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Car and Driver
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 Volkswagen Atlas Review, Pricing, and Specs
Overview The Atlas is Volkswagen's do-it-all family SUV, and it hits all the marks: An expansive three-row cabin layout provides plenty of acreage for seven passengers of any size to easily pile in and get comfortable, and its voluminous cargo hold and 5000-pound tow rating place the Atlas high on the utility scale. A 269-hp turbocharged inline-four engine sends power to either the front or all four wheels, delivering sufficient vitality for a big-body SUV. If there is one thing the Atlas lacks, it's panache. While the Atlas is relatively well equipped, rivals like the Kia Telluride and Mazda CX-90 offer better interior environs and more stylish sheetmetal. What's New for 2026? Volkswagen has tinkered with the Atlas twice in the last five years. Its 2024 facelift brought a substantial makeover and new standard features, including the swap to a 269-hp turbocharged inline-four powertrain. With that update still relatively fresh, the Atlas continues into 2026 mostly unchanged. The only new addition is the inclusion of a HomeLink mirror on SE with Technology and above trims, which allows certain smarthome features to be adjusted via integrated controls. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas is expected to start around $40,000 and go up to $55,000 depending on the trim and options. SE $40,000 (est) SE with Technology $44,000 (est) Peak Edition $49,000 (est) SEL $50,000 (est) SEL Premium R-Line $55,000 (est) 0 $10k $20k $30k $40k $50k $60k $70k $80k $90k We recommend choosing the Atlas SE with Technology and adding 4Motion all-wheel drive. This trim includes 20-inch wheels (the SE has 18s), a trailer hitch package, remote start, and USB charging ports for the third row. We'd also spec the second-row captain's chairs for the maximum in second-row comfort. Engine, Transmission, and Performance Every Atlas comes with the same engine: a 269-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 273 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive. Compared to the old 276-hp V-6 that powered 2023-and-earlier versions, the turbo 2.0-liter powertrain delivers improved throttle response, and the retuned transmission makes the engine feel like it has a little more pep in its step. The Atlas responds obediently to steering inputs but feels a little clumsy and unfocused when pushed quickly around corners. It's composed on the highway and reasonably nimble in the city with a ride that's generally smooth over all but the harshest potholes. Unfortunately, the minor updates to the Atlas don't transform its chassis into something as fun to drive as the Mazda CX-90. 0–60-MPH Times At our test track, an Atlas hit 60 mph in 7.3 seconds, which is quicker than the V-6-powered one we tested in 2018. Completing the quarter mile consumed 15.6 seconds, the Atlas crossing the traps with a speed of 92 mph. Top speed is an electronically limited 117 mph. View Photos Volkswagen Towing and Payload Capacity Almost every Volkswagen Atlas can tow as much as 5000 pounds with a trailer equipped with brakes. That's as good as the Toyota 4Runner and Subaru Ascent. SE with Technology trims and up include a standard trailer hitch; SE trims require an aftermarket hitch and are rated for a 2000-pound max. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG The EPA hasn't released fuel economy information for the 2026 Atlas yet, but last year's front-wheel-drive model was good for 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. Opting for all-wheel drive dropped those estimates to 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The Peak Edition trims were rated for 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. On our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, part of our extensive testing regimen, our all-wheel-drive 2024 Atlas test vehicle returned 25 mpg. Without any significant changes for 2026, the newest model should achieve similar results. For more information about the Atlas's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo Family-friendly interior space, a straightforward control layout, and an overabundance of cupholders make the Atlas a practical choice, even among other highly practical rivals. Plus, a third row of seats that can comfortably accommodate full-size adults is a definite win. The interior design of the Atlas is uncomplicated and utilitarian—perfect for families but less so for style mavens. The Atlas should accommodate just about anything a suburban family can throw at it, and there are plenty of thoughtfully placed storage nooks to stash small items. In our luggage testing, the Atlas impressed us by fitting four carry-on suitcases behind the third row and 38 behind the first, the same as the enormous Honda Pilot. View Photos Volkswagen Infotainment and Connectivity Regardless of trim, the Atlas comes well-connected and ready to entertain. A 12.0-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard and has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, a six-speaker sound system, a wireless phone charging, and six USB-C ports with 45 watts of charging power. Unfortunately, it lacks the volume and tuning knobs that make operating the radio system easier. 