VW Atlas Towing Capacity Guide
If you are considering acquiring the new 2022 Volkswagen Atlas or VW Atlas Cross Sport, you are definitely curious about the towing capability of the sport utility vehicle (SUV). VW Atlas models now provide a choice of two different powertrains.
To put things in perspective, the older Altas models were capable of hauling a fair amount of weight; just how much can the 2022 VW Atlas tow?
Contents
This article concentrates on the towing capacity of the Volkswagen Atlas. After reading our guide, you’ll be prepared to choose a trim level and color that meets your preference and the amount of towing capability you require.
Is Volkswagen Atlas Good For Towing?
There are two body types available for the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas. Starting at $33,200 for the two-row Atlas Cross Sport and $33,900 for the three-row Atlas, Both costs are in the middle of the pack for a mid-sized SUV.
With the basic 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, the Volkswagen Atlas towing capacity is 2,000 pounds. The maximum towing capacity is up to 5,000 pounds with the optional V-6 engine.
VW Atlas towing features
Towing safety is dependent on many features, including:
- The rearview camera helps in lane changes, exiting motorways, and parking.
- An overhead camera shows the whole area you must navigate.
- Antilock brake systems, brake pressure distribution, and hydraulic brake assist are all forms of braking technology.
- 4MOTION Control offers hill-descent and hill-start aid.
There is an 8-speed automatic gearbox and standard FWD with both Atlas engines. 4MOTION AWD is an option if you desire additional control over your vehicle.
VW Atlas engine options
For the ordinary driver, the towing capacity of the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas is more than enough. When fitted with the 3.6L V6 engine, the Atlas can tow a trailer for a weekend road trip or a family camping trip.
Take a look at the Volkswagen Atlas engine choices listed below:
2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder Engine:
- Drivetrain/ Horsepower: 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque
- Towing capacity: 2,000 pounds
3.6L V6 Engine:
- Drivetrain/ Horsepower: 276 hp / 266 lb-ft of torque
- Towing capacity: 5,000 pounds
Does Volkswagen Atlas have a trailer brake controller?
The Atlas has the appropriate wiring for a brake controller; however, a brake controller is not yet physically installed in the vehicle.
Using the towing car’s electrical system, the trailer brake controller regulates the force given to the trailer brake. Electrical circuits and variable trailer gain settings control the amount of braking force delivered.
What other safety towing features does VW Atlas have?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas a five-star rating. Rollover, side-impact, and head-on collision tests were all successful for this vehicle.
There are a lot of basic safety tech features on the Atlas, which contribute to this score. Additionally, there are features such as blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking.
If you upgrade to at least the SEL trim, you can add amenities like traffic jam assist, automatic high lights, and lane-keeping assist.
What can a Volkswagen Atlas tow?
Any smaller boat or travel trailer under 2000 pounds should be no problem for your trailer. With a midsize SUV like a VW Atlas, you can haul large cargo capacity by attaching a trailer, and the Atlas effortlessly tows larger fishing boats, snowmobiles, and quad bikes.
How Much Towing Capacity Does A VW Atlas Have?
VW Atlas towing and engine chart by year
2022
- Engine: 2.0 L 4-Cylinder Engine
- Drivetrain/Horsepower: FWD / 235HP @ 4,500 rpm
- Towing Capacity: 2,000 pounds or 5,000 pounds
2021
- Engine: 3.6L V6 / 2.0 L 4-Cylinder Engine
- Drivetrain/Horsepower: FWD or AWD / 235 to 276HP
- Towing Capacity: 2,000 pounds or 5,000 pounds
2020
- Engine: 3.6L V6 / 2.0 L 4-Cylinder Engine
- Drivetrain/Horsepower: FWD or AWD / 235 to 276HP
- Towing Capacity: 2,000 pounds or 5,000 pounds
2019
- Engine: 3.6L V6 / 2.0 L 4-Cylinder Engine
- Drivetrain/Horsepower: FWD or AWD / 235 to 276HP
- Towing Capacity: 2,000 pounds or 5,000 pounds
Does Volkswagen Atlas Have A Towing Package?
You’ll need to get the Towing Package for your vehicle. Towing up to 5,000 lbs. is now possible thanks to the 3.6L V6 engine and the addition of a trailer hitch. The Atlas SEL R-Line and SEL Premium come standard with the Towing Package, an option on all other Atlas models.
Everything you need to build a towing trailer with towing capability is included in this kit:
- Hitch Receiver
- Ball & Ball mount
- Electrical Kit
- Bolt
- Clip
What is included in the VW Atlas towing package?
There is just one Towing package that can be added to the SE, SE R-Line, SEL, and SEL Premium for $744.40; however, the 3.6L V6 engine configuration is the only one that qualifies.
A factory-installed towing hitch on your SUV or vehicle means installing towing components from the manufacturer. This is a secure and trustworthy solution since these components are specifically developed to fit your car type.
Volkswagen Atlas V-6 vehicles may be equipped with trailer hitches and ball mounts; however, they will need to be fitted. They’ve been designed to withstand the most demanding towing situations while keeping you and your vehicle load safe. A seven-pin connection guarantees the car’s total towing capacity is supported on the hitch.
FAQs
Can a Volkswagen Atlas tow 5,000lbs?
One of the advantages of a mid-sized SUV like a Volkswagen Atlas is the ability to pull a trailer and carry hefty cargo from one location to another. Towing up to 5,000lbs is no problem for the VW Atlas.
Can a VW Atlas pull a boat?
The VW Atlas can tow a maximum of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, and this should be sufficient to tow a small boat, camper, or trailer. To haul 5,000 pounds, you’ll need a more powerful engine.
What is VW Atlas’ towing capacity tongue weight?
With a towing capability of 5,000 pounds and tongue weight of 675 pounds, the Volkswagen Atlas boasts 258 to 266 pound-feet of torque, positively impacting the vehicle’s total mass.
Is the VW Atlas underpowered?
The Atlas four-cylinder and V-6 engines have average acceleration, but they never seemed underpowered while driving.
Is VW Atlas expensive to maintain?
Volkswagen Atlas repair and maintenance costs are projected to be between $95 and $1854, with an average of $226.
The Bottom Line
Although the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas has large towing capabilities, it could reduce maximum towing capacity if it has a high towing capacity. It’s usually a good idea to check the vehicle owner’s manual before making significant changes.