The Volkswagen team has been observed conducting road tests for a revamped version of the Atlas, and the emerging midsize SUV seems to be nearing the final stages of its development process.
Its unveiling is anticipated to occur next year, ready to hit the 2026 market segment in the United States.
Since its launch for the 2018 model year, the existing Atlas has maintained a consistent market presence, with annual sales averaging upward of 60,000 vehicles. With such robust performance figures, it’s improbable that VW will introduce radical changes to the Atlas lineage, and early glimpses of the prototype reinforce this expectation.
The proportions of the new generation appear to closely mirror its predecessor, with the SUV’s signature styling cues slightly refined in the upcoming iteration. While the prototype wears concealment for finer design elements like the lighting and front grille, readily noticeable features like the body-integrated door handles and a prominent rooftop rear spoiler are quite apparent.
This particular test model is for the Atlas with three rows of seating, although it’s believed that VW is concurrently developing a fresh version of the Atlas Cross Sport, sporting two rows.
The foundation for the novel Atlas is anticipated to be a refined iteration of the MQB architecture found in the current model, dubbed the MQB Evo. This enhanced platform is compatible with electrified drivetrains, including options for plug-in hybrid models, even though it remains uncertain whether such variants will be offered for the Atlas. At its introduction, the probable powertrain option will be the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with 269 horsepower, which became the standard from the 2024 model.
The American variants are expected to continue production at VW’s Chattanooga, Tennessee facility, the site at which the present Atlas is assembled. Besides the States, VW also assembles the Atlas—marketed as the Teramont—within China’s borders.
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