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New Volkswagen SUVs
If you're trying to narrow down your selection of capable and stylish new Volkswagen SUVs, you may be interested in learning about the Tiguan, Taos, ID.4 EV, and Atlas towing capacity ratings first. Each of these vehicles has premium appointments and advanced driver aids to keep you and your loved ones comfortable and safe. However, how much you can pull varies, which can be a major consideration if you have off-road toys, camping equipment, or travel trailers to pull.
Whether you're looking for the model that can haul the most weight or simply trying to determine if your preferred sport-ute can fulfill certain demands, our team here at Gunther Volkswagen Fort Lauderdale has the answers you're seeking. In this guide, we'll cover popular vehicles you may be interested in. Don't hesitate to contact our dealership in Fort Lauderdale, FL, for more information after diving in.
Our team here at Gunther Volkswagen Fort Lauderdale wants to help you decide on your next tow-capable vehicle by providing a detailed comparison of the automaker's SUVs. To get things started, the VW Atlas towing capacity – as well as that of its sportier-looking sibling, the VW Atlas Cross Sport – is the highest in the lineup: 5,000 pounds.1 If you need an SUV that can accommodate the whole family across two or three rows, with plenty of space for cargo in the cabin and the ability to tow a small boat or camper, you'll likely want one of these models.
On the opposite end, the Taos is the only current SUV in the VW stable that isn't rated for towing. Naturally, that means the Tiguan and ID.4 fall somewhere in between. Check out the chart below for each model's maximum towing capacity, including any drivetrain variances.
| VW Model | Max. Towing Capacity |
|---|---|
| 2026 VW Atlas | 5,000 lbs1 |
| 2026 VW Atlas Cross Sport | 5,000 lbs1 |
| 2026 VW Tiguan |
|
| 2026 VW ID.4 |
|
| 2025 VW Taos | Not recommended for towing |
A vehicle's specs often change throughout the years, so let's look at how these VW SUVs' tow ratings evolved with time, in case you're considering pre-owned iterations, too.
Debuting for the 2018 model year, the Volkswagen Atlas replaced the now-retired VW Touareg as the brand's largest three-row SUV. Same as today, the Volkswagen boasted a 5,000-pound maximum tow strength4 when it came out. However, there are some differences to note. New VW Atlas SUVs all use a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine to achieve this hauling potential.1 On the other hand, while first-gen variants also came standard with a 2.0-liter turbo engine, it wasn't as powerful as today's version – you'll need the available 3.6-liter naturally-aspirated V-6 to pull that much with a 2018-2023 model.4
The VW Atlas Cross Sport is similar to the Atlas in terms of engine options and towing strength. With its 2020-2023 editions, you'll need the available V-6 to tow 5,000 pounds,4 but you can pull that much with the standard turbo powertrain – the only option – for subsequent years.1
The Volkswagen Tiguan has been a staple in the automaker's lineup for over 15 years, hitting the North American market for the 2009 model year. Every version of the VW Tiguan since its release has used a 2.0-liter turbo engine, though output and towing strength have varied over the years. Its first iterations could pull up to 2,200 pounds.1 That rating was reduced in the 2018 model year to 1,500 pounds, which remained the maximum through the 2024 version.1
The lower capacity was largely due to a shift toward making the SUV more comfortable and connected for daily driving. As such, the interior was enriched with far more technology than before. Entering its third generation for the 2025 model year, the Tiguan regained some towing potential. Though FWD models still pull a maximum of 1,500 pounds,1 AWD editions can reach as high as 1,800 pounds.1
The VW ID.4, an all-electric compact SUV, is the newest introduction in this guide, debuting for the 2021 model year. All versions of this EV so far have had a maximum towing capacity of 2,200 pounds with single-motor rear-wheel drive,2 or 2,700 pounds with dual-motor AWD.3
The Volkswagen Taos is the brand's smallest SUV, slotting below the ID.4 in the lineup. However, if you're looking to tow, the ID.4 or Tiguan – depending on your preference for gas or electricity – would be better choices. The Taos is not rated for towing, and the manufacturer does not recommend it. That said, it's still a prime choice for premium interior amenities and technology if you don't have hauling requirements.
Now that you've reviewed our VW Tiguan, Taos, ID.4 EV, and Atlas towing capacity guide, come check out these SUVs in person at Gunther Volkswagen Fort Lauderdale if you're in the area. We can assist you with any lingering questions about their towing potential, including the equipment you'll need for each. We look forward to working with you!
The 2026 VW Atlas doesn't offer a specific towing package – you'll need a trailer hitch to reach the 5,000-pound maximum braked tow rating, which comes standard with second-tier SE with Technology and all higher trims. Ask our team about adding a hitch to the entry-level SE model.
The Tiguan has a maximum towing capacity of 1,800 pounds,1 despite its relatively compact size. That's enough to pull outdoor equipment, like a pair of Jet Skis or a small trailer with furniture.
As the largest entry in the automaker's stable, the Atlas ties for the highest tow rating with its Atlas Cross Sport sibling at 5,000 pounds.1 If you're looking for a capable three-row SUV that's still plenty maneuverable on city streets, consider the Atlas.
The VW Touareg retired in the U.S. after the 2017 model. However, you may still find examples on the used market. Some versions of this three-row SUV can tow up to a massive 7,716 pounds when properly equipped.
The VW ID.4 is the most recent electric SUV for the brand, debuting for the 2021 model year. It can tow up to 2,700 pounds when equipped with a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup.3 Single-motor, RWD configurations aren't far behind – you'll still have 2,200 pounds of maximum towing strength.2
The Atlas Cross Sport shares a platform and powertrain with the Atlas, allowing it to tow as much as its three-row stablemate: up to 5,000 pounds.1 If you'd like more information on either SUV, contact our team at Gunther Volkswagen Fort Lauderdale.
The Volkswagen Taos is not rated for towing, and the manufacturer does not recommend it. Instead of prioritizing towing, this compact SUV focuses on providing ample cabin space, plush materials, and premium technology to keep occupants comfortable and connected on the go.
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1Maximum tow rating when equipped with 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine and factory-installed towing hitch. Vehicle load, other accessories, and options may reduce maximum towing capacity. See vehicle Owner’s Manual for details.
2Maximum tow rating when equipped with 82-kWh battery, single motor, and factory-installed towing hitch. Vehicle load, other accessories, and options may reduce maximum towing capacity. See vehicle Owner’s Manual for details.
3Maximum tow rating when equipped with 82-kWh battery, dual motors, and factory-installed towing hitch. Vehicle load, other accessories, and options may reduce maximum towing capacity. See vehicle Owner’s Manual for details.
4Maximum tow rating when equipped with 3.6-liter V-6 engine and factory-installed towing hitch. Vehicle load, other accessories, and options may reduce maximum towing capacity. See vehicle Owner’s Manual for details.