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2025 Volkswagen Atlas: NHTSA & IIHS Safety Ratings, Price

— NHTSA, IIHS, EPA, AAA, RepairPal

Among 201 mid-range SUVs, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas scores well for safety, with NHTSA's 5-star rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation. NHTSA has 4 recall campaigns on file, more than the 1.7 average for SUVs.

Starting MSRP
$38,200 - $53,205
EPA Combined MPG
21-22 MPG
NHTSA Safety Rating
5-Star (Highest)
IIHS Award
Top Safety Pick+
Est. Annual Fuel Cost
$2,700 - $2,850 per year
EPA GHG Score
5 / 10
Recalls on File
4 recalls on file
EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
$2,250 more over 5 yrs
Owner Complaints
38 on file
Est. Monthly Cost (with fuel)
$1,357 per month
Est. Cost per Mile (with fuel)
$0.84
Brand Origin
Germany
5★ + TSP+SafetyHighest NHTSA rating + IIHS TSP+
CFuel CostAverage fuel cost among gas SUVs
3.5/5ReliabilityRepairPal rating
4Recalls4 recalls since 2025

How we collect and verify data

Priced from $38,200 to $53,205, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas is one of 201 mid-range SUVs. Safety ratings, recall history, and ownership costs are all covered below.

Data Summary

2025 Volkswagen Atlas at a Glance

Compared with similar SUVs in our dataset, the clearest positive signals for the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas are high published crash-test results. The main caution is that the recall history is not a standout.

Auto-generated from published safety, fuel-cost, reliability, recall, and cost data. It is informational only and not personal advice or a recommendation. How this works

Key signals
  • safety

Strengths in the data

Cautions in the data

  • There are 4 recalls on file, above the current SUVs average. Zero-recall cars 2025 →
  • Reliability is not a standout here: RepairPal 3.5/5.
  • AAA estimates $13,584 per year in non-fuel costs for the Medium SUV class: insurance $1,873, maintenance $1,817, depreciation $5,074. These are class averages, not specific to this model.

Similar vehicles to compare

How Safe Is the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas?

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas earned NHTSA's highest 5-star safety rating and TSP+ recognition from IIHS, placing it among the most thoroughly tested SUVs for crash protection. 82% of SUVs share this top NHTSA rating. Source: NHTSA.

★★★★★5/5

Overall Safety

82% of SUVs share this top rating

CategoryRating
Frontal Crash★★★★☆4/5
Side Crash★★★★★5/5
Rollover★★★★☆4/5
Detailed crash test ratings
TestRating
Frontal Crash - Driver★★★★☆4/5
Frontal Crash - Passenger★★★★☆4/5
Side Crash - Driver★★★★★5/5
Side Crash - Passenger★★★★★5/5
Side Pole Crash★★★★★5/5

Rollover Risk: 15.9%

FeatureAvailability
Forward Collision WarningStandard
Lane Departure WarningStandard
Crash Imminent BrakingStandard
Dynamic Brake SupportStandard

NHTSA tests are federally mandated. IIHS tests are conducted by an insurance-industry nonprofit. The two programs use different crash configurations, so they catch different things.

How Did the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?

IIHS awarded the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas a TSP+ designation, which requires good or acceptable ratings in all crashworthiness categories plus effective front crash prevention. Source: IIHS.

Top Safety Pick+
TestRating
Small Overlap FrontG Good
Moderate Overlap FrontG Good
SideG Good
HeadlightsG Good
Front Crash Prevention (Pedestrian)A Acceptable
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)M Marginal

IIHS vehicle class: Midsize SUVs

Strong crash test scores are reassuring, but they do not cover every component. The recall section below shows whether NHTSA or Volkswagen has identified any issues worth correcting on vehicles already sold.

Does the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Have Any Recalls?

With 4 recall campaigns on file, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas exceeds the 1.7 average for SUVs. Affected components include BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, SERVICE BRAKES, SUSPENSION. Note that more recalls can indicate more proactive defect identification. All recall repairs are free. Source: NHTSA.

4 recall campaigns on file with NHTSA.

Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, SERVICE BRAKES, SUSPENSION

Most recent: June 2025

Units affected: 349,985

What Do 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Owners Report to NHTSA?

NHTSA has 38 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas. The average for 2025 SUVs is 32 complaints. Owner complaints are self-reported and unverified, but patterns across many reports can indicate real issues.