2026 models with an active subscription to VW's Car-Net connected vehicle software will offer an available voice assistant powered by ChatGPT. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features The Atlas comes with a bevy of standard and optional driver-assistance technology. For more information about the Atlas's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include: Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert Available adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature Warranty and Maintenance Coverage Volkswagen provides an above-average limited warranty, but its powertrain coverage falls short of most competitors'. VW does sweeten the deal with complimentary scheduled maintenance that is similar to what Toyota offers. Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Complimentary maintenance is covered for two years or 20,000 miles Specifications Specifications 2024 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium R-Line 4Motion Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 6-passenger, 4-door wagon PRICE Base/As Tested: $53,805/$54,895 Options: second-row captain's chairs, $695; Aurora Red Metallic paint, $395 ENGINE turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, iron block and aluminum head, direct fuel injection Displacement: 121 in3, 1984 cm3 Power: 269 hp @ 5500 rpm Torque: 273 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm TRANSMISSION 8-speed automatic CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink Brakes, F/R: 13.2-in vented disc/12.2-in vented disc Tires: Bridgestone Alenza Sport A/S 265/45R-21 104T M+S Enliten DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 117.3 in Length: 200.7in Width: 78.3 in Height: 70.4 in Passenger Volume, F/M/R: 61/53/39 ft3 Cargo Volume, Behind F/M/R: 97/56/21 ft3 Curb Weight: 4630 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 7.3 sec 1/4-Mile: 15.4 sec @ 92 mph 100 mph: 17.7 sec Results above omit1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 7.8 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.9 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.9 sec Top Speed (gov ltd): 117 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 170 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.84 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY Observed: 21 mpg 75-mph Highway Driving: 25 mpg 75-mph Highway Range: 460 mi EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 21/19/25 mpg C/D TESTING EXPLAINED More Features and Specs
Car and Driver
18-06-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Review, Pricing, and Specs
Overview Dig the Volkswagen Atlas but looking for an SUV with above-average stylistic expression? Then the 2026 Atlas Cross Sport is for you. A mechanical doppelganger to the Atlas under the skin, the Cross Sport's sloping roofline looks sleek, but—and this may be a dealbreaker for some—eliminates the third row of seating. That rakish profile also consumes some cargo space, reducing it from 56 cubic feet in the standard Atlas to 40 cubic feet in the Cross Sport. VW's versatile turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission as the sole powertrain. Four-wheel drive is optional on SE models, and standard across the rest of the lineup. For drivers who prioritize vibe over versatility, the Cross Sport fills in the blanks. What's New for 2026? Refreshed for 2024, the 2026 Atlas Cross Sport carries over essentially unchanged, although SE with Technology trims and above receive a factory-installed HomeLink mirror that allows users to program its three buttons to open the garage door or operate other cloud-based home devices. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is expected to start around $39,000 and go up to $54,000 depending on the trim and options. SE $39,000 (est) SE with Technology $43,000 (est) SEL $49,000 (est) SEL R-Line Black $51,000 (est) SEL Premium R-Line $54,000 (est) 0 $10k $20k $30k $40k $50k $60k $70k $80k $90k We maintain that the base SE model offers the strongest value. VW ramped up the SE's standard content as part of the 2024 refresh, and it now includes heated and ventilated front seats; a heated steering wheel, steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles; a standard 12-inch infotainment display along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; wireless charging; and six USB-C ports with fast charging capability. One caveat: If towing is in the menu, you'll want to step up to the SEL with Technology or above to get the tow hitch and 5000-pound max tow rating. This content is imported from Third party. