2020 Volkswagen Atlas towing capacity
The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas is published in 11 configurations, with tow ratings ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 lb depending on cab, bed, drivetrain, and hitch class. The peak figure (5,000 lb) sits in mid-size SUV / pickup territory.
The table below lists every trim of the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas with the engine, drivetrain, axle ratio, horsepower, torque, GVWR, curb weight, and payload that go with that trim's headline tow rating. Manufacturers often publish more than one tow figure per truck — a conventional bumper-hitch rating, a weight-distributing rating, and a gooseneck or fifth-wheel rating — so the highest number here is the maximum across all hitch classes the source carries for the trim.
Per-trim breakdown
| Configuration | Engine | HP | Torque | Axle | Tow (lb) | GVWR | Curb | Payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0T S 4dr Front-wheel Drive | — | 235 | 258 | — | 2,000 | 5,622 | 4,222 | 1,400 |
| 2.0T SE 4dr Front-wheel Drive | — | 235 | 258 | — | 2,000 | 5,622 | 4,222 | 1,400 |
| 3.6L V6 S 4dr All-wheel Drive 4MOTION | — | 276 | 266 | — | 5,000 | 5,997 | 4,502 | 1,495 |
| 3.6L V6 SE 4dr Front-wheel Drive | — | 276 | 266 | — | 5,000 | 5,732 | 4,336 | 1,396 |
| 3.6L V6 SE 4dr All-wheel Drive 4MOTION | — | 276 | 266 | — | 5,000 | 5,997 | 4,502 | 1,495 |
| 2.0T SEL 4dr Front-wheel Drive | — | 235 | 258 | — | 2,000 | 5,622 | 4,222 | 1,400 |
| 3.6L V6 SEL 4dr Front-wheel Drive | — | 276 | 266 | — | 5,000 | 5,732 | 4,336 | 1,396 |
| 3.6L V6 SEL 4dr All-wheel Drive 4MOTION | — | 276 | 266 | — | 5,000 | 5,997 | 4,502 | 1,495 |
| 3.6L V6 SEL R-Line 4dr Front-wheel Drive | — | 276 | 266 | — | 5,000 | 5,732 | 4,336 | 1,396 |
| 3.6L V6 SEL R-Line 4dr All-wheel Drive 4MOTION | — | 276 | 266 | — | 5,000 | 5,997 | 4,502 | 1,495 |
| 3.6L V6 SEL Premium 4dr All-wheel Drive 4MOTION | — | 276 | 266 | — | 5,000 | 5,997 | 4,502 | 1,495 |
How to interpret the headline tow figure
Tow ratings at this level are normally achievable with a conventional Class II or Class III receiver hitch. Always verify your vehicle has the manufacturer's tow package installed if you intend to tow at the upper end of the rating, and inspect the door-jamb sticker for the actual maximum permitted on your specific configuration.
How this year compares to 2019
The 2019 Volkswagen Atlas carried a maximum tow rating of 5,000 lb. The 2020 model carries the same headline figure — manufacturers usually leave the rating alone year-over-year unless there's a powertrain or hitch change. See the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas page for the full per-trim breakdown of the prior year.
Other 2020 Volkswagen models
The rest of Volkswagen's 2020 lineup, ranked by maximum tow rating. Click through for the per-trim breakdown of any of these.
| Model | Max tow (lb) |
|---|---|
| 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport | 5,000 |
| 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan | 1,500 |
All figures sourced from manufacturer documentation. See our methodology for how the dataset is compiled. Always confirm against your vehicle's door-jamb sticker before towing.