The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas will reportedly be a total redesign of the brand's three-row crossover. The current model received a substantial refresh for 2024, but that hasn't slowed Volkswagen's plans to reinvent the Atlas, which has been on the market since 2018.We haven't seen an official release from Volkswagen yet, but spy shots from Car Buzz revealed a redesigned Atlas prototype. The front fascia looks to have seen several revisions, namely larger swooping headlights that extend onto the fender and large diamond-shaped grille vents. The LED lightbar present on the current model isn't featured on the prototype, but that could just be the result of it being a preproduction model. The lightbar in the rear is even more prominent than on the current model, with the large unbroken strip dominating the back of the Atlas.Volkswagen is focused on an all-electric future, but it's doubtful the Atlas line will go fully electric by 2026. The current turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder was updated for 2024, resulting in more power and enhanced efficiency for the midsize crossover.In fact, the engine now makes 269 hp, nearly as much as the 3.6-liter V6 that was discontinued in 2024. We anticipate the reinvigorated 2.0-liter will continue to power the 2026 Atlas. It could gain mild hybrid assist for the sake of efficiency.We may also see a plug-in hybrid variant at some point after launch. It's unlikely a V6 — or any all-new gas engine — will make its way into the Atlas. Even so, we expect the Atlas to retain its current 5,000-pound towing capacity.Cargo space has always been a major selling point for the Atlas. The current model offers 55.5 cubic feet behind the second row and a whopping 96.8 cubic feet when it's folded. With that capacity, the Atlas could lose a few cubes in the redesign and still be among the most cargo-friendly vehicles in its class.The Atlas already carries plenty of standard technology, including a 12-inch touchscreen, fully digital instrumentation, wireless charging, and six USB ports. Both the touchscreen and instrument display could be enlarged for 2026. We expect features like navigation, Harman Kardon sound, and a head-up display to be offered on the higher trim levels.We're confident that every 2026 Atlas will come with Volkswagen's IQ.Drive suite of driver assistance features. The bundle currently includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. More advanced features like automated parking assist and surround-view cameras will probably remain optional.According to reports, the 2026 Atlas Cross Sport will be redesigned along the same lines as the regular Atlas. The Cross Sport is a two-row midsize crossover based heavily on the Atlas.Pricing & Release DateWe expect the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas to arrive at dealers in the second half of 2025. If later than that, the next Atlas might arrive as a 2027 model. Look for 2026 Atlas pricing to start at just over $40,000 and climb to around $55,000 for a loaded model.Pictured: 2024 Volkswagen AtlasSource: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Car Buzz