DecodedCars2025 Volkswagen Atlas
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2025 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV 4motion 2.0l, 4dr SUV 4motion 3.6l, Sport Cross 4dr SUV 4motion 2.0l, Sport Cross 4dr SUV 4motion 3.6l
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 269 hp
- Transmission
- 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5–7
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 20 city / 26 hwy
- Length
- 195.7–200.8 in
- Curb weight
- 4,442–4,594 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 5 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Seats up to 73 rows of seating.
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 23 MPG combined, 21% below the 2025 small SUV average of 29 MPG.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2025 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas is a small SUV offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 201 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 117-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,442 lb (4dr SUV 4motion 2.0l).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 26 highway), 21% worse than the 2025 small SUV average of 29 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 76 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2025
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2024 Atlas — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2024; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2024 Atlas →
Trims, performance & features
Engine269 hp2.0L turbo 4-cyl
Transmission8-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating5–7 seats · 3 rows
Trims
4Motion SEL Premium R-Line4Motion SEL4Motion Peak Edition SE4Motion SEL R-Line
Safety & driver-assist features
Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Parking assistStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes
Built in: Chattanooga, Tennessee
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2025 Atlas configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV 4motion 2.0l | 200.8 in | 78 in | 68.9 in | 117.3 in | 67.7 / 67.7 in | 4,442 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr SUV 4motion 3.6l | 200.8 in | 78 in | 68.9 in | 117.3 in | 67.7 / 67.7 in | 4,594 lb | 57/43 |
| Sport Cross 4dr SUV 4motion 2.0l | 195.7 in | 78.3 in | 67.7 in | 117.3 in | 67.3 / 67.7 in | 4,442 lb | 57/43 |
| Sport Cross 4dr SUV 4motion 3.6l | 195.7 in | 78.3 in | 67.7 in | 117.3 in | 67.3 / 67.7 in | 4,594 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlas Cross Sport | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 23 | -21% | $2,900 | 392 |
| Atlas | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 22 | -24% | $3,050 | 402 |
| Atlas SEL 4motion | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | -18% | $3,200 | 428 |
| Atlas SE 4motion | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 21 | -18% | $3,200 | 420 |
| Atlas Cross Sport 4motion | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 21 | -18% | $3,200 | 420 |
| Atlas 4motion Peak Edition | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 20 | -22% | $3,350 | 436 |
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $2,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
29 MPG2025 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2025 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Volkswagen Atlas SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.9% |
| 2025 Volkswagen Atlas SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 13.6% |
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Similar 2025 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Volkswagen Atlas (this car) | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2025 Toyota 4Runner | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2025 Ford Explorer | 24 MPG | ★★★★★ | 22 |
| 2025 Toyota Highlander | 35 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2025 Kia Telluride | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
Recalls (5)
Back Over Prevention › Software · Jul 22, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V473000 · 57,851 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling 2024-2026 Atlas Cross Sport and Atlas vehicles. The vehicles may experience a low-voltage electrical event that affects display screen functions. As a result, the rearview camera image may fail to display as intended.
- Risk
- A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driverâs view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 28, 2026.
Suspension · Jun 30, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V434000 · 546 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport and 2023-2024 ID.4 vehicles. Certain bolts on the chassis, brake system and/or suspension (such as bolts for certain cross member, engine mount, control arm, subframe, rear brake carrier, etc.) of affected vehicles may not have been correctly tightened during the manufacturing process.
- Risk
- A loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 25, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42HX.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · May 21, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V334000 · 171,381 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Atlas Cross Sport and Atlas vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to become distorted when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A distorted rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the camera control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 5, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91SB.
Engine · Feb 17, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V100000 · 177,493 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The engine cover may have been improperly installed after vehicle service, allowing it to come loose and contact hot engine surfaces.
- Risk
- A loose engine cover that contacts hot surfaces in the engine compartment can melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will remove the engine cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 7, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 10X5.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Feb 12, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V081000 · 19 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2025 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The transmission may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in a loss of drive power.
- Risk
- A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the transmission, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 12, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 38CX.
Not every 2025 Volkswagen Atlas is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
76Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
1Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
9,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2025 Volkswagen Atlas buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 29 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 18 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 12 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 9,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Atlas years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Atlas | 25 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Atlas | 23 | 200.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 12 |
| 2024 Atlas | 23 | 200.8 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 277 |
| 2023 Atlas | 23 | 200.8 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 160 |
| 2022 Atlas | 23 | 200.8 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 263 |
| 2021 Atlas | 22 | 200.8 in | ★★★★★ | 17 | 647 |
| 2020 Atlas | 22 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 11 | 135 |
| 2019 Atlas | 22 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 12 | 484 |
| 2018 Atlas | 24 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 17 | 466 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →