CardinaleWay Volkswagen Corona - Is 4MOTION® All-Wheel Drive Worth It on the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas for Ontario, CA Drivers?
Choosing all-wheel drive is a smart question for Southern California shoppers who split time between weekday commutes and weekend getaways. The 2025 Atlas offers available 4MOTION® All-Wheel Drive that can add confidence and control when roads turn wet, sandy, or steep — and it pairs naturally with Atlas capability like 5,000-pound towing when properly equipped.
Let’s unpack how 4MOTION® works on Atlas, what benefits you can expect around Ontario, CA, and how to decide if it fits your life.
4MOTION® helps optimize traction by distributing power to the wheels that need it. On dry pavement, it supports stable, composed handling; when surfaces get slick or uneven, the system can send power where grip is available to help you keep moving. If your plans include mountain drives, gravel lots near trailheads, or damp mornings by the marina, 4MOTION® is a reassuring layer of confidence.
Towing is another factor. With the factory hitch installed, Atlas is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds. Pairing 4MOTION® with that hardware can enhance traction when you’re pulling a small camper or personal watercraft up a wet ramp or across loose surfaces. The combination fits the way many families use an SUV — school and work during the week, adventure on the weekends.
- Everyday confidence: On imperfect pavement, the system works in the background to support smooth, predictable responses.
- Weather versatility: When rain returns, 4MOTION® helps manage wheel slip, bringing calm to commutes and road trips.
- Adventure-ready: Dirt pullouts, sandy parking areas, and mild trails feel more approachable with added traction.
- Tow support: With the proper hitch, 4MOTION® can help at low speeds on ramps and grades when you need grip most.
Technology complements traction. IQ.DRIVE® offers hands-on, semi-automated support, while available features like Discover Pro navigation and VW Wi-Fi Hotspot make travel more seamless. Inside, a 12-inch display, Wireless App-Connect, and available Harman Kardon® audio add comfort to every mile — whether you are heading east to hiking trails or west toward the coast.
How do you determine if 4MOTION® belongs on your build? Think through your calendar: Do you visit the mountains a few times a year, launch watercraft, or park on unpaved lots for youth sports? Is a calmer drive in wet conditions a priority? If yes to any of these, 4MOTION® is an easy recommendation. If your driving is primarily dry, suburban streets with no towing or off-pavement needs, front-drive Atlas still delivers a composed, comfortable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does 4MOTION® affect interior space or seating?
No. Atlas remains a true three-row SUV with generous passenger space and flexible cargo room regardless of drive configuration.
Is 4MOTION® only for off-road driving?
Not at all. It is most appreciated in everyday moments — wet intersections, sandy shoulders, and gravel surfaces — where extra traction helps you feel in control.
Can I still get IQ.DRIVE® if I skip 4MOTION®?
Yes. IQ.DRIVE® is included across the Atlas lineup, whether you choose front-wheel drive or available 4MOTION® all-wheel drive.
Which trims pair best with 4MOTION®?
SE w/ Technology and Peak Edition are popular choices thanks to features like a hands-free power liftgate, Park Distance Control, trailer hitch hardware, and a panoramic sunroof on Peak Edition. SEL and SEL Premium R-Line add Head-up Display, Discover Pro navigation, Area View, and available Harman Kardon® audio for a premium feel.
When you are ready to evaluate 4MOTION® firsthand, plan a test drive route that includes a mix of surfaces and a safe, appropriate space to feel low-speed traction. CardinaleWay Volkswagen Corona can tailor a drive and demonstrate the technology suite along the way — serving Riverside, Chino, and Ontario with the clarity and care you expect from a trusted local team.