The Volkswagen Atlas, a versatile SUV renowned for its impressive towing capabilities, offers a 5,000-pound towing capacity across most trim levels when equipped with the standard 3.6L V6 engine and front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). However, certain configurations may slightly affect the towing capacity.
Factors Influencing Towing Capacity
Engine and Drivetrain: The combination of the powerful 3.6L V6 engine and available 4MOTION all-wheel drive system ensures maximum towing performance.
R-Line Package: The R-Line Package enhances handling and towing capabilities with upgraded suspension and brakes, but slightly reduces towing capacity to 4,940 lbs for the AWD configuration.
Trailer Brakes: Utilizing trailer brakes significantly increases the Atlas’s towing capacity, especially when hauling heavy loads.
Towing Features
Trailer Sway Control: This feature automatically activates to prevent trailer sway while towing.
Hill Descent Control: Maintains a constant speed when descending steep slopes with a trailer attached.
Tow Hitch with Wiring: Provides a secure and convenient connection point for trailers.
Recommended Towing Practices
Do Not Exceed Towing Capacity: Exceeding the specified limit can compromise safety and damage the vehicle.
Distribute Weight Evenly: Ensure even weight distribution of the trailer and its contents to maintain stability.
Use a Weight Distribution System: This helps evenly distribute weight and reduce sway.
Check Tire Pressure: Adjust tire pressure to the manufacturer’s recommendations for towing.
Regular Maintenance: Keep the Atlas properly maintained, including regular oil changes and brake inspections.
The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offers impressive towing capabilities, with a standard 5,000-pound capacity. Its versatile features and recommended towing practices ensure safe and efficient hauling. By adhering to these guidelines, you can maximize the towing potential of your Atlas and enjoy the convenience of transporting heavy loads with ease.
What is the towing capacity of the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas?
The towing capacity of the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas varies depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration. The base 3.6L V6 FWD has a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs, while the 3.6L V6 AWD and 3.6L V6 FWD with the R-Line Package also have a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. The 3.6L V6 AWD with the R-Line Package has a slightly lower towing capacity of 4,940 lbs. The 3.6L V6 4MOTION has a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs.
What factors affect the towing capacity of the Atlas?
The towing capacity of the Atlas is influenced by several factors, including the engine and drivetrain, the R-Line Package, and the use of trailer brakes. The powerful 3.6L V6 engine and available 4MOTION all-wheel drive system provide maximum towing performance. The R-Line Package enhances the vehicle’s handling and towing capabilities with upgraded suspension and brakes. Using trailer brakes significantly increases the Atlas’s towing capacity, especially when hauling heavy loads.
What towing features does the Atlas offer?
To enhance the towing experience, the Atlas offers a range of features, including trailer sway control, hill descent control, and a tow hitch with wiring. Trailer sway control automatically activates to prevent trailer sway when towing. Hill descent control maintains a constant speed when descending steep slopes with a trailer attached. The tow hitch with wiring provides a secure and convenient connection point for trailers.
What are some recommended towing practices for the Atlas?
To ensure safe and efficient towing, it is crucial to adhere to the following recommendations:
- Do not exceed the Atlas’s towing capacity.
- Distribute weight evenly throughout the trailer.
- Use a weight distribution system.
- Check tire pressure before towing.
- Regularly maintain the Atlas, including oil changes and brake inspections.

Characteristic | Advice/Key Points |
---|---|
Base 3.6L V6 FWD | Towing capacity: 5,000 lbs |
3.6L V6 AWD | Towing capacity: 5,000 lbs |
3.6L V6 FWD with R-Line Package | Towing capacity: 5,000 lbs |
3.6L V6 AWD with R-Line Package | Towing capacity: 4,940 lbs |
3.6L V6 4MOTION | Towing capacity: 5,000 lbs |
Engine and Drivetrain | 3.6L V6 engine and available 4MOTION all-wheel drive system provide maximum towing performance |
R-Line Package | Enhances handling and towing capabilities with upgraded suspension and brakes |
Trailer Brakes | Significantly increase towing capacity, especially when hauling heavy loads |
Trailer Sway Control | Automatically activates to prevent trailer sway |
Hill Descent Control | Maintains constant speed when descending steep slopes with a trailer attached |
Tow Hitch with Wiring | Provides secure and convenient connection point for trailers |
Do not exceed towing capacity | Hauling loads beyond specified limit can compromise safety and damage vehicle |
Distribute weight evenly | Ensure stability by evenly distributing weight of trailer and contents |
Use weight distribution system | Helps evenly distribute weight and reduce sway |
Check tire pressure | Adjust to manufacturer’s recommendations for towing |
Regular maintenance | Keep vehicle properly maintained for optimal performance |