Volkswagen is stepping up its SUV game with the all-new Teramont Pro, revealed in China as the successor to the long-running Atlas. Having been around since 2017, the Atlas has started to show its age, but VW’s latest three-row SUV promises a modernized design, high-tech interior, and a next-gen powertrain. Developed in collaboration with SAIC, the Teramont Pro could provide an early look at what’s coming to the North American market as the next-generation Atlas, likely for the 2026 model year.
But is this new iteration enough to shake up the highly competitive SUV market? Let’s break down what’s changing under the hood, inside the cabin, and on the road.
Design: More Evolution Than Revolution
The Teramont Pro’s styling isn’t a shocking departure from its predecessor, but it does feature modernized elements to keep up with current trends. First revealed during China’s homologation process in September 2024, the SUV features an EV-inspired closed-off grille, LED light bars front and rear, and flush door handles. Volkswagen isn’t exactly known for radical design risks, and that remains true with this latest iteration.
While the flagship R-Line trim attempts to inject some sportiness into the Teramont Pro with 21-inch wheels and blacked-out trim, the SUV remains a conservative entry in the segment. Oversized headlights and chunky taillights give it a distinctive look, defying the trend of ultra-slim lighting seen on many modern vehicles.
Bigger and Bolder
At 203.1 inches long, 78.4 inches wide, and 70.4 inches tall, the Teramont Pro is 2.4 inches longer than the U.S.-spec Atlas, making it one of the most spacious SUVs in Volkswagen’s lineup. The sleek yet practical proportions will likely translate well if it makes its way to North America.
Interior: A Digital Overhaul With Luxe Features
Volkswagen is going all-in on screens for the Teramont Pro’s interior, embracing a futuristic dashboard packed with high-tech displays. A passenger-specific screen, similar to what’s seen in the China-exclusive Passat Pro, makes its way into the SUV, emphasizing the growing trend of personalized in-car entertainment.
Beyond the screens, VW’s China-first luxury focus means this SUV is loaded with high-end features:
- Panoramic sunroof for an airy, open feel
- 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system for premium audio
- 30-color ambient lighting for a customizable cabin vibe
- Heated and ventilated front seats with massage function
- Reclining passenger seat with an electric footrest
- Three-stage perfume dispenser (because why not?)
While not all of these luxury features may make their way to the North American Atlas, they showcase Volkswagen’s ambition to position this SUV as a high-tech, comfort-focused family hauler.
Performance: A Game-Changing Turbocharged Engine
Under the hood, the Teramont Pro debuts Volkswagen’s all-new EA888evo5 engine, a next-gen version of the automaker’s well-known 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Unlike its predecessors, this new engine adopts the Miller cycle, variable-geometry turbocharging, and higher fuel injection pressure (500 bar) for better efficiency and power.
The numbers speak for themselves:
- 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque (a 51-hp and 37-lb-ft increase over the previous model)
- Paired exclusively with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
- Standard 4Motion all-wheel-drive system
- 0-62 mph in 7.6 seconds – not bad for a full-size SUV
Volkswagen has also made extensive upgrades to the pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, intake system, and lubrication system, ensuring better longevity and performance. While China is losing the old VR-6 engine, this EA888evo5 powertrain could become a staple across VW and Audi’s lineups as the brand extends its commitment to gas-powered models.
Safety and Tech: A Smarter, Safer Drive
Beyond just power and luxury, the Teramont Pro packs a suite of modern safety and driver assistance features.
- L2+ semi-autonomous driving capabilities
- Adaptive suspension (DCC) for smoother handling
- Nine standard airbags for enhanced protection
- 82.3% high-strength steel structure for improved crash safety
- Dual reversing projection lights on the tailgate to alert pedestrians
These advancements push the Teramont Pro into the next generation of smart SUVs, focusing on both performance and safety.
Will This Be America’s Next Atlas?
While Volkswagen has yet to confirm whether the Teramont Pro will serve as the blueprint for the next-gen Atlas, the similarities are hard to ignore. The MQB Evo platform, new engine, and increased dimensions suggest that a 2026 Atlas could adopt many of these upgrades.
One major question remains: Will Volkswagen bring over all the high-end features, or will it tone things down for the North American market? If the U.S. version retains the next-gen engine, digital-heavy interior, and premium driving features, it could position itself as a serious contender against top rivals like the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Ford Explorer.
For now, all eyes are on Volkswagen to officially reveal their plans for the next-generation Atlas, but if the Teramont Pro is any indication, big changes are coming.
