2027 VW Atlas Family Debuts Together at 2026 LA Auto Show

The Atlas family gains a more powerful evo5 EA888 2.0-liter TSI with 282 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

That boosted 2.0-liter turbocharged, direct-injection four-cylinder is the headline change as Volkswagen brings the all-new 2027 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport together for a joint public debut at the 2026 Los Angeles Auto Show. The two models were revealed separately earlier this year — the second-generation regular Atlas at the New York Auto Show in April and the Atlas Cross Sport in August — but Volkswagen of America will present them as a family for the first time in Los Angeles.

Volkswagen has been raising the profile of the new seven- and five-seat models as it tries to steady U.S. sales: Volkswagen of America reported third-quarter U.S. automotive deliveries down almost 11 percent year-over-year to about 78,000 units, with only the Tiguan and Jetta recording gains, up more than 27 percent and almost 25 percent respectively. Earlier this month Volkswagen announced a collaboration with NBCUniversal to "bring comedy legends together" in an NBC100 spot starring Tina Fey and Rachel Dratch that the company says will showcase the design and technology of the all-new 2027 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport.

Interior and equipment

Both models sit on an upgraded MQB Evo architecture and receive redesigned interiors with soft-touch surfaces and real wood decor. The seven-seat Atlas has been on sale since October and features a large free-standing infotainment screen: 15-inch on all versions except the base, which uses a 12.9-inch display. All versions are equipped with Volkswagen's 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro configurable gauge cluster. Standard items include a power liftgate, rear sunshades and a 9-speaker audio system; a 14-speaker Harman Kardon system is available on the range-topping trim.

The Atlas Cross Sport targets the five-seat midsize SUV segment and measures 196.6 inches overall, 6.5 inches shorter than the seven-seat Atlas and 2.2 inches lower, with a raked, coupe-like rear and a short rear overhang. Its cabin details include a black headliner, available olive-green contrast stitching and gray wood decor. Volkswagen says both models add more upscale features and new safety technology, including a new front center airbag and standard IQ.DRIVE driver assistance features.

Powertrain and driver assistance

The shared engine is Volkswagen's latest evo5 EA888 2.0-liter TSI, rated at 282 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, 13 hp more than the previous iteration. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic. Front-wheel drive is standard, and 4Motion all-wheel drive remains available. Both Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport include Travel Assist for semi-automated, hands-on driving and an upgraded capability for driver-initiated lane changes.

Volkswagen will use the Los Angeles Auto Show appearance to present the family in one show stand, underscoring the company’s push to reposition the Atlas line for 2027 and to give U.S. buyers a clearer choice between the family-oriented seven-seater and the sleeker five-seat Cross Sport.