Cardinale Volkswagen Salinas - Does the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Offer the Right Towing and Tech for Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA Road Trips?
Planning weekend escapes along the coast means your SUV has to do two things exceptionally well: tow with confidence and keep everyone connected. The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas is built for both. With a turbocharged 2.0 TSI® engine rated at 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, the Atlas is properly equipped to tow up to 5,000 pounds—ideal for a compact camper, a pair of jet skis, or a small trailer. At the same time, Volkswagen’s focus on smart interfaces and seamless connectivity makes it easy to keep your crew informed and entertained from driveway to destination around Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA.
Inside, a 12-inch touchscreen anchors a driver-focused cockpit, while Wireless App-Connect places compatible apps within easy reach. An available Wi-Fi Hotspot supports multiple devices, and wireless charging, plus strategically placed USB ports, keep everyone powered without clutter. On the safety side, IQ.DRIVE® adds hands-on, semi-automated capability that can help with lane centering and following distance on longer highway stretches—especially helpful when towing. Paired with available 4MOTION® all-wheel drive, the Atlas adds confidence when roads are slick or uneven, so you can focus on the journey, not the conditions.
- Power and towing: Turbocharged 2.0 TSI® engine and up to 5,000-lb towing capability when properly equipped.
- Road-trip tech: 12-inch touchscreen, Wireless App-Connect, available Wi-Fi Hotspot, and wireless charging.
- Driver assistance: IQ.DRIVE® with hands-on, semi-automated capability to support lane centering and following distance.
- All-weather confidence: Available 4MOTION® helps optimize traction when conditions change.
- Family-friendly cabin: Spacious three-row seating with flexible cargo solutions for gear and luggage.
Before you hitch up and head out, a few best practices go a long way. Match your trailer to the Atlas’s capability, verify tongue weight, and confirm you’ve got the correct hitch and wiring. Check tire pressures on both the Atlas and the trailer, and do a full walk-around to confirm lights, safety chains, and brake function (if applicable). When towing, allow extra time for braking and passing, and leverage IQ.DRIVE® assistance appropriately—keeping hands on the wheel and eyes on the road while letting the system support lane positioning and following distance on suitable roads.
Cabin tech adds just as much value as capability on a long drive. With Wireless App-Connect, your compatible navigation apps and playlists are easy to access, and the available Harman Kardon system brings immersive sound to every row. If multiple passengers are streaming, the available Wi-Fi Hotspot helps keep the experience smooth. For families, the Atlas’s well-placed charging options and thoughtful storage help keep devices, snacks, and small items organized and within reach—even when every seat is filled.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can the 2026 Atlas tow a camper and still feel stable on the highway?
When properly equipped and within its 5,000-lb rating, the Atlas is engineered to tow with composure. Its turbocharged torque and chassis tuning help maintain stability, and available 4MOTION® can add traction confidence when conditions change.
How does IQ.DRIVE® help while towing?
IQ.DRIVE® can provide hands-on, semi-automated capability to assist with lane centering and following distance on suitable roads. It’s designed to support your attention—not replace it—so you remain fully in control while the system helps reduce fatigue.
What connectivity features are most useful for long trips?
The 12-inch touchscreen with Wireless App-Connect keeps navigation and media front and center, the available Wi-Fi Hotspot supports multiple devices, and wireless charging plus USB ports help keep everyone powered without cords cluttering the console.
Ready to see how the Atlas feels with your real-world cargo, passengers, and tech preferences? Our team can set up a tailored test drive and walk you through towing setup, driver assistance features, and connectivity options. Cardinale Volkswagen Salinas is serving Pebble Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Carmel Valley Village with straightforward guidance and a product-first approach so you can make the most of your next road trip.