2025 Volkswagen Atlas Towing Capacity Chart & Overview
Volkswagen Atlas Towing Capacity at a Glance
- The 2025 VW Atlas three-row SUV has a standard turbo engine and is capable of towing 5,000 pounds.1
- The sportier two-row Atlas Cross Sport can also tow up to 5,000 pounds1 and uses the same engine.
- Previous model years limited the 5,000-pound Volkswagen Atlas towing capacity to the available V-6 upgrade,2 but the 2025 Atlas models offer this strength with their base engine.1
- Discover 269 horsepower, 273 pound-feet of torque, premium standard features, massive cargo space, and more in the 2025 Atlas.
If you're deciding on your next Volkswagen SUV and are looking for the model that tows the most, you're probably interested in the Volkswagen Atlas towing capacity. The new 2025 VW Atlas is that SUV – it tows more than the rest of the VW lineup and many other competitors' vehicles as well. This spacious model is equipped with a powerful turbo engine, and we'll look at its specs and towing potential with our guide below. We'll also compare its towing capabilities with the VW Atlas Cross Sport towing capacity.
Many SUV shoppers know that the Volkswagen Atlas is a lean, mean, bumper-kicking machine. We're sure you also know that the Atlas can haul a respectable amount of weight behind it, but how much weight are we talking about exactly? Read on to find out with our VW Atlas towing capacity overview, where we'll outline everything you need to know.
After you finish reading our VW Atlas review and towing guide, you'll be ready to pick a trim model and color that matches your style with the towing capacity you need. Find the details with our guide below, and visit our Gunther Volkswagen Daytona Beach showroom to see and feel the power of a VW Atlas for yourself during a test drive.
Volkswagen Atlas Towing Capacity & Engine Specs
The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas is engineered to fit your family comfortably while also leaving plenty of room for cargo during road trips or shopping trips. If you are shopping for a new three-row, seven-passenger SUV that delivers plenty of cargo space, passenger room, and towing capacity, look no further – the Volkswagen Atlas checks all the boxes. Suppose you are wondering how the Volkswagen Atlas compares to the competition or which new SUV tows the most. In that case, you'll be glad to know the Volkswagen Atlas towing capacity is designed to bring everyone and everything along for the ride, as it is a maximum of 5,000 pounds.1
Drivers with large watercraft or second vehicles to tow love the VW Atlas towing package because it lets them maximize their weekend adventures and bring their toys along for the ride. To learn more about the towing capacity of Volkswagen Atlas models, stop by our dealership and talk to our team today. Our sales staff can walk through your needs and tell you how to get the most out of your new VW SUV.
Volkswagen Atlas Towing Capacity Chart
| VW Atlas Towing Capacity | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Drivetrain | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 VW Atlas | 5,000 lbs1 | 2.0L Turbo 4-Cyl | 269 | 273 lb-ft | FWD or AWD |
| 2024 VW Atlas | 5,000 lbs1 | 2.0L Turbo 4-Cyl | 269 | 273 lb-ft | FWD or AWD |
| 2023 VW Atlas | 2,000 lbs1 or 5,000 lbs2 | 2.0L Turbo 4-Cyl or 3.6L V-6 | 235 or 276 | 258 or 266 lb-ft | FWD or AWD |
| 2022 VW Atlas | 2,000 lbs1 or 5,000 lbs2 | 2.0L Turbo 4-Cyl or 3.6L V-6 | 235 or 276 | 258 or 266 lb-ft | FWD or AWD |
| 2021 VW Atlas | 2,000 lbs1 or 5,000 lbs2 | 2.0L Turbo 4-Cyl or 3.6L V-6 | 235 or 276 | 258 or 266 lb-ft | FWD or AWD |
| 2020 VW Atlas | 2,000 lbs1 or 5,000 lbs2 | 2.0L Turbo 4-Cyl or 3.6L V-6 | 235 or 276 | 258 or 266 lb-ft | FWD or AWD |
| 2019 WV Atlas | 2,000 lbs1 or 5,000 lbs2 | 2.0L Turbo 4-Cyl or 3.6L V-6 | 235 or 276 | 258 or 266 lb-ft | FWD or AWD |
| 2018 VW Atlas | 2,000 lbs1 or 5,000 lbs2 | 2.0L Turbo 4-Cyl or 3.6L V-6 | 235 or 276 | 258 or 266 lb-ft | FWD or AWD |
VW Atlas Engine Specs & Towing Capacity Details
If you're interested in the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas towing capacity, first let's highlight this SUV's enhanced engine compared to prior versions. The previous model years had a turbo four-cylinder and a V-6 available, but the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is now the only choice when you build your new Volkswagen Atlas. Don't fret, though, because it offers the same maximum as the previous model-year VW Atlas V-6 towing capacity.
