What if VW made its Atlas crossover into an actual truck?
The Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak concept is here! It’s a VW pickup truck built in America. Volkswagen tells you that the Atlas Tanoak is not currently in production.
Hinrich Woebcken is the CEO of Volkswagen North American Region and has stated emphatically that he doesn’t want to sell a truck in America. He stated that the US full-size truck market is too loyal to allow a newcomer to make a difference, and that there are not enough midsize trucks to warrant VW’s interest in the segment.
“Basically, small volumes. He said that midsize pickups have small volumes, but they are not convincing. “We have so many opportunities to grow in existing segments that this is not at the top of our priority list.
The Atlas Tanoak concept , which is a mid-size concept, measures about four inches longer that a Honda Ridgeline. It rides on the same MQB modular platform that is used for everything, from Europe’s Polo to America’s Atlas seven-passenger. This concept has a wheelbase that is 11 inches longer than the current seven-passenger VW Atlas crossover and an overall length of 15.8 inches. It also rides 2 inches higher than the Atlas. It’s a crewcab with a short-bed design. VW claims there’s 50.4 inches between the bed and the wheel wells.
Although there are some Atlas crossover cues visible, the Tanoak has been given an overall more rugged appearance. It is a concept car with show-car touches like an animated light-up display to the front VW logo and an illuminated grille.
The interior of the five-seater cabin was also modified in comparison to a regular Atlas. The changes were made to improve usability. A new shifter and drive-mode selector knob have been “very sturdy” and are chunkier so that gloves can be worn. While the seats provide greater lateral support for offroading,
The 3.6-liter V6 engine produces 276 horsepower and 266 pounds-feet torque, just like the production Atlas. An eight-speed automatic transmission transfers power to the standard 4Motion all wheel drive. There are also various off-road modes for loose terrain.
The Atlas Tanoak concept is undeniably cool. Its name derives from a Southern California tree that can reach 135 feet in height. Although midsize trucks might not be as popular as full-sized ones, the success of vehicles like the Toyota Tacoma or Chevrolet Colorado shows that there is still demand for these types of vehicles.
Although this concept is not currently being slated for a showroom as stated above, Volkswagen insists that it “is keenly gauging the reactions of buyers, media” given the fact that trucks make up such a large part of the U.S. truck market. So, in other words: You can cross your fingers and write plea letters to VW, and, if VW is willing, it might change its mind. Maybe.
Check out the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak as well as all the other cars, trucks, and SUVs that are on our list of future cars .