2026 Volkswagen SUVs Ranked by Towing Capacity in British Columbia
A boat trailer, a small camper, a utility trailer full of lumber: the question is always the same. How much can the SUV actually pull? Towing ratings are the one number that separates a vehicle that can handle the job from one that only looks the part, so it pays to know them before you start shopping.
This guide ranks the 2026 Volkswagen SUVs that carry a published towing rating, from the strongest down. Every figure below is the braked trailer rating, the number that applies when the trailer has its own brakes. Each section covers the engine behind the rating, the drivetrain, and the cargo room you get once the trailer is unhitched.
At a Glance: 2026 Volkswagen SUV Towing Ratings
Rank
Model
Maximum Towing (Braked)
Engine
Cargo Space (Seats Folded)
1 (tie)
Atlas
5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) with towing package
2.0 L turbocharged 4-cylinder, 269 hp, 273 lb-ft
2,735 L
1 (tie)
Atlas Cross Sport
5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) with towing package
2.0 L turbocharged 4-cylinder, 269 hp, 273 lb-ft
2,197 L
3
Tiguan
1,799 lbs (816 kg)
2.0 L turbocharged 4-cylinder, 201 hp or 268 hp
2,081 L
All three ride on 4MOTION all-wheel drive as standard equipment, and all three use an 8-speed automatic transmission.
1. Volkswagen Atlas: 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg)
The Atlas is the largest SUV Volkswagen builds, and it shares the top towing rating in the lineup. With the towing package, the Atlas is rated to pull 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) with a braked trailer. That rating covers a wide range of everyday trailers, from aluminum fishing boats to compact travel trailers and enclosed utility haulers.
Power comes from a 2.0 L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, sent through an 8-speed automatic with Tiptronic and 4MOTION all-wheel drive. Driving Profile Selection lets you adjust throttle and transmission behaviour, and the three-row cabin seats seven. The 2026 lineup runs from the Comfortline 4MOTION through the Peak Edition 4MOTION and Highline 4MOTION to the Execline 4MOTION.
Towing rating: 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) braked, with towing package (mount and ball not included)
Engine: 2.0 L turbocharged 4-cylinder, 269 hp, 273 lb-ft
Cargo space: 2,735 L with the seats folded
Seating: 7 passengers across three rows
1. Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport: 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg)
The Atlas Cross Sport matches the Atlas rating exactly: 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) braked, with the towing package. It uses the same 269 hp, 273 lb-ft 2.0 L turbocharged engine, the same 8-speed automatic with Tiptronic, and the same standard 4MOTION all-wheel drive. The difference is the body. The Cross Sport drops the third row for a sloped, two-row design with a lower roofline.
For buyers who tow but rarely fill seven seats, the Cross Sport delivers the full Atlas towing rating in a shorter package. Cargo space with the seats folded is 2,197 L, and the 2026 range covers the Comfortline 4MOTION, Highline 4MOTION and Execline 4MOTION.
Towing rating: 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) braked, with towing package (mount and ball not included)
Engine: 2.0 L turbocharged 4-cylinder, 269 hp, 273 lb-ft
Cargo space: 2,197 L with the seats folded
Seating: 5 passengers across two rows
3. Volkswagen Tiguan: 1,799 lbs (816 kg)
The Tiguan is rated to tow 1,799 lbs (816 kg) with a braked trailer and 1,649 lbs (748 kg) with an unbraked trailer. That places it in the right range for a small utility trailer, a pair of personal watercraft, or a lightweight pop-up camper. Towing preparation is included on every 2026 trim, and Hill Hold Assist and Hill Descent Control are standard, both useful when launching a boat on a sloped ramp.
There are two engine outputs. The Trendline 4MOTION, Comfortline 4MOTION and Comfortline R-Line Black Edition 4MOTION use a 2.0 L turbocharged 4-cylinder with 201 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. The Highline Turbo R-Line 4MOTION raises that to 268 hp and 258 lb-ft. Both carry the same towing rating, so choosing the Turbo is about acceleration and passing power rather than a higher trailer limit. Cargo space is 1,668 L with the rear seats up and 2,081 L with them folded.
Towing rating: 1,799 lbs (816 kg) braked, 1,649 lbs (748 kg) unbraked
Engine: 2.0 L turbocharged 4-cylinder, 201 hp and 221 lb-ft, or 268 hp and 258 lb-ft
Cargo space: 1,668 L seats up, 2,081 L seats folded
4MOTION all-wheel drive standard on every trim
What About the Taos?
