2026 Volkswagen Atlas Trim Levels & Configurations
You have a variety of configurations for 2026 Volkswagen Atlas SUVs to consider when picking out one of these spacious and dynamic three-row vehicles in Silver Spring, MD. The trim levels are:
- 2026 VW Atlas SE
- 2026 VW Atlas SE with Technology
- 2026 VW Atlas Peak Edition
- 2026 VW Atlas SEL
- 2026 VW Atlas SEL Premium R-Line
Each option provides you with incredible value and performance. The majority of these trims come standard with all-wheel drive, but the SE and SE with Technology models have front-wheel drive with an available AWD upgrade. Please read on to learn more about the comfortable new VW Atlas SUVs available here at DARCARS Volkswagen.
2026 Volkswagen Atlas Trim Levels
2026 Volkswagen Atlas SE
The entry-level option among the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas trims, the SE model is anything but basic. With three rows of seating that can host up to seven people, you'll find this SUV to be up to the challenges you encounter in your daily life. It comes with leatherette upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, three-zone automatic climate control, and other amenities that are not standard on competing automobiles.
The 2026 VW Atlas SE is also well-equipped with safety and driver-assistance technologies. The car boasts Forward Collision Warning & Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist.
2026 Volkswagen Atlas SE With Technology
The SE with Technology trim takes you from 18- to 20-inch wheels and adds an integrated light bar to the vehicle's front grille. This model also has a trailer hitch, providing your new VW Atlas the ability to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
The SE with Technology variant, as the name implies, adds a number of advanced features to the car. You'll get Park Distance Control for the front and rear of your new SUV should you select this choice from the various configurations for 2026 Volkswagen Atlas models. This second-tier model also has a remote engine start function and a 115-volt power outlet.
2026 Volkswagen Atlas Peak Edition
Peak Edition variants of the new VW Atlas have unique exterior badging and bumpers, making them excellent options for drivers who enjoy the spotlight. The Peak Edition trim has a panoramic sunroof, multicolor adjustable interior ambient lighting, and numerous trim-specific interior decor elements. With standard AWD, this is an excellent choice for outdoor adventures in Silver Spring, MD.
The VW Atlas is a spacious three-row SUV that is great for families, whether large or growing. Some drivers don't need seating for seven, however. If you fall into either category, please check out our VW Atlas vs. VW Atlas Cross Sport comparison.
2026 Volkswagen Atlas SEL
The SEL model takes the luxury of the Atlas to another level. This variant has genuine leather upholstery, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, a Head-Up Display, and standard AWD. The last is also true of the Peak Edition model and the SEL Premium R-Line variant, the highest level of the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas configurations.
When you pick a 2026 VW Atlas SEL, you'll get heated second-row outbound seats. If you're regularly taking your kids to soccer practice or the mall in Silver Spring, MD, they'll appreciate this feature during the winter. It pairs well with the vehicle's three-zone automatic climate control system, which is standard on every one of the VW Atlas trims.
2026 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium R-Line
The SEL Premium R-Line trim sports large 21-inch wheels and unique R-Line exterior style elements. The interior of this model is just as well-adorned; it features perforated Vienna leather seating, a Harman Kardon® premium sound system, and stainless steel pedal caps and footrests. The SEL Premium R-Line variant also adds an Overhead View Camera to the vehicle, making it easier to navigate tight parking lots.
While there are many differences between the configurations for 2026 Volkswagen Atlas SUVs, some things remain the same across the lineup. Every version of the car is spacious and comfortable, with up to 96.6 cubic feet of max cargo space with the second- and third-row seats down. You can also access the maximum VW Atlas towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped on different trims.
2026 Volkswagen Atlas Trims Comparison
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| 2026 Volkswagen Atlas SE | 2026 Volkswagen Atlas SE with Technology | 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Peak Edition | 2026 Volkswagen Atlas SEL | 2026 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium R-Line | |
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| Engine | 2.0L turbo 4-cyl | 2.0L turbo 4-cyl | 2.0L turbo 4-cyl | 2.0L turbo 4-cyl | 2.0L turbo 4-cyl |
| Horsepower | 269 | 269 | 269 | 269 | 269 |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft |
| Standard Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb) | 20 / 27 / 23 | 20 / 27 / 23 | 19 / 25 / 21 | 19 / 25 / 21 | 19 / 25 / 21 |
| Fuel Type | Regular Unleaded | Regular Unleaded | Regular Unleaded | Regular Unleaded | Regular Unleaded |
| Upholstery | V-Tex leatherette | Perforated V-Tex leatherette | Perforated V-Tex leatherette | Leather | Vienna leather |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
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2026 Volkswagen Atlas Powertrain Configurations
VW Atlas 2.0-Liter Turbo
The SE and SE with Technology VW Atlas trims both come standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive. This engine provides 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Models with this powertrain score an EPA-estimated 20/27/23 MPG (City/Highway/Combined). You can choose to equip either of these SUVs with AWD.
