The Best 2026 Volkswagen Models for Weekend Getaways

The Best 2026 Volkswagen Models for Weekend Getaways

Planning a weekend escape means finding the right vehicle to match your plans. Whether you're heading to mountain trails, coastal drives, or spontaneous detours, the right SUV makes the journey easier. Volkswagen's 2026 lineup offers three models that deliver space, performance, and all-weather capability for drivers in British Columbia.

From compact agility to full-size hauling, these three Volkswagen SUVs provide the features weekend adventurers need. Here's what sets each one apart.

2026 Volkswagen Tiguan: Compact Agility With Turbocharged Options

The 2026 Tiguan delivers refined design, advanced technology, and available turbocharged performance in a compact footprint. This model works well for couples or small families who want manoeuvrability without sacrificing comfort or cargo space.

Performance Options

The Tiguan offers two powertrain choices. The Trendline, Comfortline, and Comfortline R-Line Black Edition trims feature a 2.0 TSI turbocharged engine producing 201 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. The Highline Turbo R-Line steps up with 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque - a 67 hp increase that improves acceleration for highway merging and mountain passes.

All Tiguan models include 4MOTION All-Wheel Drive, an 8-speed automatic transmission, and Driving Profile Selection. The system distributes power to maintain traction on wet roads, gravel paths, or light snow.

Key Tiguan Capabilities:

  • Towing preparation up to 817 kg (1,800 lb) on standard models
  • Combined fuel economy of 9.2 L/100 km across most trims
  • Ground clearance of 179 mm (standard models) or 183 mm (Highline Turbo)
  • Wheelbase of 2,791 mm

Interior Features

The Tiguan Trendline includes heated front seats, dual-zone electronic climate control, and cloth seating surfaces. Comfortline adds leatherette seating, an 8-way power driver seat, and customizable ambient lighting with 10 colour options. The Highline Turbo R-Line includes quilted leather seating, ventilated front seats with massage function, and genuine walnut wood décor.

Technology features include Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro with a 10.25-inch configurable instrument cluster, wireless App-Connect (Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), and the myVW app with connected vehicle services. The Highline Turbo R-Line adds a 15-inch touchscreen infotainment system, satellite navigation, a Harman Kardon Premium Audio System with 12 speakers, and a Head-Up Display.

Safety Equipment

Standard safety features include Front Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking and Pedestrian/Cyclist Monitoring, Travel Assist (Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Assist, and Emergency Assist), Side Assist with Active Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Traffic Alert, and LED headlights with Adaptive Front-light System.

2026 Volkswagen Atlas: Three-Row Space for Family Trips

The 2026 Atlas provides seating for seven, large cargo capacity, and towing strength for boats, trailers, or camping equipment. This three-row SUV handles family road trips with practical features and interior volume.

Size and Capability

The Atlas measures 5,097 mm in length with a 2,980 mm wheelbase. With all seats in use, cargo space handles everyday needs. Fold down the second and third rows to access 2,735 litres of cargo volume - enough for camping gear, sports equipment, or luggage for the entire family.

All Atlas models feature a 2.0 TSI turbocharged engine producing 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, paired with 4MOTION All-Wheel Drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic. Maximum towing capacity is 2,268 kg (5,000 lb) when properly equipped.

Atlas Specifications:

  • Curb weight: 2,050 kg
  • Combined fuel economy: 11.0 L/100 km
  • Height: 1,787 mm
  • Width (excluding mirrors): 1,990 mm

Trim Levels

The Atlas lineup includes three trims: Peak Edition, Highline, and Execline. The Peak Edition features 18-inch Magnum black alloy wheels on all-terrain tires (255/60 R18), black roof rails, illuminated exterior light lines, leatherette seating, a 10-way power driver seat, heated front seats, and three-zone electronic climate control.

The Highline adds 20-inch Atlanta machined alloy wheels, a panoramic power sunroof, leather seating surfaces, heated front and outer rear seats, and an Area View 360° camera system. The Execline includes 21-inch Din machined alloy wheels, R-Line exterior design, ventilated front seats with massage function, premium leather seating, and a Head-Up Display.

All Atlas models include Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro, a 12.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless App-Connect, and the myVW app. The Highline and Execline trims add satellite navigation and a Harman Kardon Premium Audio System with 10 speakers plus subwoofer.

Family Features

Standard equipment includes power-adjustable heated exterior mirrors, Park Distance Control with front and rear sensors, a rearview camera with dynamic guidance lines, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, remote start, and a power tailgate with Easy Open and Easy Close function.

2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport: Five-Passenger Flexibility

The Atlas Cross Sport delivers the interior space and towing capability of the Atlas in a five-passenger design. This model works for drivers who want full-size SUV capability without the third row.

Performance and Dimensions

The Atlas Cross Sport uses a 2.0 TSI turbocharged engine producing 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. 4MOTION All-Wheel Drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic come standard. The Cross Sport measures 4,968 mm in length - 129 mm shorter than the Atlas - with the same 2,980 mm wheelbase.

The shorter rear overhang and lower roofline (1,729 mm versus 1,787 mm on the Atlas) create a more athletic appearance. With the rear seats folded, the Cross Sport offers 2,197 litres of cargo space. Maximum towing capacity matches the Atlas at 2,268 kg (5,000 lb).

Atlas Cross Sport Specifications:

  • Curb weight: 1,985 kg
  • Combined fuel economy: 10.7 L/100 km
  • Width (excluding mirrors): 1,990 mm
  • Width (with mirrors fully extended): 2,249 mm

Trim Options

The Atlas Cross Sport is available in Highline and Execline trims. The Highline includes 20-inch Plus machined alloy wheels, a panoramic power sunroof, LED headlights with Adaptive Front-light System, leather seating surfaces, a 10-way power driver seat with memory function, heated front and outer rear seats, and dual-zone electronic climate control.

The Execline adds 21-inch Din machined alloy wheels, R-Line exterior design, ventilated front seats with massage function, premium leather seating, and a Head-Up Display. Both trims feature illuminated exterior light lines and emblems.

Technology features include Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro with a 10.25-inch configurable instrument cluster, a 12.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless App-Connect, satellite navigation (Highline and Execline), Area View 360° camera system, and a Harman Kardon Premium Audio System with 10 speakers plus subwoofer.

Cargo Management

The Atlas Cross Sport's 60/40 split-folding rear seats allow you to configure space based on passenger and cargo needs. Interior ambient lighting (customizable up to 30 colours on the Execline) adjusts the cabin atmosphere. A power tailgate with Easy Open and Easy Close function simplifies loading.

Which Volkswagen SUV Fits Your Needs?

The Tiguan works well for couples or small families who prioritize fuel efficiency and easier parking. Its compact dimensions don't limit capability - 4MOTION All-Wheel Drive and available 268 hp turbocharged performance handle challenging terrain.

The Atlas is the choice for families who need three rows of seating or maximum cargo volume. Its 2,735 litres of cargo space (seats folded) accommodates larger camping setups, multiple bicycles, or bulky sports equipment. The 2,268 kg towing capacity handles boats, trailers, or toy haulers.

The Atlas Cross Sport offers the Atlas's towing strength and interior space in a shorter package. This model works for active couples or families with older children who no longer need a third row but want extra cargo room.

All three models include Travel Assist (Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Assist, and Emergency Assist), Front Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, and Side Assist with Active Blind Spot Monitor.

Explore the 2026 Volkswagen SUV Lineup

Visit Journey Volkswagen to compare these three models in person. Our team can answer questions about features and capability, and arrange test drives so you can evaluate the Tiguan, Atlas, and Atlas Cross Sport based on your specific weekend plans.