13 in the last 90 days · 35 in the last 12 months · most recent filed 2026-04-06

Safety-relevant complaints: At least one complaint includes crash reported. Review individual reports on NHTSA.gov for details.

Most-reported problem areas

  1. Electrical14
  2. Powertrain11
  3. ADAS / Safety Tech9
  4. Engine7
  5. Visibility3

Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-04-16.

Families drive more miles and make more trips. That makes fuel economy one of the biggest factors in the real cost of owning the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas.

What Is the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Fuel Economy?

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas achieves up to 22 combined MPG according to EPA testing, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700. That is $592 more per year than the $2,108 average for mid-range SUVs. EPA estimates are based on standardized laboratory tests. Source: EPA (fueleconomy.gov).

Ranges from 21 to 22 combined MPG depending on trim and drivetrain.

TrimCombinedCityHighwayAnnual Fuel Cost
SE FWD GAS22 MPG2026$2,700 per year
SE AWD GAS21 MPG1926$2,850 per year
SE w/Technology FWD GAS22 MPG2026$2,700 per year
SE w/Technology AWD GAS21 MPG1926$2,850 per year
Peak Edition AWD GAS21 MPG1926$2,850 per year
SEL AWD GAS21 MPG1926$2,850 per year
SEL Premium R-Line AWD GAS21 MPG1926$2,850 per year

Estimated 5-year fuel costs range from $13,500 to $14,250 depending on trim.

A family vehicle racks up miles fast. That means the hidden costs, insurance, maintenance, depreciation, matter as much as what you pay at the pump. AAA estimates them below.

What Does the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cost to Own?

Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas ranges from $92,020 to $131,625 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Medium SUV class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.

Maintenance$1,817 per year
Insurance$1,873 per year
Depreciation$5,074 per year
Registration & Taxes$862 per year
Financing$1,815 per year
Total (excluding fuel)$13,584 per year
Cost per mile$0.84 per mile

Families often prioritize safety features and cargo space over horsepower. The trim table below shows how those factors vary across the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas lineup.

How Do the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Trims Compare?

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas is available in 7 trims, with base prices ranging from $38,200 to $53,205. All trims use a Gasoline powertrain. The table below compares key specifications and costs across all available trims. Prices shown are manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) and do not include destination charges, dealer fees, taxes, or incentives.

TrimBase MSRPCombined MPGEst. Annual Fuel CostDrive TypeCurb WeightEst. 5-Year Cost
SE FWD GAS$38,20022 MPG$2,700 per yearFWD4,317 lbs$92,020
SE AWD GAS$40,10021 MPG$2,850 per yearAWD4,491 lbs$118,520
SE w/Technology FWD GAS$42,30522 MPG$2,700 per yearFWD4,317 lbs$96,125
SE w/Technology AWD GAS$44,20521 MPG$2,850 per yearAWD4,491 lbs$122,625
Peak Edition AWD GAS$46,65521 MPG$2,850 per yearAWD4,601 lbs$125,575
SEL AWD GAS$48,20021 MPG$2,850 per yearAWD4,643 lbs$126,620
SEL Premium R-Line AWD GAS$53,20521 MPG$2,850 per yearAWD4,643 lbs$131,625

The Volkswagen Atlas lineup has contracted from 8 trims in 2024 to 7 trims in 2025. The entry price has increased $205 since 2024.

New trims since 2024

added 2025

  • Peak Edition AWD GAS

Trims no longer available

last available 2024

  • Peak Edition SE w/Technolog...
  • Peak Edition SEL AWD GAS

Price changes since 2024

  • SEL AWD GAS $48,880 (2024) → $48,200 (2025) -$680
  • SEL Premium R-Line AWD GAS $52,890 (2024) → $53,205 (2025) +$315
  • SE FWD GAS $37,995 (2024) → $38,200 (2025) +$205
  • SE AWD GAS $39,895 (2024) → $40,100 (2025) +$205
  • SE w/Technology FWD GAS $42,100 (2024) → $42,305 (2025) +$205
  • SE w/Technology AWD GAS $44,000 (2024) → $44,205 (2025) +$205
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
Trim202420252026
SE FWD GAS$37,995
23 MPG
$38,200
22 MPG
$39,310
23 MPG
SE AWD GAS$39,895
22 MPG
$40,100
21 MPG
$41,210
22 MPG
SE w/Technology FWD GAS$42,100
23 MPG
$42,305
22 MPG
$43,730
23 MPG
SE w/Technology AWD GAS$44,000
22 MPG
$44,205
21 MPG
$45,630
22 MPG
Peak Edition SE w/Technolog...$46,990
22 MPG
SEL AWD GAS$48,880
22 MPG
$48,200
21 MPG
$49,620
22 MPG
Peak Edition SEL AWD GAS$50,870
22 MPG
SEL Premium R-Line AWD GAS$52,890
22 MPG
$53,205
21 MPG
$54,630
22 MPG
Peak Edition AWD GAS$46,655
21 MPG
$48,060
22 MPG

