Top Volkswagen Models for Towing and Outdoor Adventures

German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen has a longstanding reputation for designing some of the most stylish and affordable vehicles. Most people typically associate the brand with the iconic Volkswagen Beetle, which was in production for 70 years until its discontinuation in 2019. However, over the years, the automaker has diversified its lineup to include SUVs, sedans, and commercial vans, which are highly sought after for their simple yet stylish looks, exceptional performance, and sophisticated in-cabin technology. Join us as we unveil our top picks for the best Volkswagens for towing tasks and outdoor adventures.

Volkswagen Atlas: The Ultimate Hauler for Outdoor Gear

As the largest SUV in the Volkswagen line, the Atlas offers a spacious interior with three rows of seating, making it a popular choice for families. Its generous cargo capacity offers a class-leading 96.6 cubic feet of luggage space with the second and third-row seats folded. While the rear seats on both rows are not power-folding, they lie completely flat to create a van-like amount of storage space, perfect for seamlessly hauling bulky luggage, such as large suitcases and camping gear.

On the towing front, the Volkswagen Atlas can haul up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with the optional trailer hitch. This rating is comparable  to others in its class, such as the Subaru Ascent, Toyota Highlander, and Honda Pilot.

Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport: Style Meets Towing Power

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is an excellent pick if you like the Volkswagen Atlas but don't need the additional row or extra space the original model offers. The Atlas Cross Sport only offers seating for five, compared to the family-friendly Atlas, which comfortably accommodates seven people. It also offers slightly less cargo capacity than its larger three-row sibling, maxing out at 77.6 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. However, whatever this mid-size SUV gives up in terms of passenger and cargo capacity, it more than makes up for with its stylish design and formidable performance.

The inside of the Atlas Cross Sport delivers an upscale cabin built with driver and passenger comfort in mind. Even in the base SE model, you'll find many premium features and technologies you ordinarily expect on higher trims. They include high-quality V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces with ventilation and heating for the front seats, a heated steering wheel,  a 12-inch center display,  and a dual-zone automatic climate control system.

Like its larger sibling, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is powered by a 2.0 four-cylinder TSI engine that cranks out a decent 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This upgraded engine, first introduced with the 2024 Atlas Cross Sport, increases this crossover's output by 34 horsepower and 7 pound-feet of torque from the previously available four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines. The Cross Sport also has a towing rating of 5,000 pounds when equipped with the available trailer hitch.

Volkswagen Tiguan: Compact SUV and Mighty Towing Partner

The Tiguan, arguably one of the most popular in Volkswagen's SUV line, is one of few compact SUVs to offer a third row, though Volkswagen is discontinuing the extra seating option in 2025. The Tiguan's large door openings make climbing in and out of the first two rows easy. However, its third row is tighter, with limited headroom and legroom, which makes it best reserved for kids and adults of average height.

In terms of cargo capacity, the Tiguan offers 12 cubic feet behind the third-row seats, which is fairly standard for vehicles in this class. Folding the two rear rows of seats expands the cargo space to 65.3 cubic feet, enough to fit sports equipment, camping gear, and other essentials for outdoor excursions.  As for towing capabilities, the Tiguan has a maximum rating of 1,500 pounds when equipped with a trailer hitch.

Volkswagen ID.4: The Electric Option for Eco-Friendly Towing

The Volkswagen ID.4 is a stylish, five-seater, all-electric SUV boasting a roomy cabin, plenty of range, and many intuitive driver-assistance features to make driving easier and more fun. When equipped with the available trailer hitch, this formidable hauler achieves a maximum towing capacity of 2,700 pounds.

Available in various drivetrain configurations, the Volkswagen ID.4 offers a range of 206 to 291 miles, with dual-motor all-wheel-drive models achieving up to 263 miles. But the ID.4 truly stands out when it comes to interior appointments and in-cabin technology. The Standard model features cloth-trimmed seating surfaces with heating for the driver and front passenger, plus an intuitive 12-inch infotainment touch screen, with the option of a 12.9-inch screen. The S trim offers additional comfort features, including massage front seats, V-Tex leatherette seats, and a heated steering wheel.

All models come equipped with Volkswagen's IQ.DRIVE technology, which comprises various active driver-assistance systems to enhance your driving experience. For instance, adaptive cruise control utilizes sensors to detect vehicles ahead of you on the road and adjusts your vehicle's speed to keep a preset distance from them.

Lane assist activates on roads with visible lane markings when you're driving at speeds above 35 mph. It utilizes a camera system to detect lane markings and alerts you when your vehicle starts to veer out of its lane. Other standard driver-assistance features available on the ID.4 include active blind-spot monitoring, which alerts you about any vehicles in your blind spots, and emergency assist, which safely stops your vehicle if something causes you to lose the ability to drive.

Find Your Ideal Volkswagen at Sunrise Volkswagen 

With Volkswagen's diverse adventure-ready and family-friendly lineup, choosing your ideal vehicle comes down to your personal needs. If you need extra space for a growing family, the Volkswagen Atlas might be enough to meet your adventure needs. On the other hand, if your priority is efficiency and power above all else, the all-electric Volkswagen ID.4 might be a better fit. Schedule a test-drive  with us at Sunrise Volkswagen to try out the latest SUVs and find the best Volkswagen to buy for all your outdoor adventures. Don't forget to check out our inventory of new Volkswagen for sale!

Volkswagen Atlas V6 SE 4Motion 2018 by RL GNZLZ is license with CC BY-SA 2.0