Volkswagen recently put the next-generation Atlas through rigorous winter testing in Montreal, offering a first glimpse of the 2027 model ahead of its debut at the New York auto show. The test—conducted on a frozen lake—was less about smooth handling and more about exposing the vehicle’s raw physics under extreme conditions. The goal? To evaluate how the new Atlas responds when traction is minimal, and control is left to mechanical forces.
What We Know About the 2027 Atlas
The 2027 Atlas will feature the latest iteration of Volkswagen’s EA888 turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, also found in the new Tiguan. While official power figures remain undisclosed, the engine is expected to produce around 268 horsepower, potentially with a slight increase in torque to match or exceed the current Atlas model.
Visually, the 2027 Atlas will closely mirror the 2026 VW Teramont (the Chinese market version), offering a slightly sharper design reminiscent of the Audi Q8. The interior will inherit advancements from the Tiguan, with additional refinements. The Atlas Cross Sport sibling will receive similar updates later this year.
Driving Under Extreme Conditions
The test took place on Lake Sacacomie, where the solid ice provided a harsh but effective proving ground. The Atlas was put through a series of controlled drifts and figure eights, with traction control largely disabled to maximize the challenge. The exercise demonstrated how the vehicle responds to abrupt weight transfer, throttle modulation, and steering corrections on a low-grip surface.
The accelerator proved easy to manipulate, even with winter boots, while the ABS system engaged aggressively. The steering was appropriately weighted for everyday driving but easily exploited for controlled skids. The experience highlighted the vehicle’s responsiveness under pressure—and the consequences of miscalculation, such as unintentionally colliding with a snowbank.
What This Means
Volkswagen’s choice of an extreme testing environment underscores the vehicle’s designed durability. The 2027 Atlas is intended to perform reliably even in severe winter conditions, where conventional driving aids are less effective. The test also suggests a willingness to push the limits of vehicle control, providing data that will inform final tuning before the model’s public release.
The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas is slated for release later this year, with pricing expected to start around $40,785 for the base front-wheel-drive model, scaling up to $56,105 for the all-wheel-drive SEL Premium R-Line trim.
