Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport Earn 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ Honors

Volkswagen is starting the new year with a big safety win. The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas and 2026 Atlas Cross Sport have both earned the 2025 TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the organization’s highest safety honor. Even better? This marks the third TOP SAFETY PICK award for the Atlas family since its redesign for the 2024 model year—clear proof that Volkswagen’s focus on safety is paying off.

What It Takes to Earn TOP SAFETY PICK+

IIHS continues to raise the bar, and the 2025 TOP SAFETY PICK+ criteria are tougher than ever. To qualify, vehicles must earn:

• Good ratings in the updated moderate overlap front test, updated side test, and small overlap front test
• Acceptable or good headlights as standard across all trims
• Acceptable or good performance in the pedestrian front crash prevention test

The 2026 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport check every one of these boxes.

Smart Lighting and Pedestrian Protection

Both models come standard with LED headlights that earned a good IIHS rating. These headlights also include Volkswagen’s Adaptive Front-lighting System, which swivels with steering input to help illuminate the road while cornering—especially useful on dark, winding roads.

Pedestrian safety is another standout. The standard front crash prevention system earned an acceptable rating in IIHS pedestrian testing, helping drivers detect and respond to people crossing or traveling alongside the vehicle.

IQ.DRIVE®: Advanced Safety Comes Standard

Every 2026 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport includes Volkswagen IQ.DRIVE®, a suite of advanced driver assistance technologies designed to make daily driving easier and safer.

On the highway, IQ.DRIVE offers hands-on semi-automated capability with features like Travel Assist, lane centering, and a capacitive steering wheel. Around town, the system uses front and rear radar, a front camera, and multiple ultrasound sensors to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings.

Standard IQ.DRIVE features include:

• Travel Assist (semi-automated driving assistance)
• Front Assist with Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking, including Pedestrian & Cyclist Monitoring
• Active Side Assist (Blind Spot Monitor)
• Rear Traffic Alert
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go
• Lane Assist (Lane Keeping System)
• Emergency Assist (designed to help in a medical emergency)

Extra Safety and Convenience Features

Beyond IQ.DRIVE, the Atlas family adds even more standard and available safety tech, including Exit Warning and Light Assist (automatic high-beam control). Available features include Park Distance Control, Park Assist, a Head-up Display, Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control, Dynamic Road Sign Display, and Area View, which provides an overhead camera perspective for easier parking and maneuvering.

Pricing and Peace of Mind

Safety doesn’t come at the expense of value. The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas starts at $39,310, while the Atlas Cross Sport starts at $38,300 (both with a $1,475 destination charge). For families and drivers who want space, style, and top-tier safety credentials, these midsize SUVs make a compelling case.

With another TOP SAFETY PICK+ honor under its belt, the Volkswagen Atlas family continues to prove that smart design, advanced technology, and strong safety performance can go hand in hand.