Volkswagen explains why the new Atlas looks different from China’s Terramont

Volkswagen updated the Atlas in the US for 2027, with the SUV getting new styling and an updated engine. Eagle-eyed enthusiasts may notice that it looks to some extent Like the Terramont that VW sells in China, but even though both SUVs share a platform, there are some distinct differences in styling.

Said this in an interview with Volkswagen exterior designer William Lee car design newsThe Atlas has a unique hood that looks “a little higher, a little bolder and more solid than the Terramont.” In China, he said, “visibility is prioritized, which is less relevant to the US market.”

Other differences include the Terramont having a closed upper facade with no air access. This allowed Volkswagen to add more details for the Chinese market, which is “less relevant” in the United States, so the Atlas has an open grille.

The American SUV also has traditional door handles, unlike the flush ones on China’s Teramont (at least, for now), but you can clearly see the similarities underneath the unique styling choices. Volkswagen also had to make some changes due to different US and Chinese engine regulations, and there are some other small differences.

In the United States, Atlas makes up about a third of the brand’s sales. In addition to the updated styling, Volkswagen has also updated the SUV’s turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces 282 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. The 2027 VW Atlas will begin arriving at dealers this fall.

Motor1’s Opinion: The automotive industry is global, and it’s always interesting to see how automakers tailor a vehicle to a specific market. Tastes and trends are not universal, and automakers should take this into account – the result is cars like the Terramont and the Atlas.

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