2026 Volkswagen Atlas Towing Capacity
Volkswagen Atlas Towing at a Glance
- Thanks to its enhanced 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the Volkswagen Atlas three-row SUV can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
- This capacity allows it to safely tow Jet Skis, motorcycles, small campers, and even boats, while also letting the family get in on the fun with three rows of seating.
- Every model in the trim lineup, except for the SE, comes with the towing hitch standard, meaning the SE is the only vehicle that requires a towing package to reach its maximum capability.
- While this capacity is fantastic for a midsize SUV, a myriad of factors may affect it, including the weight of items stored on the trailer or if you have cargo in the trunk. For more information, please contact Berge Volkswagen.
The Family-Focused & Adventure-Ready Volkswagen Atlas Towing Capacity
The Volkswagen Atlas towing capacity of 5,000 pounds1 is designed for the family that needs every vacation to be memorable. Comfortably able to handle the weight necessary for small vehicles like Jet Skis, you'll find that this midsize three-row SUV is consistently able to impress with its ability to haul. However, that does require the towing hitch, an accessory that is only standard on most of the lineup.
At Berge Volkswagen, you'll have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas towing capacity, such as how to weigh your trailer and which trims have a hitch as standard. Before you visit us, let's take a digital tour of everything that makes the VW Atlas so versatile.
What Makes the 2026 VW Atlas Towing Capacity Possible?
The VW Atlas is the largest SUV out of all new VW vehicles, and its size helps it maintain an excellent tow rating. Engine strength is important, but so is having a sturdy chassis to attach your hitch to. The Atlas does both.
The VW Atlas is a 200.7-inch-long SUV with a wheelbase of 117.3 inches. The MQB chassis architecture and stamped-steel body craft a powerful yet lightweight vehicle – at a standard curb weight of just 4,317 pounds, the VW Atlas avoids the bulky or hard-to-maneuver feel of many three-row SUVs. The factory-installed hitch is built right into the frame, and the Atlas SE can have the hitch installed at a specific point designed to easily hold the weight.
Where this three-row SUV historically utilized a 3.6-liter V-6 to access the maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds,2 the current-generation VW Atlas can reach it with its fresh 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder setup. This engine, which outputs 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, is responsive and potent, without sacrificing the fuel efficiency that makes the standard Volkswagen SUV so notable.
Even among many of our pre-owned VW Atlas SUVs, your towing capacity is well-supported by an eight-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly between gears, allowing for easy takeoff and smooth braking. You can choose FWD or 4MOTION AWD and be comfortable towing up to 5,000 pounds.1 Additional driver assistance software, such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Travel Assist, Lane Assist, and Front Assist, work together to craft a confidence-inspiring drive from the moment you hitch up until you reach your destination.
Volkswagen Atlas Towing Capacity in Previous Model Years
This 5,000-pound towing capacity1 is impressive, but how did the past VW Atlas models hold up? Turns out, it's quite similar! Even in the past, you could access this high-end capacity, though you'd sometimes need to jump through an extra hoop, as different engines had different maximum towing capacities.
For instance, say you're looking at a 2023 VW Atlas. This model could only tow up to 2,000 pounds by default1 with its 235-horsepower four-cylinder engine. The available 3.6-liter V-6 engine would let Atlas SUVs tow up to 5,000 pounds.2 These older iterations did not always come with a hitch, so it's important to check the rear bumper when shopping for a pre-owned Atlas.
The 2026 VW Atlas is a premium choice for towing – it always has a 5,000-pound towing capability.1 See the chart below for an overview of the VW Atlas models you're likely to see in our pre-owned inventory or our new vehicle showroom. You'll notice that a number of VW SUVs share the 5,000-pound standard capacity of this year's Atlas.1
| Year | Standard Towing Capacity | Available Towing Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5,000 lbs1 | 5,000 lbs1 |
| 2025 | 5,000 lbs1 | 5,000 lbs1 |
| 2024 | 5,000 lbs1 | 5,000 lbs1 |
| 2023 | 2,000 lbs3 | 5,000 lbs2 |
| 2022 | 2,000 lbs3 | 5,000 lbs2 |
| 2021 | 2,000 lbs3 | 5,000 lbs2 |
| 2020 | 2,000 lbs3 | 5,000 lbs2 |
| 2019 | 2,000 lbs3 | 5,000 lbs2 |
| 2018 | 2,000 lbs3 | 5,000 lbs2 |
Is the VW Atlas Cross Sport Towing Capacity Different?
While the VW Atlas is a family-friendly model, not every garage needs a three-row SUV. That's where the Atlas Cross Sport comes in: a two-row variant of the midsize Atlas. This five-seater is an excellent pick for drivers who want a slightly bigger option than the Tiguan.
The VW Atlas Cross Sport is smaller than its standard Atlas sibling. However, that actually has little impact on its towing capacity, as it still has a standard and available tow rating of 5,000 pounds.1 That means you get the improved maneuverability of the Cross Sport while being able to handle most gear that the Atlas could. It also has a higher capacity than the Tiguan, making the Atlas Cross Sport an exceptional midpoint between the Tiguan and Atlas.
You're not even losing out on many features: the Atlas Cross Sport still includes amenities like the standard wireless charging station, Front Assist, and available Head-Up Display – just like its big sibling. You will need to make sure it has a towing hitch, as it is an available feature on the Atlas Cross Sport SE.
The VW Atlas Towing Package
The only relevant towing package for the VW Atlas is the available towing hitch, which is required for a 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity. This is the standard on every trim level except the baseline VW Atlas SE, which needs the tow package to be added to reach its tow limit. That can be done at our Volkswagen dealer in Gilbert, AZ: we can install the hitch on your VW Atlas SE, answer questions about proper towing habits, or help you find resources to properly weigh a trailer before you strike out on your upcoming vacation.
While the VW Atlas has few options for those looking for exclusively towing features, we recommend the Basecamp Styling Components kit to enhance your vacation experience. This accessory group includes fender flares with splash guards, valances, and side door skid plates to reduce stress on your SUV as you tackle dirt or gravel trails.
Discover the Mighty VW Atlas at Berge Volkswagen
Whether you're interested in a high-end VW Atlas with the standard tow hitch alongside a Head-Up Display and so much more, or are looking to get the Atlas SE and install a tow hitch, our team at Berge Volkswagen is here to help. Our Volkswagen finance department can help you purchase a new or pre-owned VW Atlas with a transparent deal, ensuring you know if it has a tow hitch or not. Then, our technicians and representatives can walk you through the steps to confidently haul a 5,000-pound trailer.1
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a VW Atlas tow a boat?
The VW Atlas is capable of towing a boat, thanks in no small part to its modern towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.1 That means, when properly equipped, this three-row VW SUV can handle small watercraft, such as canoes, and larger models, like fishing skiffs. In some cases, small powered boats are within the range of the Atlas, though always weigh your trailer after packing.
Can a VW Atlas tow a camper?
With its maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds,1 the VW Atlas can handle trailers on the smaller end of the spectrum. Typically, that means it can tow options like teardrop or A-Frame campers, though only if the trailer weighs less than 5,000 pounds (and the tongue less than 500 pounds) after everything is stored away.1
Does the VW Atlas have towing settings?
The VW Atlas does offer a Drive Mode Selection program, an intuitive series of modes that enhance your experience on the road less traveled and interstate alike, but a Tow/Haul mode is not one of them. When you begin towing, it's important to practice properly accelerating, turning, and braking to compensate for the additional weight. For more information on the available drive modes, please contact our team.
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.
3Maximum 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.