Maximize Your Adventures With Volkswagen Atlas Towing Capacity
Volkswagen Atlas Towing Capacity at a Glance
- The Volkswagen Atlas towing capacity is 5,000 pounds1 for 2025, regardless of trim or drivetrain configuration; trailer brakes are required, though
- 5,000 pounds is typically enough capacity to tow a loaded 6-foot by 12-foot enclosed cargo trailer, a 22-foot camper, or a vintage VW Microbus on a tow dolly
- 2023 and earlier models required an optional V-6 to tow 5,000 pounds,2 but 2024 and later Atlas SUVs can do the same with their standard turbo four-cylinder1
- All 2025 VW Atlas trims above the base SE come standard with a tow hitch and are ready for trailering
The Volkswagen Atlas towing capacity can accommodate a lot, and the rest of this SUV can do the same in regards to the rest of your lifestyle; it's the complete package, and below, you'll find a complete look at the specs and how they translate into reality. To experience or learn more about anything this page touches on, don't hesitate to get in touch with DARCARS Volkswagen or your local VW dealer.
Volkswagen Atlas Towing Capacity vs. Real-World Items
With 5,000 pounds of Volkswagen Atlas towing capacity at your disposal,1 it can seem like the world is your oyster. However, like with anything, there are limits. Noting that these are purely for reference, here are examples of what you can do with the 5,000-pound Volkswagen Atlas towing capacity:1
- Tow two ATVs on their trailer
- Tow furniture inside of a 6-foot by 12-foot enclosed cargo trailer
- Tow a 16-foot, six-passenger sports boat on its trailer with weight to spare
- Tow a 22-foot or smaller camper and have enough weight left for a week of supplies
- Tow a 1964 VW Microbus to a VW enthusiast meetup on a tow dolly
- Tow a 1976 VW Scirocco to a local car show on a tow dolly
2025 Volkswagen Atlas Towing, Performance, and Cargo Specs
The Volkswagen Atlas towing capacity is, in all trims and drivetrain options, a maximum of 5,000 pounds.1 This maximum requires the usage of trailer brakes: Without trailer brakes, the Atlas can not tow more than 1,650 pounds.1
Both ratings are solid, but to fully appreciate them, we have to look at the SUV itself.
This specifically means examining the Atlas SUV's standard 2.0-liter turbocharged engine: a smaller powertrain designed to deliver more MPGs than a V-6 while equalling it for power.
Since the Atlas previously required an optional V-6 to tow 5,000 pounds,2 proof is already there.
As for power, the Atlas now makes 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, exceeding that V-6 by seven pound-feet of torque. The V-6 did have seven more horsepower, but torque is the force that actually gets a trailer moving. The drawback to this formula of "more power from a smaller engine," though, is that you'll usually need to use premium gas, but that isn't so in the Atlas. Its turbo engine is perfectly suited to regular unleaded gasoline.
Beyond the maximum Volkswagen Atlas tow capacity, there's still an array of impressive performance and practicality specs to explore. For example, this three-row SUV offers tons of interior cargo room, meaning you may not need to use its towing capacity to bring most of what your adventure needs:
- Cargo room behind third-row seats: 20.6 cubic feet
- Cargo room behind second-row seats: 55.5 cubic feet
- Cargo room behind front seats: 96.6 cubic feet
Volkswagen Atlas Towing Capacity: How It Changed by Year
If you're looking for a used Volkswagen Atlas from the 2023 model year or earlier, then the VW Atlas towing capacity will be a bit of a different story.
Specifically, the 2023 and prior Atlas models had two engine options. The first was the 2.0-liter turbo engine you can find in the Atlas today, but this pre-2024 version had 235 horsepower and limited you to a 2,000-pound towing capacity.1 Meanwhile, a 3.6-liter V-6 was an available upgrade, making 276 horsepower and towing 5,000 pounds.2
As you saw, the latest VW Atlas tow capacity is 5,000 pounds with the 2.0-liter engine,1 and notably, this smaller unit makes nearly as much power as the discontinued V-6; quite an impressive refinement for the efficient turbo engine.
| Maximum Towing Capacity: | Required Engine: | |
| 2025 VW Atlas | 5,000 lbs1 | 2.0L Turbo 4-Cyl |
| 2024 VW Atlas | 5,000 lbs1 | 2.0L Turbo 4-Cyl |
| 2023 VW Atlas | 5,000 lbs2 | 3.6L V-6 |
| 2022 VW Atlas | 5,000 lbs2 | 3.6L V-6 |
| 2021 VW Atlas | 5,000 lbs2 | 3.6L V-6 |
What Is the VW Atlas Towing Package?
