“The SE with Technology is a great trim. Upgrading is only necessary if you want seat memory and a sunroof.”
2023 Volkswagen Atlas: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The main change for the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas is a simplified five-trim lineup, with SE becoming the starting trim. Otherwise, this is a quiet carryover year with the same engines, platform, and overall design.
About the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas
1st generation Atlas family, final model year before the 2024 refresh (Atlas 2018-2023; Atlas Cross Sport 2020-2023).
Volkswagen positions the Atlas family as midsize SUVs built specifically for American buyers. The Atlas is the roomy three-row family version, aimed at people who need real passenger space and easy cargo flexibility, while the Atlas Cross Sport trades the extra row for a sleeker two-row shape. Across both, the core appeal is simple controls, long-trip comfort, a substantial cabin, and a choice between mainstream practicality and a more style-led look.
The 2023 Atlas family includes the three-row Atlas and the sleeker two-row Atlas Cross Sport. SE covers the essentials with heated front seats and phone connectivity, while SE with Technology adds useful extras such as adaptive cruise control, remote start, and a hands-free liftgate. SEL R-Line Black emphasizes dark exterior details, while SEL Premium R-Line pairs V6 power and all-wheel drive with leather, ventilated front seats, a surround-view camera, and Fender audio.
What changed, by category
Trim lineup
Volkswagen streamlines both Atlas body styles to five trims. SE replaces S as the starting point, the old SEL R-Line is removed, and SEL R-Line Black becomes the sport-styled R-Line choice.
Styling
The SEL R-Line Black brings a blacked-out exterior theme to the lineup’s sport-styled position. There is no broader exterior redesign.
2023 Volkswagen Atlas specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / V6, 3.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / V6, 3.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / V6, 3.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / V6, 3.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | AWD | FWD | FWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 21 mpg | 20 mpg | 18–20 mpg | 18–21 mpg | 18–21 mpg | 18–20 mpg | 18–20 mpg | 18–20 mpg | 18 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 25 mpg | 24 mpg | 23–24 mpg | 24–25 mpg | 24–25 mpg | 23–24 mpg | 24 mpg | 23–24 mpg | 23–24 mpg |
| Horsepower | 235 hp | 235 hp | 235–276 hp | 235–276 hp | 235–276 hp | 235–276 hp | 235–276 hp | 235–276 hp | 276 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258–266 lb-ft | 258–266 lb-ft | 258–266 lb-ft | 258–266 lb-ft | 258–266 lb-ft | 258–266 lb-ft | 266 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 77.8–96.8 cu-ft | 77.8–96.8 cu-ft | 77.8–96.8 cu-ft | 96.8 cu-ft | 77.8 cu-ft | 96.8 cu-ft | 77.8 cu-ft | 77.8–96.8 cu-ft | 77.8–96.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.7–40.4 in | 33.7–40.4 in | 33.7–40.4 in | 33.7 in | 40.4 in | 33.7 in | 40.4 in | 33.7–40.4 in | 33.7–40.4 in |
| Seats | 5–7 | 5–7 | 5–7 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 5 | 5–7 | 5–7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||||||
| Adaptive Headlights | |||||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||||
| Cruise Control | |||||||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | |||||||||
| Hill Descent Control | |||||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||||||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | |||||||||
| Park Assist | |||||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||||
| 360 Camera | |||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||||
| LED Headlights | |||||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||||||
| Privacy Glass | |||||||||
| Roof Rails | |||||||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | |||||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||||
| Subwoofer | |||||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||||||
| 115V Power Outlet | |||||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||||||
| Rear Window Shades | |||||||||
| Remote Start | |||||||||
| Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | |||||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas a major update over the 2022 model?
No. The 2023 Atlas is mostly a carryover, with a simplified trim lineup as its main change. Its engines, platform, safety equipment, technology, and overall design remain largely the same.
What is the starting trim for the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas?
SE is the starting trim for 2023 because Volkswagen dropped the former S trim. It has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, heated front seats, an 8-inch digital gauge display, phone connectivity, and core driver-assistance features.
Did the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas get a new engine?
No. The 2023 Atlas continues with the 235-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder and 276-horsepower V6, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
What changed with the R-Line trims for the 2023 Atlas?
Volkswagen removed the old SEL R-Line, and the blacked-out SEL R-Line Black fills the sport-styled role for 2023. Its changes focus on appearance rather than added power.
Is 2023 the final Atlas model year before the refresh?
Yes. The 2023 Atlas is the final model year before the more extensive 2024 refresh, making it a largely unchanged end-of-cycle version.
2023 Volkswagen Atlas Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas.
4.1
2023 Volkswagen Atlas
(163 reviews)
“love the space . the sport has a better design, love the technology feature of wifi everywhere i go”
“Vehicle has great seats that support your legs and are comfortable. Electronics are a little hinky and nonsensical.”