The 2026 Taos is not rated or recommended for towing by Volkswagen, so it does not appear in this ranking. It remains a strong pick for buyers who want a compact SUV with up to 1,866 L of cargo space and available 4MOTION all-wheel drive, but hauling a trailer is not part of its job description.
Which Volkswagen SUV Should You Tow With?
Start with the loaded weight of what you plan to pull, including gear, fuel and water in the trailer, and compare it to the ratings above with margin to spare. A few guidelines:
Boats, campers and enclosed trailers: the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport, at 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg), are the only two Volkswagen SUVs built for this weight class. Pick the Atlas for seven seats, the Cross Sport for a two-row layout.
Utility trailers and small watercraft: the Tiguan at 1,799 lbs (816 kg) handles light loads while keeping a compact footprint and better fuel consumption.
Occasional light hauling: if the trailer is rare and the load is small, the Tiguan's standard towing preparation means no extra equipment is needed to get started.
Remember that the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport reach their full rating only with the towing package, and that the hitch mount and ball are separate.
Match Your Trailer to the Right Volkswagen at Maple Ridge Volkswagen
Bring your trailer weight and your must-have list to Maple Ridge Volkswagen in Pitt Meadows. Our team will walk you through the Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport and Tiguan side by side, confirm towing package details, and help you settle on the right one. Book your test drive with Maple Ridge Volkswagen today.
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3 Financing offers available through Volkswagen Financial Services, on approved credit, on select: (i) new and unregistered Volkswagen models; (ii) "certified pre-owned" used Volkswagen vehicles; and (iii) other used vehicles. Financing example: Finance a 2021 Tiguan 2.0T Trendline FWD with 8-speed automatic transmission, at an MSRP of $29,795 plus $1,950 freight and PDI, $10 fee for applicable provincial Motor Vehicle Industry Council, $499 dealer fees, $20 Tire Tax and $100 a/c levy at 0.99% APR for 24 months with 104 weekly payments of $314.97. $0 down payment or equivalent trade-in, security deposit of $510 and first monthly payment are due at finance inception. Dealer charges are included. PPSA, licence, insurance, and registration charges, and applicable taxes are extra.The total financing obligation in this example is $32,756.88 (excluding taxes). Dealer may sell for less. Dealer order/trade may be necessary. Financing rates, payments, prices, figures, options, offers, terms and other information may, subject to applicable law, be changed or cancelled at any time without notice. Conditions apply. Please contact your Volkswagen dealer for details.
Lease offers available through Volkswagen Financial Service, on approved credit, on select: (i) new and unregistered Volkswagen models; and (ii) ""certified pre-owned"" Volkswagen vehicles. Lease example: Lease a 2021 Tiguan 2.0T Trendline FWD with 8-speed automatic transmission, at an MSRP of $29,795 plus
$1,950 freight and PDI, $10 fee for applicable provincial Motor Vehicle Industry Council,
$499 dealer fees, $20 Tire Tax and $100 a/c levy at 0.99% APR for 24 months with 104 weekly payments of $132.83. $0 down payment or equivalent trade-in, security deposit of $540 and first monthly payment are due at lease inception. Dealer charges are included. PPSA, licence, insurance, and registration charges, and applicable taxes are extra. Kilometre allowance of 16,000/year; charge of $0.15/km for excess kilometres. The total lease obligation in this example is $14,405.65 (excluding taxes and any excess wear and tear, late fees, or other similar fees or charges that may apply). Dealer may sell or lease for less. Dealer order/trade may be necessary. Leasing rates, payments, prices, figures, options, offers, terms and other information may, subject to applicable law, be changed or cancelled at any time without notice. Conditions apply. Please contact your Volkswagen dealer for details. Although we endeavour to ensure that the information contained on this website is accurate, Volkswagen Canada, its dealers, and Volkswagen Financial Services are not responsible for any errors or omissions that may occur from time to time. "Volkswagen," the Volkswagen logo, all model names and trimline names are registered trademarks or trademarks of Volkswagen AG, used under license.
4 Dealer Administration Fee includes documentation and administration costs related to the delivery of the vehicle, such as the dealer cost involved in licensing, lien search, and contract administration.