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Engine, Transmission, and Performance The Atlas Cross Sport and its three-row Atlas sibling both utilize a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine rated for 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The sole available engine, it brings 34 more hp than the previous inline four-cylinder and 7 more pound-feet of torque than the previous VR6 six-cylinder. Shifts are handled by an 8-speed automatic. With no significant changes to the chassis, the Cross Sport's road manners remain competent and benign, far from exciting. Though we haven't fully tested the Atlas Cross Sport yet, initial driving impressions revealed that while it's not as lively as a Honda Passport, it does have a comfortable ride and a wonderfully quiet cabin. 0–60-MPH Times We haven't tested a new Cross Sport yet, but a standard 2024 Atlas with the same powertrain managed a 7.3-second run to 60 mph in C/D testing. Our test engineers estimate the Cross Sport's zero-to-60 time to land between 6.7 and 6.9 seconds, while the quarter mile run should consume between 15.1 and 15.3 seconds. View Photos Volkswagen More on the Atlas Cross Sport SUV 2024 VW Atlas Cross Sport Enhances Its Image Towing and Payload Capacity The maximum towing capacity for the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is 5000 pounds on SEL with Technology or above models with a factory-installed hitch. The base SE trim is rated for up to 2000 pounds. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG The EPA hasn't released any fuel economy information for the 2026 Atlas Cross Sport yet, but the 2025 model earned ratings of 20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. Adding four-wheel drive drops the city rating by 1 to 19 mpg and the combined rating by 2 to 21 mpg, while highway remains unchanged. While we haven't yet subjected a Cross Sport to our 75-mph highway fuel economy test, a standard three-row Atlas with the same engine and all-wheel drive returned 25 mpg. For more information about the Atlas Cross Sport's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo The 2025 Atlas Cross Sport provides occupants with more upscale interior ambiance than before, thanks to improved cabin materials and an expanded palette of trim styles. Standard features include heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, tri-zone climate control, a leatherette-trimmed dash with soft-touch material, and adjustable ambient lighting. Heated rear seats are available for higher trims, and range-topping models will also feature fancy quilted leather seats with diamond stitching. The Atlas (Cross Sport or otherwise) has always been a spacious mid-size SUV with ample legroom for second- and third-row passengers. Maximum passenger volume is 112 cubic feet, and there's 40 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the second row and 78 cubic feet with it folded. View Photos Volkswagen Infotainment and Connectivity Every Atlas Cross Sport is equipped with a configurable 10.3-inch digital display. It is also fitted out with a 12.0-inch infotainment display. Unfortunately, VW's annoying touch-sensitive controls aren't as easy to use as a traditional knob or button. Additional standard devices include six USB-C ports with fast-charge capability, wireless charging, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. And if six USB ports aren't enough for you, an optional eight-port configuration is also available. Beyond that, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot lets occupants remain connected to the internet while on the go. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features Volkswagen equips all Atlas Cross Sports with its suite of driver assistance tech, which provides features like lane-keep assist and forward-collision warning. Other safety features include automated emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, but if you want more advanced driver-assistance features such as adaptive cruise control or a head-up display, then you'll have to go with one of the higher trim levels. For more information about the Atlas's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include: Standard automated emergency braking with forward-collision warning Standard lane-centering and blind-spot monitoring Available adaptive cruise control Warranty and Maintenance Coverage While most mainstream brands start with a three-year/36,000-mile warranty, Volkswagen offers a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper policy. The powertrain warranty falls behind others, which stretch to five or even 10 years. As some consolation, VW covers the first two years of scheduled maintenance. Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Complimentary maintenance is covered for two years or 20,000 miles Specifications Specifications 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Vehicle Type: front-engine, front- or all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon PRICE Base: SE, $38,065; SE 4Motion, $39,965; SE Technology, $42,005; SE Technology 4Motion, $43,905; SEL 4Motion, $48,785; SEL R-Line 4Motion, $50,235; SEL Premium R-Line 4Motion, $52,795 ENGINE turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, iron block and aluminum head, direct fuel injection Displacement: 121 in3, 1984 cm3 Power: 269 hp @ 5500 rpm Torque: 273 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm TRANSMISSION 8-speed automatic DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 117.3 in Length: 195.5–195.6 in Width: 78.3 in Height: 67.8–68.1 in Passenger Volume, F/R: 58/53 ft3 Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 78/40 ft3 Curb Weight (C/D est): 4400–4600 lb PERFORMANCE (C/D EST) 60 mph: 6.7–6.9 sec 1/4-Mile: 15.1–15.3 sec Top Speed: 120 mph EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 22–23/19–20/26–27 mpg More Features and Specs
