2026 Volkswagen Atlas Towing Capacity
2026 Volkswagen Atlas Towing Capacity at a Glance
- The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
- Most VW Atlas trims come with the equipment needed to reach this capacity.
- The 5,000-pound VW Atlas tow capacity permits you to bring a pair of Jet Skis to the water or a teardrop camper to a campsite near Washington, D.C.
- The VW Atlas also provides almost 100 cubic feet of interior storage space with the back rows folded down.
The New VW Atlas Towing Capacity
When properly equipped, the Volkswagen Atlas towing capacity is 5,000 pounds. This dynamic SUV provides all the muscle and cabin space you need for fun adventures in Fairfax, VA – you can use a new Atlas to tow the family boat to Fountainhead Regional Park or Burke Lake. When you're ready to upgrade to a new VW Atlas, the DARCARS Volkswagen Fairfax team will set up a convenient test drive on your schedule.
Below, we'll detail the components needed to unlock the maximum VW Atlas tow capacity and the evolution of the vehicle's capabilities over the years. Please don't hesitate to reach out to our friendly team with any further questions about this bold machine.
How To Achieve the Top Towing Capacity of Volkswagen Atlas SUVs
To reach the maximum VW Atlas towing rating, you'll need to either opt for a trim that isn't the entry-level SE variant or equip said base model with an optional trailer hitch. The SE with Technology and higher-tier trims all come standard with a towing hitch that offers a 5,000-pound towing capacity. The hitch also comes with a wiring harness for trailer brake lights.
In previous models, you needed all-wheel drive to unlock the highest Volkswagen Atlas towing capacity. Now, though, you can do so with a front-wheel-drive variant and the appropriate equipment. Whether you should get a new VW Atlas with front- or all-wheel drive depends on your preferences; front-wheel-drive models have slightly higher gas mileage ratings, while all-wheel drive provides more traction and control.
Below, you can review the VW Atlas towing capacity over the years. The maximum amount has remained steady, as you can see, but it's more accessible than ever in 2026.
? Drag to scroll ?
| Volkswagen Atlas Model Year | Maximum Towing Capacity |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 5,000 lbs |
| 2011 | 5,000 lbs |
| 2012 | 5,000 lbs |
| 2013 | 5,000 lbs |
| 2014 | 5,000 lbs |
| 2015 | 5,000 lbs |
| 2016 | 5,000 lbs |
| 2017 | 5,000 lbs |
| 2018 | 5,000 lbs |
| 2019 | 5,000 lbs |
| 2020 | 5,000 lbs |
| 2021 | 5,000 lbs |
| 2022 | 5,000 lbs |
| 2023 | 5,000 lbs |
| 2024 | 5,000 lbs |
| 2025 | 5,000 lbs |
| 2026 | 5,000 lbs |
How Can Volkswagen Atlas Tow So Much?
In addition to the items described above, the VW Atlas gets such a high towing capacity maximum by virtue of its strong powertrain and frame. The vehicle is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Combined with the trailer hitch described above, this permits you to tow up to 5,000 pounds.
The Volkswagen Atlas can serve many drivers near Washington, D.C., well. People with a gaggle of kids will love the fact that the Atlas can seat up to seven while still retaining the storage space for a couple of bags of sports gear. Adventurers will appreciate the SUV's spaciousness, too, though perhaps for different reasons – the Atlas can be a great car-camping machine, whether or not you outfit it with an available bike carrier or rooftop cargo box.
The VW Atlas towing package and engine, when they join forces to give you 5,000 pounds of towing ability, allow you to tow many things, including:
- Teardrop camper
- Small trailer with an ATV
- Small trailer with a pair of dirt bikes
- Fishing boat
- Jet Skis
Visit Us for a Test Drive
Now that you've read our Volkswagen Atlas towing review, we imagine that you're ready to get into the driver's seat of one of these muscular SUVs. The team here at DARCARS Volkswagen Fairfax is excited to help you start piloting a new VW Atlas. You can apply for one of our competitive VW Atlas lease deals or a financing loan online or when you visit us in Fairfax, VA.
Another option that many drivers consider is to purchase a used VW Atlas. As we saw above, the Atlas has had a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped for many years. When shopping for a pre-owned model, you'll have to ensure it has the right configuration to reach this capacity.
If you aren't positive that the Atlas is the perfect fit for your life, you can research all VW models on our website. Please reach out to us today if you have any questions about the Volkswagen Atlas towing capacity or anything else related to Volkswagen vehicles.
Volkswagen Atlas Towing Capacity Summary
The 2026 VW Atlas is a muscular, three-row SUV that can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. It achieves this capacity when outfitted with a trailer hitch; this comes standard on many models but is optional on the entry-level 2026 Volkswagen Atlas SE. You can reach this maximum with either front- or all-wheel drive. The Atlas relies on its robust turbocharged engine to produce the power to tow so much.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has the Atlas towing capacity changed over the years?
Since its introduction, the VW Atlas has had a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. What has changed over the years, however, is the availability of this capacity across the lineup. For years, one had to upgrade to a V-6 model to unlock this ability. Now, every variant of the Atlas can reach its full 5,000-pound potential.
What engine does the 2026 VW Atlas have?
The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that provides 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This setup is a crucial component of the car's 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity. While front-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive is available for every variant of the 2026 Atlas – and is standard on some.
Does towing capacity change with AWD vs. FWD?
While the drivetrain used to play a role in determining whether or not you could hit the Volkswagen Atlas tow capacity maximum, that is no longer the case. Now, both front- and all-wheel-drive Atlas models are able to tow up to 5,000 pounds with the proper equipment. Please visit our dealership today to learn more about what the Atlas brings to the table.
What is the payload capacity of the VW Atlas?
The 2026 VW Atlas has a maximum payload capacity of 1,102 pounds when properly equipped. You can load your family and enough luggage for a weekend getaway into this spacious SUV. The vehicle provides up to 96.6 cubic feet of storage space, so you can also use it for hauling furniture on moving day. Visit our dealership in Fairfax, VA, today to learn more.
Featured Customer Review
Lou
03/15/2025
We worked with Emmanuel Dugbartey and can honestly say doing business with him was a true pleasure. He was extremely responsive, thorough, honest, knowledgable, and had removed any stress in purchasing our new Atlas.