5 Financing offers available through Volkswagen Financial Services, on approved credit, on select prepaid maintenance plans in connection with the financing of select: (i) new and unregistered Volkswagen models; (ii) "certified pre-owned" used Volkswagen vehicles; and (iii) other used vehicles. Additional terms and conditions apply. Refer to actual contract or contact a Volkswagen dealer for complete details of coverage and exclusions. Financing example: Finance a prepaid plan at an MSRP of $1,675 at 0.99% APR for 24 months with 104 weekly payments of $16.27. $0 down payment or equivalent trade-in, security deposit of $510 and first monthly payment are due at finance inception. Dealer charges are included. PPSA, licence, insurance, and registration charges, and applicable taxes are extra. The total financing obligation in this example is $1,692.08 (excluding taxes). Dealer may sell for less. Financing rates, payments, prices, figures, options, offers, terms and other information may, subject to applicable law, be changed or cancelled at any time without notice. Conditions apply. Please contact your Volkswagen dealer for details. Although we endeavour to ensure that the information contained on this website is accurate, Volkswagen Canada, its dealers, and Volkswagen Financial Services are not responsible for any errors or omissions that may occur from time to time.
6 Financing offers available through Volkswagen Financial Services, on approved credit, on select accessories in connection with the financing of new and unregistered Volkswagen models. Taxes, shipping, installation are excluded. Proper installation required. Professional installation may be recommended. See owner's literature and Volkswagen dealer for details. Financing example: Finance an accessory at an MSRP of $215 at 0.99% APR for 24 months with 104 weekly payments of $2.09. $0 down payment or equivalent trade-in, security deposit of $510 and first monthly payment are due at finance inception. Dealer charges are included. PPSA, licence, insurance, and registration charges, and applicable taxes are extra. The total financing obligation in this example is $217.06 (excluding taxes). Dealer may sell for less. Financing rates, payments, prices, figures, options, offers, terms and other information may, subject to applicable law, be changed or cancelled at any time without notice. Conditions apply. Please contact your Volkswagen dealer for details. Although we endeavour to ensure that the information contained on this website is accurate, Volkswagen Canada, its dealers, and Volkswagen Financial Services are not responsible for any errors or omissions that may occur from time to time.
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21 Depending on the province in which you live, you may be eligible to receive incentives. These include, but are not limited, to up to $4,000* from British Columbia's Go Electric BC Program (available on the ID.4 base trim only) or as much as $4,000 from Quebec's Roulez Vert program. The QC government has recently
announced that the program will be suspended as of Feb. 1, 2025. See About the Roulez vert Program for details. The Roulez Vert program also offers an additional rebate of $600 with the purchase of the Volkswagen 2-in-1 Charging Cable. If you live in BC in a single-family home, row home, or duplex, you could receive a rebate* of up to 50% of the purchase and installation costs of an eligible Level 2 EV charger, to a maximum of $350.◊◊
◊◊ Volkswagen Canada does not administer the incentives and is not responsible for any cancellations or changes to the incentive programs. Incentive information is provided for informational purposes only and Volkswagen Canada makes no representations or warranties about the actual amounts or eligibility. Information about the incentives is based on the most current information provided by the applicable government agencies, but could change in the future. The amount of the incentive, terms and conditions of the incentive, and any eligibility or application requirements vary by province. As of January 13, 2025, the federal government has paused the Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) Program. See Question and answers for details. *BC's EV incentive amount is prorated based on annual income and only available to those earning <$100,000 with the full amount available to those earning <$80,000. BC's EV charger rebate has different eligibility criteria. Conditions apply. See your dealer for more details or contact the provincial or federal administrator.
Limited time finance offer available through Volkswagen Financial Services, on approved credit, based on a new and unregistered 2024 ID.4 Electric ID.4 PRO S AWD base with single-speed transmission having a starting price of $58,299.00, including $68 PPSA registration fee (including third-party registering agent fee), $2,100 freight and PDI, $100 air conditioning levy, $23 tire recycling levy, $13 OMVIC fee, and $500 representative dealer admin fee (actual fee is set by dealers and varies, up to $500), and included in weekly payment. Dealer Administration Fee includes documentation and administration costs related to the delivery of the vehicle, such as the dealer cost involved in licensing, lien search, and contract administration. Finance example: 60-month term at 0.00% APR equals a weekly payment of $225, after application of $10,000 credit. $0 down payment or equivalent trade-in due at signing. In Ontario, Volkswagen Group Canada Inc. is responsible for the tire recycling fee used to cover the cost of collecting and recycling end of life tires when returned by consumers. License, insurance, registration, options and applicable taxes are extra. Cost of borrowing is $0 for a total obligation of $58,299. Dealer may sell for less. Dealer order/trade may be necessary (but may not be available in all cases). Conditions apply. Offers end January 31, 2025 and are subject to change or cancellation without notice.
$10,000 cash bonus available to be applied as a discount off MSRP, before taxes, on cash purchase, finance or lease (through Volkswagen Financial Services, on approved credit) of new and unregistered 2024 ID.4 models
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