While the standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine previously let the Atlas tow up to 2,000 pounds,1 its 2025 form enables the Atlas to tow up to 5,000 pounds.1 The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport towing capacity involves the same rating and engine specs. One of the reasons this turbo engine has gained so much towing power is that it's gained horsepower, too. It now powers the VW Atlas with 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque.
The top-of-the-line VW Atlas trim levels continue to come standard with 4MOTION and several drive modes. This feature puts you in control of different All-Wheel Drive modes so you can always choose the setting that fits your current driving situation the best. For the model's latest redesign, the available drive modes are now controlled via the center touchscreen rather than a dial.
Lower trims of the new 2025 Volkswagen Atlas come with standard FWD and have the option of adding 4MOTION AWD. If you have an active lifestyle, you might be looking for a AWD SUV that can tow up to 5,000 pounds.1 In that case, the new Volkswagen Atlas delivers the performance you demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the VW Atlas towing capacity?
When equipped with the 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas towing capacity reaches up to 5,000 pounds.1 The VW Atlas towing capacity previously relied on the optional V-6 engine to reach a maximum of 5,000 pounds,2 but the 2024 redesign of the VW Atlas enhanced the turbo engine to take its place.
How can I keep my cargo Safe?
When you're carrying a lot of weight behind you, it's important to balance the load properly. Keeping your towed cargo safe begins with reading your owner's manual and understanding tongue weights, proper tie-down procedures, load weight distribution, and other factors that go into safe towing. Thankfully, the automaker offers some great tools to help you stay safe while carrying everything you need.
Can a VW Atlas pull a trailer?
Yes, the VW Atlas can pull a trailer. The new 2025 VW Atlas offers an enhanced turbo engine with 273 pound-feet of torque, letting you tow up to 5,000 pounds.1 The 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine could previously only tow up to 2,000 pounds,1 while the 3.6-liter V-6 option allowed you to tow up to 5,000 pounds.2
Does the VW Atlas come with a tow hitch?
For the 2025 model year, all VW Atlas trims except for the SE come standard with a trailer hitch. The VW Atlas trailer hitch and ball mount are designed to withstand the most brutal forces of towing without compromising your safety. The hitch is a seven-pin connector, so you know it's capable of the vehicle's maximum towing capacity. To tow boats and campers, check out the new VW Atlas.
Find Your Next VW Atlas SUV Today
We hope you found this information about the towing capacity of Volkswagen Atlas SUVs useful. If you happen to have any remaining questions about the VW Atlas towing capacity, feel free to give us a call or send an email our way. Otherwise, if you're interested in another VW SUV with an equally impressive towing capacity, you might want to lease a VW Atlas Cross Sport.
We're here to answer any questions you have about standard towing, available features, and more. Let us help you find a new SUV you'll love at our dealership, Gunther Volkswagen Daytona Beach.
christine desy
16.12.2023
Had a great experience purchasing my 2024 Atlas. Michael Scarlett was very friendly and helpful and put me in the right vehicle. I will definitely go see him in the future.
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1Maximum tow rating when equipped with 2.0-liter engine and factory-installed towing hitch. Vehicle load, other accessories, and options may reduce maximum towing capacity. See vehicle Owner's Manual for details.
2Maximum tow rating when equipped with 3.6-liter engine and factory-installed towing hitch. Vehicle load, other accessories, and options may reduce maximum towing capacity. See vehicle Owner's Manual for details.