If you're deciding on your next VW SUV and are looking for the model that tows the most, you're probably interested in the Volkswagen Atlas towing capacity. The new 2023 VW Atlas is that SUV, towing more than the rest of the VW lineup and more than many competitors can haul. This powerful model offers two engine options, and we're going to look at each option's specs and towing capacities with our guide below. We'll also compare their capabilities and the VW Atlas Cross Sport towing capacity. After you finish reading our VW Atlas review and towing overview, you'll be ready to pick a trim model and color that matches your style with the towing capacity you need.
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 and find out with our VW Atlas towing capacity overview; we'll outline everything you need to know.
After reading the specs, visit us at Gunther Volkswagen Daytona Beach to feel the power of a VW Atlas for yourself with a test drive.
VW Atlas Towing Capacity Chart
The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas is engineered to fit your small family comfortably while also having plenty of room for cargo during road trips or shopping trips. If you are shopping for a new three-row, seven-passenger SUV and are looking for something that delivers plenty of cargo space, passenger room, and towing capacity, look no further. The 2023 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.
Drivers with large watercrafts 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 Volkswagen Atlas towing capacity, stop by our dealership in Daytona Beach, FL. Our sales team can ask about your needs and tell you how to get the most out of your new Volkswagen SUV.
Volkswagen Atlas Towing Capacity Chart | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VW Atlas Towing Capacity | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Drivetrain | |
| 2023 VW Atlas | 2,000 pounds1 or 5,000 pounds2 | 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder or 3.6-liter V-6 | 235 or 276 | 258 or 266 pound-feet | FWD or AWD |
| 2022 VW Atlas | 2,000 pounds1 or 5,000 pounds2 | 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder or 3.6-liter V-6 | 235 or 276 | 258 or 266 pound-feet | FWD or AWD |
| 2021 VW Atlas | 2,000 pounds1 or 5,000 pounds2 | 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder or 3.6-liter V-6 | 235 or 276 | 258 or 266 pound-feet | FWD or AWD |
| 2020 VW Atlas | 2,000 pounds1 or 5,000 pounds2 | 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder or 3.6-liter V-6 | 235 or 276 | 258 or 266 pound-feet | FWD or AWD |
| 2019 WV Atlas | 2,000 pounds1 or 5,000 pounds2 | 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder or 3.6-liter V-6 | 235 or 276 | 258 or 266 pound-feet | FWD or AWD |
| 2018 VW Atlas | 2,000 pounds1 or 5,000 pounds2 | 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder or 3.6-liter V-6 | 235 or 276 | 258 or 266 pound-feet | FWD or AWD |
VW Atlas Engine Options & Towing Capacities
If you're interested in the Volkswagen Atlas towing capacity, the first feature to highlight is how the new 2023 Volkswagen Atlas SUV offers a choice between two powerful engines. When you build your new Volkswagen Atlas, you can select the impressive standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers up to 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque or an available 3.6-liter V-6 engine that produces up to 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque.
The standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine lets the Atlas tow up to 2,000 pounds.1 If you opt for the Volkswagen Atlas with the available 3.6-liter V-6 engine, the VW Atlas towing capacity will rise to accommodate up to 5,000 pounds.2 The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport towing capacity involves the same rating per engine.
The top-of-the-line VW Atlas trim level also comes equipped with 4MOTION® featuring the Active Control drive mode select system. This feature puts you in control of four different available All-Wheel Drive modes so you can choose the mode that fits your current driving situation the best. Drive modes include:
- Snow Mode
- On-Road Mode
- Off-Road Mode
- Off-Road Custom Mode
Along with a choice of engines, the new 2023 Volkswagen Atlas comes with standard FWD and the option of adding 4MOTION® AWD. When considering your active lifestyle, you might be looking for a new AWD SUV that can tow up to 5,000 pounds.2 In that case, the new Volkswagen Atlas towing capacity 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 2023 Volkswagen Atlas towing capacity reaches up to 2,000 pounds.1 To increase the VW Atlas towing capacity to a maximum of 5,000 pounds2 so that you can tow larger loads, spec your 2023 Volkswagen Atlas with the 3.6-liter V-6 engine. Talk to our team about how you can add a towing package to your vehicle.
How Can I Keep My Cargo Safe?
Carrying all that 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 more factors that go into safe towing. Thankfully, Volkswagen 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 2023 VW Atlas offers two engine options, each with its own towing capacity. The 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine can tow up to 2,000 pounds,1 while the 3.6-liter V-6 can tow up to 5,000 pounds.2 You can build your Atlas accordingly, depending on the weight of your trailer.
Does the VW Atlas come with a tow hitch?
If you spec your new VW Atlas with the V-6 engine, you can add a VW Atlas trailer hitch and ball mount 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 max towing capacity. To tow boats and campers, check out the new VW Atlas.
Shop VW Atlas Lease Deals
We hope you found this information about the Volkswagen Atlas towing capacity 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. And, if you're interested in another VW SUV with an equally impressive towing capacity, you might want to lease a VW Atlas Cross Sport.
If you have any questions about VW Atlas or Atlas Cross Sport 2.0 towing capacity, please get in touch with our dealership. 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 in Daytona Beach, Florida.
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