Miami Herald
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Volkswagen Details 2026 Model Year Updates Ahead Of August Arrival
Volkswagen has announced all the updates for its 2026 lineup, with some 2026 models due to arrive in showrooms in August. Since most models were all-new or significantly refreshed over the last two years, the 2026 updates introduce a few refinements and additional equipment to the VW range. Let's take a closer look at what's new for 2026, starting with the brand's SUV range. The smallest and most affordable VW crossover underwent a comprehensive refresh for the 2025 model year, so for 2026, VW has elected only to add some more equipment. The Taos now gets standard rear-seat pretensioners, while a mid-model year change will see the introduction of upgraded 15-watt wireless charging. Range-topping SEL models now get an upgraded sound system with eight speakers. An all-new Tiguan was introduced for the 2025 model year, featuring a fresh look and a more tech-heavy interior than before. For 2026, the main change is the introduction of the SEL R-Line Turbo, which gets a more powerful 268-horsepower turbocharged engine, up from 201 hp in the other Tiguan models. VW has also updated its Travel Assist and assistant lane change systems; this applies to all trims. Very little has changed for VW's largest SUV models in the USA for 2026. Buyers going for the SE with Technology trim and above now get a factory-installed HomeLink mirror. The Peak Edition, SEL, and SEL Premium R-Line are the other trims benefitting from this change. VW has delayed some of its EV plans, but the ID.4 continues as the brand's sole electric SUV for the 2026 model year. S Plus trims will get a new HomeLink mirror, but VW says a mid-model-year update in 2026 is on the way, when new features will be added to the crossover. No information has been shared on the just yet, following its launch for the 2025 model year, but information on potential upgrades will be announced at a later stage. As with the Taos, rear-seat pretensioners will be standard on 2026 Jettas. The SE gets a standard sunroof, wireless charging is upgraded to 15 w, and SEL variants receive an upgraded eight-speaker sound system. After losing its manual gearbox and getting an updated infotainment system for 2025, there are no major changes for the 2026 Golf GTI. The Golf R underwent similar updates last year, but it's now available with a new exterior color called Graphite Grey Metallic. We expect the manufacturer to share pricing for 2026 models imminently, given that many of them will start arriving in August. The impact of tariffs could come into play here, as VW only promised to freeze pricing of new cars until the end of May. With that freeze now behind us, buyers may be seeing some unwelcome price hikes for 2026, and given how minimal the 2026 MY changes are, it may be a smart move to get a 2025 VW while you still can. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Yahoo
We Asked Chatbots About Home Security: Here's Why You Can't Trust Them
I've been a proponent of useful AI in home security, where it's holding conversations for us, identifying packages, learning to recognize important objects and searching our video histories to answer questions. But that doesn't mean you should pop open ChatGPT and start asking it security questions. Generative and conversational AI tools have their uses, but it's a bad idea to ask any chatbot about your safety, home security, or threats to your house. We tried -- and it's unnerving how much they get wrong or can't help with. There are good reasons for this: Even the best LLMs, or large language models, still hallucinate information from the patterns they've gleaned. That's especially a problem in smart home tech, where tech specs, models, compatibility, vulnerabilities and updates shift so frequently. That means its easy for ChatGPT to get confused about what's right, current or even real. Let's look at a few of the biggest mistakes, so you can see what I mean. Asking a chatbot about specific security technology is always a risky business, and nothing illustrates that quite so well as this popular Reddit story about a chat AI that told the user a Tesla could access their "home security systems." That's not true -- it's