What Is the Largest Volkswagen SUV?

German automaker Volkswagen Group boasts an expansive SUV lineup with models to match everyone’s tastes and preferences. The best-selling Volkswagen Tiguan, for instance, provides flexibility for family commutes and mild adventures. And the all-electric Volkswagen ID.4 delivers remarkable range, making it ideal for environmentally-savvy commuters. However, if you’re looking for a dedicated family hauler to accommodate several people and their gear, you’ll need more space than these models can provide.

Image used with permission via Volkswagen US Media Site

That’s where the Volkswagen Atlas comes in. Stick around as we unveil the biggest Volkswagen SUV, and learn why it’s the perfect choice for family and group adventures.

The Largest Volkswagen SUV: The Atlas

Volkswagen has seen a surge in SUV sales in recent years. For instance, in 2024, these models accounted for 47% of the company’s vehicle sales. This growing popularity of Volkswagen SUV models has sparked the curiosity of buyers, with many seeking to find out what the largest Volkswagen SUV is.

While the Volkswagen Talagon is the largest SUV ever produced by the company, it was designed mainly for the Chinese market in collaboration with China’s state-owned automaker, FAW Group. This full-size three-row SUV measures a remarkable 202.8 inches in length, 78.8 inches in width, and 70.7 inches in height.

For most global markets, particularly North America and Europe, the Atlas is the largest available Volkswagen SUV. It measures 200.7 inches long, 78.3 inches wide, and 70.1 inches tall and can seat up to seven passengers. The model offers a maximum cargo capacity of 96.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down and can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

Inside the Volkswagen Atlas

When you slide into the driver’s seat of a new Volkswagen Atlas, you’ll notice the spacious cabin brimming with comfort features throughout. The SUV offers generous headroom across all rows to ensure relaxing drives for everyone, no matter where they’re seated. In the front row, you get an impressive 41.3 inches of headroom and 41.7 inches of legroom. The second row offers 40.4 inches of headroom and 37.6 inches of legroom, slightly less than the front row but still enough to accommodate children and average-size adult occupants. The third row provides 38.3 inches of headroom and 33.7 inches of legroom.

This family-friendly Volkswagen also features numerous comfort amenities that elevate even the most mundane commutes into fun-filled adventures. The standard leatherette seats provide excellent shoulder, back, and hip support, and the leather seating surfaces on higher trims add a luxurious touch to the model’s interior. The available sunroof allows additional natural light into the cabin, giving it an open and spacious feel. Other noteworthy comfort features include heated and ventilated front seats, trizone automatic climate control, and multicolor adjustable ambient lighting.

Performance and Technology in the Atlas

All 2025 Volkswagen Atlas models are equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This formidable powerplant is paired with an eight-speed shiftable automatic transmission and a front-wheel drivetrain or Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system.

In test-drives, the 2025 Atlas achieves an impressive 0-to-60 mph sprint time of just 7.3 seconds, which matches its rival, the Chevrolet Traverse. On the fuel economy front, the base model gets EPA-estimated ratings of 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway when equipped with front-wheel drive, and 19/26 mpg with 4MOTION all-wheel drive.

The latest iteration of the Volkswagen Atlas also packs numerous tech features for all-around family fun and entertainment during commutes. Sitting smack in the dashboard’s center is a large 12-inch touch screen, giving you seamless access to your favorite entertainment and communication apps. The standard six-speaker sound system lets you enjoy your playlists while on the go, and built-in wireless charging ensures your smartphone stays juiced up for long drives. The cabin also features up to eight USB ports so everyone you’re traveling with can charge their devices simultaneously.

Safety is a crucial consideration in the design of Volkswagen SUVs, and the 2025 Atlas is no exception. The model features various safety systems to keep you and your travel companions protected on the road. For instance, the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System is designed to slow the vehicle after a collision, reducing the likelihood of additional impact. Likewise, the standard Intelligent Crash Response System turns off the fuel pump, automatically unlocks the doors, and activates hazard lights after a collision.

How the Atlas Stacks Up Against Competitors

There are several reasons the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas is often a favored choice over its rivals, such as the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Grand Highlander. One of the Volkswagen’s best selling points is its attractive price tag. With a starting MSRP of $38,200, the Atlas is more pocket-friendly than all three rivals. The Ford Explorer has a starting MSRP of $39,785, while the Honda Pilot starts at $40,200 and the Toyota Grand Highlander at $40,860.

The Atlas also has a slight advantage over its rivals in terms of spaciousness. While the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas interior dimensions are similar to those of its top competitors, its third row offers better passenger comfort. With 33.7 inches of legroom in the third row, the Atlas provides more room for passengers to stretch and relax their legs.

By comparison, its closest rival in this regard, the Toyota Grand Highlander, offers 33.5 inches of legroom in the third row. The Ford Explorer and the Honda Pilot have even less legroom in their third rows, with the Explorer offering 32.2 inches and the Pilot providing just 31.9 inches.

Experience Unrivalled Comfort With the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Today

Are you still unsure whether the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas is the perfect choice for your family adventures? Our team at Volkswagen of Marion is here to help you decide. Schedule a free test-drive today to experience the SUV’s unmatched cabin comfort and discover why it’s a favorite pick for many families in Marion, Illinois.