VW Atlas With 4MOTION 2.0-Liter Turbo
The Peak Edition, SEL, and SEL Premium R-Line trims of the new VW Atlas all come standard with 4MOTION AWD, which provides a more powerful connection to the road and enables the vehicle to surmount difficult terrain. There are different fuel economy scores for different trims, as noted above in the chart.
2026 Volkswagen Atlas Options & Packages
Second-Row Captain's Chairs
You can swap out the second-row bench for a pair of captain's chairs on the SE w/ Technology trim and higher-tier variants. This lowers the seating capacity to six but makes it easier to access the third row.
Black Wheel Package
You can equip some of the configurations for 2026 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles with 20-inch black wheels that will catch eyes everywhere you take your new ride.
Panoramic Sunroof
Some VW Atlas models do not have a panoramic sunroof but can be equipped with it. This feature allows sunlight to stream into your cabin and serves as a great nighttime stargazing portal.
Other VW Atlas Accessory Options
- Baby mirror
- Base carrier bars
- Bike holder attachment
- Bumperdillo
- Coat hanger
- Dynamic wheel center caps
- Enhanced rearview mirror
- Heavy-duty trunk liner with CarGo blocks
- Kayak holder attachment
- MojoMats
- Monster Mats
- MuddyBuddy – floor liner
- MuddyBuddy trunk liner with extended seat-back cover
- Privacy cover
- Security console safe by Tuffy
- Ski and snowboard holder
- Splash guards
- THULE roof basket attachment
- THULE canyon basket extension XT
- THULE OutLand side awning
- Traverse MX wheels – Frosted Graphite
- Traverse MX wheels – Radiant Silver
- URBAN LOADER
- UV SunShield
- Universal tablet holder
With your choice of accessories and configurations for 2026 Volkswagen Atlas SUVs, there's a sweeping range of customization options for this roomy vehicle available in Silver Spring, MD.
Plenty of Space for Everyone
The new Volkswagen Atlas provides a comforting, relaxing space, no matter which of the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas configurations you select. This model features up to 41.3 inches of headroom and 41.7 inches of legroom in the front row, and up to 40.4 inches of headroom and 37.6 inches of legroom in the second row. Folks in the very back seat get 38.3 inches of headroom and 33.7 inches of legroom.
With all the seats up, the VW Atlas has 20.6 cubic feet of storage space. When you lower the back row, you can pack items within 55.5 cubic feet of cargo area. With all the seats folded down, you can put up to 96.6 cubic feet of gear, luggage, or furniture into the vehicle. Whether you need room on moving day or want to load your car with suitcases for vacation, the 2026 Atlas has your back.
Compare the Volkswagen Atlas and Tiguan to see how the VW Atlas interior dimensions measure up to the Tiguan, which can be configured with two or three rows of seating.
Visit DARCARS Volkswagen in Silver Spring for a Test Drive
We hope it's been helpful to compare Atlas trims with us. This family-friendly vehicle is a superb option for many motorists in our community. We can also show you the Volkswagen Tiguan configurations or the VW Taos trim lineup if you're interested in a smaller SUV.
When you're ready for a new VW automobile, our team is here to help. We work hard to provide competitive automotive financing rates to qualifying customers and will be with you through every step of the car-buying process. The staff at our store will be happy to help you choose the right trim for your next vehicle. We'll even walk you through common auto industry comparisons, like the distinction between a VW Atlas vs. Subaru Ascent.
Please visit DARCARS Volkswagen today to test-drive a new VW Atlas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do the features differ between the SE and SEL trims?
The SE is the base-level model, while the SEL is the penultimate trim, so there are significant differences between the two. The SE offers 18-inch wheels, leatherette seating, heated front seats, wireless charging, and keyless access. The SEL brings more, with 20-inch wheels, leather seating, heated front and rear outboard seats, Dynamic Road Sign Display, and a Head-Up Display.
Which Atlas trim includes the R-Line styling package?
Of all the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas trims and configurations, the SEL Premium R-Line is the one with the R-Line appearance package. It features unique exterior styling accents, 21-inch alloy wheels, and perforated Varenna leather seats. In addition to its distinctive look, it is also the only model to offer massaging front seats and a high-fidelity Harman Kardon® premium audio system.
Is all-wheel drive standard on any 2026 Atlas trims?
All-wheel drive is standard on the Peak Edition, SEL, and SEL Premium R-Line trim levels. It is an available feature for the SE and SEL with Technology trims, which both come with front-wheel drive as the default. If you're interested in securing the advanced 4MOTION AWD system for your Volkswagen Atlas, please let the DARCARS Volkswagen sales team know.
Featured Customer Review
Frank Fisher
5/7/2025
We just bought a new Atlas, and the buying process could not have been smoother. The sales associate, Jordan, was knowledgeable about the car and its features. Together with the manager, Diako, we closed a fair deal. I would recommend them for your next VW purchase.