Elk Grove Volkswagen includes our Knight4Life lifetime engine warranty, covering vital engine components for as long as you own it (terms apply), on top of Volkswagen's 4-year/50,000-mile warranty and 2 years/20,000 miles of Carefree scheduled maintenance. With 2026 and 2027 models on the lot, you can drive both back to back in one visit.
Buy the 2027 if you want the newest design, the most power (282 hp), a larger available 15-inch screen and a little more third-row room. Buy the 2026 if you want the lowest price: it starts at $39,310 MSRP versus $43,135 for the 2027, it has slightly more total cargo space and more torque, and runout offers often apply. Both seat seven and tow 5,000 pounds.
The 2026 Atlas starts at $39,310 MSRP for the SE and runs to $54,630 for the SEL Premium R-Line. The all-new 2027 Atlas starts at $43,135 for the SE and runs to $58,135 for the SEL Premium R-Line. Prices exclude destination, taxes and fees.
The 2027 Atlas is a full redesign: new exterior and interior styling, an updated 2.0-liter turbo making 282 horsepower, an available 15-inch touchscreen, a revised trim lineup (SE, SE with Technology, SEL R-Line and SEL Premium R-Line) and new colors including Sacramento Green and Blackberry.
Seven in the standard 2-3-2 layout, or six with available second-row captain's chairs. If you don't need a third row, the two-row Atlas Cross Sport is the sportier alternative.
Up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, on both the 2026 and 2027 Atlas.
Yes. 4MOTION all-wheel drive is available on SE trims and standard on higher trims of both model years.
No. Every 2026 and 2027 Atlas uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine.
2026 and 2027 Atlas models are in stock in Elk Grove. Browse inventory or call and we'll line up a back-to-back test drive.
Elk Grove Volkswagen · 9776 W Stockton Blvd, Elk Grove, CA 95757 · Sales 916-460-8489 · Serving Sacramento, Stockton, Folsom & the Central Valley
MSRP shown is manufacturer's suggested retail price and excludes destination, taxes, title, license, registration, dealer documentation fees and optional equipment. Dealer price may vary; see dealer for current pricing, offers and availability. Runout offers, where available, are subject to change and qualification. Specifications, features and EPA estimates are based on manufacturer information available at the time of writing, vary by trim, model year and configuration, and are subject to change; actual mileage will vary. Towing requires proper equipment. Knight4Life benefits are provided by Elk Grove Volkswagen, not Volkswagen of America; see dealer for terms and exclusions. Driver assistance features are not a substitute for attentive driving.