Which Volkswagen SUV is Right for You? Here’s How the VW Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, Tiguan and Taos Line Up

For so long, VW was known for sporty hatchbacks and sleek value-packed sedans. But without a fully capable lineup of SUVs, VW was a non-contender for many US buyers. But in 2017 VW introduced the Atlas and made a splash; it won praise and set sales records. That’s because it was customized for the North American market. Now VW SUVs make up 85% of the company’s sales in the US. 

Since then, the Volkswagen Tiguan was redesigned as a mini-me of the Atlas and is a best seller around the world. Shortly after, the Volkswagen introduced the Taos, a mini-mini-me version of the Atlas and the Atlas CrossSport, a sportier, more muscular two-row version of the Atlas. 

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All have similar good looks and design details; if you like the VW SUV aesthetic and features, the only task is to figure out which one is right for you. Here’s what they all have in common: 

• Each has the chiseled front end, front and rear lightbars and lighted badges.
• Each now has the model name is now spelled out across the rear tail gate and carries the newly refined VW logo on the front end, rear end and steering wheel
• All are available in all wheel drive, which VW calls 4Motion; it’s about $1500 more except on trims in which AWD is standard
• Each is available in S, SE and SEL trims; Tiguan and Atlas are also available in the top of the line sport-focused R Line
• VW’s Car-Net app, a free download, allows you to operate some functions remotely
• I.Q. Drive driver assist and safety features are standard; these include adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane keep assist, emergency assist, forward collision braking active blind spot monitoring and rear traffic alert
• Each has Alexa compatibility allowing you to remotely start the car, turn on the climate and more from a connected Alexa device
• Each has a WiFi hotspot
• A 4 year warranty, 7 year corrosion warranty, 3 years roadside assistance  and a 2-year free maintenance plan are standard 

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The VW Taos compact SUV has an evolved look; the front light bar and new logo give it a bit of polish. We were surprised at how roomy and comfortable this small SUV is and can see it as capable for a small family; it has good cargo space and lots of premium features for the price. The Taos is offered in bold colors and for 2025, carries a slightly more powerful engine, as well as more standard features. It is fun to drive and comfortable for a great conversation with a passenger on the road. Competitors include: Mazda 3, Toyota Corolla Cross, Honda HR-V, Subaru CrossTrek, Hyundai Kona and Kia Seltos.

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• A 1.5 L 4-cylinder turbo engine with 174 horsepower and 184 torque
• Front wheel drive is standard but 4Motion AWD is an option
• The rear seats are fixed, so they don’t move forward or back
• A very roomy cargo area with 24.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats
• A new front grille featuring a light bar and LED headlights
• Premium Beats sound system is an option
• A starting price of $24,000 and a fully loaded price of about $36,000

Tiguan, which got a minor facelift for 2021 and will come out with a full redesign in 2025, continues its role as the most agreeable middle child in the lineup. And it does what it does really well. It’s easy to drive, has an all wheel drive option and lots of flexible space. Older models had a 3rd row option but that has been discontinued for 2025.

We got a quick test drive not long ago and it’s impressive; VW has upgraded the interior with more luxuries and premium features that make the Tiguan feel far really special for a budget-friendly SUV.

• A 4-cylinder turbo engine that generates 201 horsepower  
• A new 15″ center screen with navigation and “Hey Volkswagen” voice assistance 
• A 12″ digital driver display
• Premium features include a Harman Kardon sound system and massaging front seats ender sound system is an option 
• The upgraded IQ Drive 2.0 driver assist and safety system is standard
• Pricing hasn’t been announced yet but the 2024 model was priced from rice of about $29,000 to about $35,000

As the biggest of VW SUVs, the Atlas makes no compromises in space or capability. VW updated the Atlas’s design in 2024 and rumor has it that we’ll see a redesigned Atlas in 2026. With seating for 7 or 8, it’s a full sized SUV and it feels like it behind the wheel; you can feel the size and height of this in the driver’s seat, but that’s OK; it also gives you the confidence and capability that you expect in an SUV.

One of our favorite details are the slide and tilt center seats that allow 3rd row access even with a child car seat installed. And, with the right seats, 3 will fit across the center bench.

Buyers can go basic or upscale in the R Line. And, center row captains chairs make the 3rd row even easier to reach and more comfortable to sit in.

• A 4 cylinder turbo engine that generates 269 horsepower and 273 torque  
• The Atlas has a 12″ center screen and 10″ driver display 
• There are USB ports for all seats, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wireless
• Three full size rows, with enough room in the third row for full sized adults 
• Center row captains chairs are an option 
• Tow capacity is 5,000 lbs.
• Starting price of about $38,000 and topping out at $53,000 for the fully loaded R-Line Premium edition

This 5 passenger, 4 door two row version of the Atlas, the Cross Sport also expected to be redesigned for 2026, delivers a more sophisticated look and feel with a sloped roof, shorter length and sportier look. Still, it offers the full size drive experience of the Atlas without the added length and size of a 3 row SUV. This one is great for small families, fur-baby families or drivers who simply love the truck-like feel of a full size SUV but want something that is slightly smaller and sportier.

• Has a 4-cylinder turbo engine generating 269 horsepower and 273 torque
• VW’s Digital cockpit is standard
• Leatherette heated seats are standard
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wireless 
• Pricing starts at $37,000 and tops out at about $52,000

VW’s SUVs have proven really popular for their capability—4Motion all wheel drive gives these SUVs the traction you need in the snow or mud—and their good looks. The upgraded light bars and illuminated badges look even more polished. And added features like massaging seats, voice activation and leather upholstery options let you feel pampered even at an affordable price.