Compare Trim Costs

Select two trims and adjust your driving and financing to see how monthly costs compare. Only costs we can compute from EPA data and your inputs are shown. No estimates, no guesses.

vs
Your driving & financing

You have seen what each trim costs. Now, how often does it break? RepairPal aggregates repair data from thousands of shops to answer that question.

How Reliable Is the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas?

RepairPal rates the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas at 3.5 out of 5.0 for reliability, which is about average for mid-range SUVs. RepairPal ratings reflect repair frequency and cost data from a network of certified repair shops. Source: RepairPal.

3.5/5.0RepairPal Rating

Reliability ratings come from repair shops. Warranty terms come from Volkswagen. Together, they give you both the historical track record and the manufacturer's commitment.

What Warranty Does the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Come With?

Warranty coverage defines Volkswagen's financial commitment if something fails. The terms below apply to all 2025 Atlas trims. Longer powertrain coverage reflects the manufacturer's confidence in drivetrain durability.

Basic Warranty4yr/50k
Powertrain Warranty4yr/50k
Corrosion Warranty12yr/unlimited
Roadside Assistance4yr/50k
Complimentary Maintenance2yr/20k

What Are the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Specs?

Technical specifications for the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas from manufacturer data. Engine size, horsepower, curb weight, and dimensions are shown for the primary configuration.

EPA vehicle class: Full-size SUV

Engine2L I4
Horsepower269 hp
Power-to-Weight115.9 - 124.6 hp per ton
Price per HP$142 - $198
Torque273 lb-ft
Transmission8-speed shiftable automatic
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel Typeregular unleaded
Fuel Tank18.6 gal
Est. Range per Tank409 miles per tank (EPA combined)
Length200.7 in
Width78.3 in
Height70.4 in
Wheelbase117.3 in
Curb Weight4,317 - 4,643 lbs

What Changed for the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas?

  • Number of available trims changed
  • Pricing changed across one or more trims
  • EPA fuel economy ratings changed
  • Recall status changed

All data shown for the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas comes from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references. The safety and reliability data above is especially relevant for a vehicle your family depends on. Data is refreshed periodically.

Source links

Verify this data

2025 Volkswagen Atlas FAQ

Answers generated from published EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, and RepairPal data. Not personal advice.

Which 2025 Volkswagen Atlas trim has the lowest ownership cost?

Among 7 available trims, the SE FWD GAS has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $92,020, starting at $38,200 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $131,625. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.

What vehicles compete with the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas?

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas competes with 2025 Mazda CX-90, 2025 Dodge Durango, and 2025 Subaru Solterra based on price, size, and segment. Each of those vehicles has its own fact sheet with the same EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, and cost data shown here. Browse all 2025 SUVs.

What changed on the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas from last year?

Compared to the previous model year, 1 new trim was added, 2 trims were dropped, and the entry price increased by $205 for the Volkswagen Atlas lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.

How much does a 2025 Volkswagen Atlas cost per month to own?

Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas include about $1,132 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $225 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $1,357 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.

Where is Volkswagen based?

Volkswagen's headquarters are in Germany. Assembly location varies by model and sometimes by trim. The "Brand Origin" label on this site refers to corporate headquarters, not the factory where your specific vehicle was built. See our Germany-brand cars 2025 list.

What other Volkswagen models are available for 2025?

Each 2025 Volkswagen model on this site has its own fact sheet covering available safety, fuel, reliability, cost, and recall data. Visit our Volkswagen models page for the full lineup.

What is the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas safety rating?

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and has 4 recall campaigns on file. See the safety and recall sections above for the full breakdown, including IIHS results and specific recall details.