probably a hallucination based on Tesla's HomeLink service, which lets you open compatible garage doors. Services like Google Gemini also suffer from hallucinations, which can make the details hard to trust. While AI can write anything from essays to phishing emails (don't do that), it still gets information wrong, which can lead to unfounded privacy concerns. Interestingly, when I asked ChatGPT what Teslas could connect to and monitor, it didn't make the same mistake, but it did skip features like HomeLink, so you still aren't getting the full picture. And that's just the start. ChatGPT and other LLMs also struggle to assimilate real-time information and use it to provide advice. That's especially noticeable during natural disasters like wildfires, floods or hurricanes. As hurricane Milton was bearing down this month, I queried ChatGPT about whether my home was in danger and where Milton was going to hit. Though, thankfully, the chatbot avoided wrong answers, it was unable to give me any advice except to consult local weather channels and emergency services. Don't waste time on that when your home may be in trouble. Instead of turning to AI for a quick answer, consult weather apps and software like Watch Duty; up-to-date satellite imagery; and local news. It would be nice if AI chatbots could provide a summary of a brand's history with security breaches and whether there are any red flags about purchasing the brand's products. Unfortunately, they don't seem capable of that yet, so you can't really trust what they have to say about security companies. For example, when I asked ChatGPT if Ring had suffered any security breaches, it mentioned that Ring had experienced security incidents, but not when (before 2018), which is a vital piece of information. It also missed key developments, including the completion of Ring's payout to affected customers this year and Ring's 2024 policy reversal that made cloud data harder for police to access. When I asked about Wyze, which CNET isn't currently recommending, ChatGPT said it was a "good option" for home security but mentioned it suffered a data breach in 2019 that exposed user data. But it didn't mention that Wyze had exposed databases and video files in 2022, then vulnerabilities in 2023 and again in 2024 that let users access private home videos that weren't their own. So while summaries are nice, you certainly aren't getting the full picture when it comes to security history or if brands are safe to trust. Read more: We Asked a Top Criminologist How Burglars Choose Homes Another common home security question I see is about the need for subscriptions to use security systems or home cameras. Some people don't want to pay ongoing subscriptions, or they want to make sure what they get is worth it. Though chatbots can give lots of recipe specifics, they aren't any help here. When I questioned ChatGPT about whether Reolink requires subscriptions, it couldn't give me any specifics, saying many products don't require subscriptions for basic features but that Reolink "may offer subscriptions plans" for advanced features. I tried to narrow it down with a question about the Reolink Argus 4 Pro, but again ChatGPT remained vague about some features being free and some possibly needing subscriptions. As answers go, these were largely useless. Meanwhile, a trip to CNET's guide on security camera subscriptions or Reolink's own subscriptions page shows that Reolink offers both Classic and Upgraded tier subscriptions specifically for LTE cameras, starting at $6 to $7 per month, depending on how many cameras you want to support, and going up to $15 to $25 for extra cloud storage and rich notifications/smart alerts. Finding those answers takes less time than asking ChatGPT, and you get real numbers to work with. Best DIY Home Security Systems of 2024 See at CNET As the famous detective said, "Just one more thing." If you do ever query a chatbot about home security, never give it any personal information, like your home address, your name, your living situation or any type of payment info. AIs like ChatGPT have had bugs before that allowed other users to spy on private data like that. Additionally, LLM privacy policies can always be updated or left vague enough to allow for profiling and the sale of user data they collect. The scraping of data from social media is bad enough, you really don't want to hand personal details over directly to a popular AI service. Be careful what data you provide as part of a question, and even how you phrase your query, because there's always someone eager to take advantage of whatever data you let slip. If you think you've already given out your address a few too many times online, we have a guide on how you can help fix that. Read more: Your Private Data Is All Over the Internet. Here's What You Can Do About It For more information, check out whether you should pay for more-advanced ChatGPT features, and take a look at our in-depth review of Google Gemini and our coverage of the latest on Apple Intelligence.
