Skip advert
Advertisement

New Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak Concept hits New York

VW's Atlas Tanoak concept is a posh pick-up heavily based on the large Atlas SUV

Volkswagen has unveiled a second concept at this year’s New York Motor Show, called the Atlas Tanoak, previewing a potential pick-up version of the new Atlas SUV.

Named after a tree native to the Pacific Coast in the U.S. the concept measures in at 5,438mm long – that’s over 400mm longer than the seven-seat Atlas. It’s based on the same MBQ platform and powered by a 276bhp 3.6-litre V6, which drives through all four wheels and an eight-speed automatic gearbox. VW says 0-62mph takes 8.5 seconds. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

All the latest from the 2018 New York Motor Show

The design of the Atlas Tanoak is separate from the Atlas SUV on which it’s based, with only slight similarities between the two cars. The Atlas Tanoak has a more rugged appearance to match its off-road capabilities with a raised bonnet and rugged underbody protection, which houses a centrally mounted winch and carabiner.

The grille and VW badge are luminated by white light and offer an animated lighting display when the car is unlocked with light running over the grille and into the LED headlight surrounds, while the badge gradually gets brighter. New distinctive six-sided LED daytime running lights are a prominent feature at the front, too.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The rear features a low hinged tailgate, which when opened gives a cargo bed of 2,291mm. Like the front, the Atlas logo has been integrated into the tailgate, which features wraparound animated lighting. Red LED strips on the upper and lower parts of the tailgate move to create three dimensional taillights either side. The lower rear of the vehicle has been designed as both an underbody shield and a diffuser, while a towhook sits above the exhaust.

New Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport concept revealed in NY

Advertisement - Article continues below

Inside, the Atlas Tanoak looks production ready. Sporty, contoured seats are used up front to offer support when off-roading while the passengers in the rear are treated to individual seats.

The centre console, steering wheel and instruments have been heavily redesigned from the Atlas SUV. Most of the functions, including air conditioning, are now operated digitally via the touchscreen, which sits high on the dashboard for ease of use. Together with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, which sits in front of the driver, it forms a digitalized cockpit environment.

Ambient lighting built into the instrument panel and the roofline console bathe the cabin in light which can change colour from yellow for daytime and blue for night-time depending on whether the vehicle is in Off-Road or City mode.

The centre console features a newly designed shifter grip for the eight-speed automatic gearbox while the Active Control modes can be selected via a metallic slider and has been designed to be used even when the driver is wearing work gloves.

Officially Volkswagen has no plans for the Atlas Tanoak to make production, but they are keen the gauge the reaction of both buyers and the media.

Check out our list of the best pick-up trucks on sale right now...

Skip advert
Advertisement

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Extra-hot electric Volkswagen GTI Clubsport models are on their way
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport - cornering

Extra-hot electric Volkswagen GTI Clubsport models are on their way

Electric hot hatches are front and centre in Volkswagen’s electric future
News
30 Jun 2025
Volkswagen leasing deals 2025
Volkswagen Golf facelift 2024 UK - front tracking

Volkswagen leasing deals 2025

The best Volkswagen leasing deals available right now
Best cars & vans
27 Jun 2025
Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond
New cars coming soon header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond

These are the most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
23 Jun 2025
New Volkswagen ID.2 to keep concept car looks
VW ID2 spy shots - front 3/4

New Volkswagen ID.2 to keep concept car looks

The crucial new Volkswagen ID.2All, or ID.Polo, has finally been spotted up close at VW’s design centre
News
11 Jun 2025

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!
Skoda Octavia vRS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!

A three-time Auto Express Family Car of the Year winner, paired with Golf GTI power, is our Deal of the Day for 6 July
News
6 Jul 2025