It seems like every manufacturer is cashing in on building a softroader version of they CUV or SUV. That’s where the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Peak Edition comes into play.

Starting with the outside, the earthy color of the Avocado Green Pearl begs for you to get it dirty. With the Peak Edition, you’ll get all-terrain tires added to the unique 18-inch wheels. Unfortunately you won’t get any ground clearance increase, so you’ll need to go aftermarket and I’d recommend removing the aero pieces in front of the tires to help. I did love the VW light design that includes illuminated VW logos.

Getting in, you’ll get get the Peak Edition exclusive orange stitching throughout the interior. Although the orange is a nice touch, I was hoping to have the Peak Edition logo to be embroidered into the headrest. It’s unfortunate that VW has decided to use a base trim SE and added the softroader usuals of wheels and tires, and have omitted things like memory seats, surround camera system, and head-up display. I feel like VW could’ve made the Peak Edition a package that can be added to a base SE for a stripped down version, or to a SEL Premium for a softroader with all the bells and whistles.

Under the hood, the 2.0L turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine is delivering 269 horsepower and 2273 lb.-ft. of torque. That power is going through an 8-speed automatic, and then through the 4MOTION AWD system. I’ll be straight to the point and say to avoid the ECO drive mode in combination with the standard drive mode if you’re in any need of power delivery. I was needing to be in the Comfort drive mode, and in Sport mode for the transmission to have any responsiveness during stop and go and highway passing.

Overall, I enjoyed the incredible use of space inside of the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Peak Edition. I do wish the Peak Edition were more of a package than its own trim. I guess the solution would be to buy a SEL Premium and add off-road wheels and tires.