While you may have seen one in the past, there is no 2025 VW Atlas tow package. Why not? Because everything needed to use the Volkswagen Atlas towing capacity comes standard in all trims above the base SE.
That specifically means that your 2025 Atlas will be factory-equipped with a tow hitch and can get trailering capability right away.
Can the Volkswagen Atlas Tow? Yes. But Are You Ready to Tow?
Towing can be inherently dangerous, no matter how good of a vehicle you use. We urge you to research and practice the basics, such as reversing with a trailer (made easier by the Atlas SUV's available Overhead View Camera) in a safe, private area before hitting the road with a trailer.
It is almost an art form in itself, so find a friend who's done it, watch tutorials, or ask our team for help. Once you've completed your essential Volkswagen Atlas towing review, hitch up your trailer and enjoy the SUV's power and stability.
Towing Capacity of Volkswagen Atlas vs. the Rest of the VW Lineup
The Volkswagen Atlas towing capacity is impressive, but so are the other VW models. As a reference for your SUV search, here's how the other VW vehicles compare to the Atlas:
- VW Tiguan: 1,500 pounds1
- VW ID.4: 2,700 pounds1
- VW ID.Buzz: 3,500 pounds1
- VW Atlas Cross Sport: 5,000 pounds1
- VW Atlas: 5,000 pounds1
Some stablemates, like the Taos, Jetta, and Golf GTI, are not rated for towing and should not be used to pull a trailer. The Tiguan or Atlas are great gas-powered alternatives if you do need to tow, and the ID.4 and ID.Buzz are both innovative EVs that can put in the work.
Finally, comparing the Volkswagen Atlas vs. Atlas Cross Sport, you'll notice that you can get the exact same power and performance as the three-row Atlas in a sleeker two-row vehicle by choosing the Atlas Cross Sport.
For a closer look at these two SUVs or any other new or used VW model, visit DARCARS Volkswagen today; we would be happy to help you build a deeper understanding of these vehicles, their towing strength, and available towing accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Volkswagen Atlas can tow 5,000 pounds,1 regardless of vehicle configuration. Namely, you can pair the standard turbo engine with either FWD or 4MOTION AWD and get 5,000 pounds of towing capacity.1 This is true of the Atlas Cross Sport (a sleeker two-row alternative) as well. Past versions, though, required the optional V-6 to get this rating, but today, you'll find it as standard.
If the boat and its trailer weigh under 5,000 pounds, the VW Atlas can tow it.1 While it can vary wildly depending on the model, an average boat trailer weighs around 500 or so pounds. As an example, a 16-foot, six-passenger sports boat can weigh around 2,200 pounds, leaving more than enough room for the Atlas to tow it and its trailer.1
Yes, since the VW Atlas can tow 5,000 pounds,1 it can tow a camper. Usually, campers between 19 and 22 feet long can fit in this weight rating and can be towed by a VW Atlas. Regardless of curb weight, though, you should always confirm that the total weight of what you're towing does not exceed the Volkswagen Atlas towing capacity.
Most tow packages include a tow hitch, as it is required for towing in the first place. On the Volkswagen Atlas, a trailer hitch becomes standard on the SE with Technology trim and is included in all higher Atlas configurations. This isn't the case with most other SUVs, as they often require you to select a towing package just to get the OEM hitch.
Featured Customer Review
Sanjay Pawar
11/06/2025
VW Darcars at Silver Spring, MD provided an excellent service while buying our Atlas. Alex and Robert were very professional, courteous and friendly answering all the questions. Overall, it was a satisfying experience and highly recommend them.