The VW Atlas delivers a family road trip experience that gets even better when you can lift the vehicle. It’s such a great concept that Volkswagen introduced the Basecamp concept in 2019 that offers a 1.5-inch lift kit as part of the package.
When you purchase the Atlas Basecamp, you get taller H&R coilovers to create more adventuring opportunities. Although the automaker says that the vehicle was built with mountain bikers in mind, the combination of the lift kit, a custom body kit, and a roof rack kitted for holding bicycles creates an attractive profile.
You’ll also get LED light bars with this investment, along with an accessories package that delivers more interior protection.
If you don’t have a custom Basecamp model, it’s still possible to drive a lifted VW Atlas when you have the right parts available to safely level or raise the frame.
Lifted VW Atlas
Volkswagen’s release of the Atlas lineup creates the desire to raise the SUV to gain additional ground clearance for some drivers. The only problem is that the factory axle has limited options for this action, which means a kid that delivers 1.5 inches of total height while leveling the front is the best option.
A lifted VW Atlas is relatively easy to create. When you purchase an appropriate lift kit for the job, you can get the job finished within a couple of hours at home. That’s because the limited height from the factory specs allows for a bolt-on application with the spacers.
When you install the four spacers and mounting hardware, you’ll get the front of the VW Atlas level with the rear. You don’t need to deal with strut disassembly to get the work done, and most rear kits allow for the reuse of the existing bushing insert.
In return, you’ll receive improved ground clearance and a factory-ride quality. If you’re driving a 2021 model, you’ll need a headlight sensor bracket to finish the work.
The one word of caution for a lift VW Atlas is that many kits don’t come with installation instructions. That’s why it is recommended that a professional install occurs unless you are familiar with the process.
You can expect to pay approximately $300 for a high-quality leveling lift kit for a VW Atlas.
What If I Want to Lift a VW Atlas Higher?
If you want to lift the VW Atlas higher to help it perform better in off-road conditions, you’ll want to use a 2.5-inch kit or higher.
When you lift the SUV by 2.5 inches, you can fit 32-inch off-road tires on the vehicle. Although bolt-on kits can produce variable results, it is possible in most circumstances to use a 265/65/R18 tire once you finish the installation.
The only difference between the leveling kit and one that delivers more height is that you’ll need to install coils, spacers, and Bilsteins to create the best ride. Although you won’t need to do any drilling, cutting, or welding, it helps to have some familiarity with these parts if you plan to complete a DIY installation.
You’ll want to use heavy-duty coils imported from Germany to create a higher lift. When combined with a 1.5-inch spacer, you’ll get the results you need for aesthetics and driving. You can also work with kits that don’t affect the stock camber of the Atlas up until the 2020 model year.
◼️ Review of the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas
The VW Atlas was the automaker’s first attempt at creating a three-row SUV that could seat seven passengers. With the 2021 model, Volkswagen introduces a fresh exterior design that brings the vehicle closer to the exterior features that its competitors offer.
You’ll find a clean and functional interior that works well as a family hauler with the new features. It comes with rain-sensing wipers to create a more hands-free experience for the driver. You also get Wi-Fi capabilities, full LED lighting, and two engine options to consider.
Drivers can tow up to 5,000 pounds with the new 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. It also comes with 4Motion all-wheel drive as an optional addition, allowing you to go anywhere with a lift kit.
The starting price for the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas is $32,565. In return, you’ll receive a combined fuel economy of 22 MPH, about 20 cubic feet of cargo space, and plenty of flexibility when you’re ready to get behind the wheel.
If you don’t want to pay the extra $5,000 to step up to the Atlas, VW offers a 7-seat alternative with the Tiguan. With an MSRP under $27,000, it is the most affordable SUV on the market today rated for that many passengers. You can also equip it with the 4Motion all-wheel drive.
The split 50/50 split third-row seat comes standard on all 2WD Tiguans.
The R-Line package delivers an impressive result that includes 20-inch wheels and a panoramic sunroof if you want a sportier appearance. The only problem is the vehicle’s towing capacity, which is only 1,500 pounds. You’ll get 25 MPG of combined fuel economy with that Atlas alternative.
