Close Volkswagen Atlas Towing Capacity – Berge Volkswagen
Volkswagen Atlas Towing at a Glance
- The Volkswagen Atlas can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, which enables you to bring along a small travel trailer or pop-up camper, a fishing boat, Jet Skis, an ATV, or motorcycles, among other things.
- The 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine inside the new Volkswagen Atlas SUV provides this towing capacity, along with up to 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque.
- A towing hitch comes standard on all models of the Volkswagen Atlas except for the base SE trim. This hitch is essential for towing with the Volkswagen Atlas SUV.
- The overall towing capacity of the vehicle can vary depending on added options as well as the weight of passengers or cargo inside the vehicle. Be sure to consult your owner's manual for information specific to your vehicle.
The Family-Focused & Adventure-Ready Volkswagen Atlas Towing Capacity
Even in a class of muscular SUVs, the Volkswagen Atlas towing capacity rises above much of the competition with massive strength. You can go on a road trip in this high-performance VW SUV and bring it all along. The Volkswagen Atlas is capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, letting you bring along a camper to the wild or a boat to the lake.
Learn more about the towing capacity VW Atlas SUVs can achieve below, and visit us at Berge Volkswagen to test-drive this premier three-row VW SUV.
What Makes the 2025 VW Atlas Towing Capacity Possible?
The VW Atlas is the largest SUV out of all new VW vehicles – and one of the most robust. Strength, as you'd expect, plays a huge role in towing capabilities. But a muscular engine must still be paired with a strong chassis and a well-engineered transmission to handle the extra weight incurred while towing – which is exactly what the Atlas offers.
The Atlas SUV's towing capacity is motivated by a turbocharged kick. The standard VW Atlas engine is a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder unit with 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Previous models had access to a 3.6-liter V-6 engine, which was the key to unlocking the top VW Atlas towing capacity. Now, however, the upgraded 2.0-liter turbocharged powertrain now does the trick.
On every new and many pre-owned VW Atlas SUVs, an eight-speed automatic transmission handles things with smoothness and strength to help the VW Atlas towing capacity rise to such heights. FWD and 4MOTION AWD are both available, and with the Driving Mode Selection, Rear View Camera System, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Assist technologies found on many models, the VW Atlas is ready to handle your needs with ease.
Volkswagen Atlas Towing Capacity in Previous Model Years
As mentioned, previous Atlas iterations offered two engine options and required you to configure your SUV with the more potent powertrain to achieve the 5,000-pound VW Atlas towing capacity.
If you're looking for 2023 or earlier VW Atlas models, the standard 235-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine could let the Atlas tow up to 2,000 pounds,1 while the available 3.6-liter V-6 engine would let Atlas SUVs tow up to 5,000 pounds.2 The V-6 delivered 276 horsepower.
This makes the new 2025 VW Atlas a very attractive SUV, as it shows how VW engineers revised the car from the ground up to tow more without needing more cylinders at its command.
Is the VW Atlas Cross Sport Towing Capacity Different?
The VW Atlas Cross Sport shares most VW Atlas specs and features but brings a coupe-like roof for enhanced sporty vibes and sweet looks. It also has two rows of spacious seating instead of three.
The 2025 Atlas Cross Sport also comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine that makes 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Previous iterations had the same engine options as the standard Atlas: the 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder and the 3.6-liter V-6.
Similar to the VW Atlas towing capacity, the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine lets the 2025 VW Atlas Cross Sport tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
The VW Atlas Towing Package
Towing requires more than just a specific powertrain. To make use of the maximum Volkswagen Atlas towing capacity, you need a tow hitch. Luckily, most trims of the 2025 Atlas come standard with the VW Atlas tow hitch. To learn more about the towing requirements for the new Atlas, don't hesitate to contact our Volkswagen dealer in Gilbert, AZ. We can discuss proper towing etiquette or even help you order or install towing accessories.
Discover the Mighty VW Atlas at Berge Volkswagen
The robust Volkswagen Atlas has an array of impressive tech and comfort features to explore, in addition to its high towing capacity. Visit our VW dealership today to discover it all, and let our Volkswagen finance department help you get into a 2025 VW Atlas with a budget-fitting deal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a VW Atlas tow a boat?
A VW Atlas can tow a boat – its 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity1 can handle many smaller watercraft. A 5,000-pound towing capacity1 is perfect for hauling a lot of different things, allowing for smooth adventures, no matter what they entail. Bring along a camper, motorcycles, a gear-filled travel trailer, and other types of towed cargo with ease.
Can a VW Atlas tow a camper?
The VW Atlas has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds,1 which means it can tow a camper if the camper and its contents weigh under 5,000 pounds and the VW Atlas is properly equipped. The VW Atlas towing capacity is well-suited to conquer many towing tasks, including a wide range of modest campers. Find out more today at our VW dealership.
Does the VW Atlas have towing settings?
Although the VW Atlas has Driving Mode Selection, a collection of settings that can adapt the performance of this powerful VW SUV to the road ahead, it doesn't have specific towing settings. However, our specialists can help you learn about the driving modes available and how to operate them while on the road. We'll also explain more about what the maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds1 can accomplish.
Additional VW Atlas Resources
| VW Atlas Vs. Kia Telluride Comparison | VW Atlas Vs. Toyota Highlander Comparison |
| Volkswagen Atlas Interior | Volkswagen Atlas Configurations |
1Maximum tow rating when equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder 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 a 3.6-liter V-6 engine and factory-installed towing hitch. Vehicle load, other accessories, and options may reduce maximum towing capacity. See vehicle Owner's Manual for details.