2025 VW Atlas: Stability, Comfort & Warmth, just like a Bear

Love for the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas, given the highly competitive midsize SUV market, is a little hard to come by as of late. 

To be sure, this is a good solid midsized SUV, perfect for those Bears who have offspring, human or animal.  

Standard on all trims is heated / ventilated front seats, a power driver’s seat, a heated steering wheel, 3-Zone climate control, alloy wheels, 12-inch touchscreen, smartphone charging (wireless), forward collision warning (with braking), blind-spot warning and intervention (when necessary), and lane-keep assist, among others. And that’s considerable. 

Earlier this century in 2016, I had the privilege of going to Santa Monica, California, for the launch of the Atlas, Volkswagen’s first venture into the big SUV market.  I had a lot of fun, stayed in a nice place by the beach – and got to see what a truly remarkable car the Atlas would become.

Sadly, the Atlas has lost a lot of its luster since then. It’s still a good dependable midsized SUV, though it drives and acts like a bigger vehicle.  Newer entrants like the Kia Telluride and the Hyundai Palisade give it a run for the money. 

I tested the midrange Peak Edition, which adds a panoramic sunroof, all-terrain tires, adjustable ambient lighting inside, black exterior trim, handsfree lift gate and front / rear parking sensors, among others. (You should consider the Peak Edition or higher, as you can All-Wheel Drive and other nice items.)

I will say, the dashboard technology left me wanting something more simplistic.  You have to first understand which on-screen buttons to push to do something – and surprise: there are very few buttons.  For example, you have to press a virtual button on the screen to change the temperature or fans, and then you have to figure out how to get back to the screen you want.  

(Hint: Use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto and that will save you some brain damage.)

Another drawback, if you will, is its precise but boring driving.  U.S. News and World Report calls the driving “bland” while praising its steering as “surprisingly accurate.”

If you are looking for an SUV that’s ‘just right’ (not too big, not too small), the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas would be a good selection.  As always (I know I sound like a broken record), please test drive it first.  

Again, this is not an order from Door Dash or Grubhub.  If your ‘new’ car is cold and smelly by the time it gets to your door, your credit card has already been charged thousands of dollars and you have to live with your vehicle purchase indefinitely.  

With food delivery, you may be still out the cash, but you can always start over that same day. 

We’ll be back next week with another car review Same Bat Time, Same Bat Channel.

See You Next Thursday.