Top Accessories to Use with Your VW Atlas
Once you’ve completed the lift for your VW Atlas, it’s time to outfit the SUV with all the right accessories for your travels.
Here are some of the best items that you can grab today to customize your vehicle for any driving situation.
| Center Console Organizer: | • The center console for the VW Atlas is remarkably spacious. • If you install an organizer tray in this area, you’ll have several structured areas that deliver excellent storage opportunities. • It can hold your coins, cards, keys, and more. It only takes a couple of minutes to install this accessory, and the help it delivers will make any trip become easier to manage. |
| Front Windshield SunShield: | • Record temperatures have hit multiple areas in North America and the rest of the world in 2021. • One of the easiest ways to keep cabin temperatures down inside the cabin of a VW Atlas is to use a sunshield. • This OEM part offers a direct replacement option for the 2018 and 2019 model years. |
| Interior Floor Mats: | • The MAXLINER floor mats deliver both rows of added support to keep debris and moisture from ruining the interior cabin. • Although it only fits models with the second-row bench seat and won’t work with the Fender premium audio system, the custom fit and finish ensures that spills get stopped. |
| Shift Knob Head Cover: | • With Atlas compatibility, you can upgrade the look of your interior with this fun and sporty accessory. • It applies directly over the existing shift knob using provided adhesive to create a luxurious appearance. • You’ll want to review the style with your model year to ensure the logo doesn’t apply off-centered. |
| Rear Chrome Protection Plate: | • The one place that receives a lot of unexpected wear and tear on the VW Atlas is the top of the rear bumper. • This accessory provides a self-adhesive chrome protection plate that delivers an upgraded look for an affordable price. • Take your time when finishing the installation to ensure you’re getting the proper fit. |
Options for Lifting a VW Atlas
Whether you get a custom model with the lift already installed or do the work yourself, this SUV delivers some impressive results when given the right tools.
The problem with the lift is that the Atlas tends to rub the front tires on the felt liners within the wheel well. That means you need to think about spacers with the leveling or raising kit. In return for the investment, you’ll see improvements to the ground clearance the vehicle achieves.
Three brands deliver effective products that can help you finish the VW Atlas lift: Black Forest Industries, H&R, and Forge Motorsport.
If you want the springs to be a bit stiffer in your SUV, H&R products are the best option to select. Forge delivers more of a factory ride, while Black Forest products are a nice compromise between those two elements.
When your preference is to do some off-roading, the H&R coilover lift kit is your best option.
After purchasing the parts needed to complete the work, you’ll want to have them installed professionally. Even if you know how to do everything, the Atlas benefits from having a laser alignment performed afterward to ensure no other adjustments are necessary.
Although a stiffer spring makes for a harder ride on the highway, everything still feels natural. You can be aggressive with your approach to curves and cornering and still get VW’s notable forgiveness.
Don’t forget to invest in tires that can churn mud away so that you get the most traction possible. When the VW Atlas lift kit is correctly installed, you can take the new platform almost anywhere to have a successful experience.
Final Thoughts on Lifting a VW Atlas
A lifted VW Atlas provides families with an affordable way to let everyone enjoy going off the beaten path. Retailing for about $32,000 in most markets, it’s a mid-size SUV that has three rows and seating for seven, allowing for comfort while finding the most remote trails in your area.
Although I don’t own a VW Atlas, I have enjoyed the honor of riding in one. I found the look and the lift to be more than satisfactory. This approach allows drivers to do some overlanding, but the vehicle will benefit from an upgraded suspension if you plan to tool in the dirt full time.
A standard lift gives you enough clearance to keep the Atlas healthy without interfering with the ride. That’s why the 1.5-inch option tends to work the best.
If you want something higher, I’d recommend beefing up the shocks to ensure you get the steady ride you want.
The good news is that you can find plenty of aftermarket support available to help with this investment if you decide to jump in headfirst. VW did an excellent job designing the Atlas to be a progressive vehicle that handles almost any anticipated driving need.
If the VW Atlas is too expensive for your budget, a similar option is possible with a Dodge Journey. The 2020 model might only get a 3.5 rating from Car and Driver, but it also has an entry-level MSRP of $23,675. Hop on that deal quickly since Dodge pulled it from production for 2021 and beyond.