Cardinale Volkswagen Salinas - Tow-Ready Confidence and Connected Comfort for Monterey, CA Adventures
Family SUVs can talk a big game about versatility, but the 2026 Atlas backs it up with two standout strengths: confident tow-ready engineering and a tech-forward cockpit that keeps everyone connected. If your weekends include hitching a trailer or hauling gear along Highway 1, the Atlas’s 5,000 lb towing capacity, composed chassis tuning, and available 4MOTION® all-wheel drive add confidence from the driveway to the campsite. Inside, a crisp 12-inch touchscreen, Wireless App-Connect, and available Wi-Fi Hotspot make the cabin feel like a rolling command center — grounded in intuitive menus and quick responses rather than gimmicks.
Let’s break down why these two pillars — capability and connectivity — make an outsized difference for busy households and road-trip enthusiasts alike.
- Towing rating: Up to 5,000 lb gives room for small boats, pop-up campers, or utility trailers.
- Turbocharged power: The 2.0 TSI® engine’s 269 hp and 273 lb-ft provide brisk, steady pull at real-world speeds.
- Confident footing: Available 4MOTION® can help direct power to where it’s needed when surfaces vary or grades rise.
- Stability foundations: A robust chassis and sure-footed brakes help the Atlas remain settled with weight on the hitch.
- Trailer-friendly visibility: Available Area View and Park Distance Control can help lining up the ball mount and backing into tight spaces.
On the technology side, the Atlas puts a simple, legible interface right where you want it. The 12-inch touchscreen places large, easy-to-tap icons within comfortable reach, backed by Wireless App-Connect for compatible devices so maps, playlists, and messages show on-screen without a cable. The available Harman Kardon system layers in rich audio when you cue up a podcast or playlist, and an available Wi-Fi Hotspot can support work sessions or online homework while you cruise. Thoughtful touches such as multiple USB-C ports and available wireless charging help keep devices topped off so you can focus on the road.
Safety and driver assistance round out the long-haul toolkit. IQ.DRIVE® includes helpful features such as Travel Assist for supported lane centering on clearly marked roads, Adaptive Cruise Control to help maintain following distance, and Lane Assist for added guidance. When merging with a trailer, Side Assist and Rear Traffic Alert can provide extra awareness. These systems don’t replace attentive driving — they add calm and consistency so you arrive less fatigued and more ready to enjoy the destination.
For shoppers who want to dive deeper, here are answers to common questions we hear from coastal drivers and weekend towers alike.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can the Atlas handle hills and coastal winds while towing?
The turbocharged 2.0 TSI® engine’s broad torque band and available 4MOTION® all-wheel drive help maintain confident pace on grades and in variable conditions, while the chassis tuning supports stability with a loaded trailer.
Is the 12-inch touchscreen complicated to use?
The interface is designed around large tiles and clean menus so core functions like navigation, audio, and Wireless App-Connect are straightforward, reducing distraction and helping you keep attention on the road.
What helps with low-speed maneuvering near boat ramps or campgrounds?
Available Park Distance Control with Maneuver Braking and available Area View can assist with lining up to a hitch, navigating tight spaces, and backing near obstacles — especially useful with gear packed and visibility reduced.
How does IQ.DRIVE® help on long trips?
Travel Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Assist can help reduce the workload of maintaining speed and lane position on marked highways, contributing to a more relaxed drive for you and your passengers.
When you’re ready to compare trims, review accessories like base carrier bars and roof attachments, or schedule a test drive, Cardinale Volkswagen Salinas offers convenient online tools and a knowledgeable team to help you tailor an Atlas to your life. We’re proud to be serving Monterey, Pebble Beach, and Carmel-by-the-Sea with transparent guidance on features such as the 12-inch display, IQ.DRIVE®, and the capability advantages that matter most for towing and travel.
The result is a family SUV that feels purpose-built for California days — the kind that start with school runs and end around a fire pit at the campsite. With tow-friendly hardware, composed dynamics, and a cockpit that keeps your plans — and your people — connected, the Atlas is ready for whatever you have planned next.