Towing Snowmobiles and Winter Trailers in Ontario: 2026 Tiguan vs. Atlas Towing Capabilities

When winter arrives in Ontario, snowmobiling season kicks into high gear. From the trails around Lake Simcoe to the backcountry routes near Muskoka, families across the region rely on capable vehicles to haul their sleds, enclosed trailers, and gear to their favourite destinations. If you're weighing your options between the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan and the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas, understanding their towing capabilities—and how they match your specific winter hauling needs—can help you make the right choice.

Both models offer 4MOTION All-Wheel Drive, turbocharged engines, and German-engineered handling for confidence on snowy highways. But their towing capacities differ significantly, and those differences matter when you're planning weekend trips to trails in Orillia, Barrie, or beyond. Here's how the Tiguan and Atlas stack up for towing snowmobiles and winter trailers in Ontario.

At a Glance: 2026 Tiguan vs. Atlas Towing Capabilities

Towing Capacity: The Key Difference

The most important distinction between these two SUVs is towing capacity. The 2026 Tiguan offers towing preparation up to 817 kg (1,800 lbs), while the 2026 Atlas provides a towing package rated up to 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs). This gap defines what each vehicle can realistically haul during Ontario's winter season.

2026 Tiguan (817 kg / 1,800 lbs):

The Tiguan's towing capacity suits lighter winter hauling scenarios. A single snowmobile on an aluminum tilt trailer typically weighs between 590 kg and 770 kg (1,300–1,700 lbs) depending on sled size and trailer type. This puts the Tiguan within range for solo sled transport, though you'll need to account for gear, fuel, and any additional weight in the trailer. For families hauling one snowmobile to nearby trails around Orillia or Gravenhurst, the Tiguan handles the task capably without strain.

However, the Tiguan reaches its limit quickly. If you're towing two sleds, an enclosed trailer, or carrying extra passengers and winter equipment, you'll exceed the 817 kg threshold. In those cases, the Tiguan isn't the right fit.

2026 Atlas (2,268 kg / 5,000 lbs):

The Atlas offers substantially more towing capability, making it the clear choice for heavier winter hauling. At 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs), the Atlas can tow two snowmobiles on a dual trailer, an enclosed trailer with gear storage, or even a small ice fishing hut setup. This capacity also accommodates utility trailers loaded with firewood, camping equipment, or supplies for extended trips to cottage country.

For families planning multi-sled outings or those who frequently haul enclosed trailers for weather protection, the Atlas removes guesswork and provides a comfortable margin of safety. Its 269 hp, 273 lb-ft turbocharged engine delivers strong pulling power, while 4MOTION All-Wheel Drive ensures traction on snow-covered boat launches and trail access points.

Engine Performance and Drivetrain

Both vehicles use turbocharged 2.0 TSI engines paired with 8-speed automatic transmissions and 4MOTION All-Wheel Drive. The Tiguan's top-trim Highline Turbo R-Line produces 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the Atlas generates 269 hp and 273 lb-ft. These outputs are nearly identical, so real-world towing performance comes down to weight distribution, chassis tuning, and intended load capacity rather than raw power differences.

The Tiguan's lighter curb weight (1,728 kg) makes it more agile on winding backroads and easier to manoeuvre in tight trailhead parking areas. The Atlas, at 2,050 kg, feels planted and stable when towing heavier loads, but it requires more space for turning and parking.

Both models include Driving Profile Selection, allowing you to adjust throttle response and transmission behaviour for different conditions. When towing in winter, selecting a lower-aggression drive mode helps maintain smooth power delivery on icy roads.

Cargo Space and Passenger Capacity

Beyond towing, consider how much interior space you need for passengers and gear. The Tiguan seats five, while the Atlas accommodates seven. If you're hauling a family plus snowmobile gear, the Atlas's third row provides flexibility for extra passengers or additional storage when folded flat.

The Atlas offers 2,735 litres of cargo space with seats folded down, making it easier to pack helmets, boots, fuel cans, and emergency supplies inside the vehicle rather than relying solely on trailer storage. The Tiguan's cargo capacity isn't specified in available documentation, but as a compact SUV, it offers less overall volume than the midsize Atlas.

For weekend trips where you're towing a trailer and carrying four or five people with full winter gear, the Atlas's larger interior reduces the need to strap items to the roof or squeeze bags into tight spaces.

Fuel Economy and Winter Efficiency

Fuel economy differs noticeably between the two models. The Tiguan achieves 9.2 L/100 km combined, while the Atlas consumes 11.0 L/100 km. When towing, both vehicles will see increased fuel consumption, but the Tiguan's baseline efficiency advantage narrows under load.

For lighter towing tasks—like hauling a single snowmobile on short trips—the Tiguan's better fuel economy adds up over a season. For heavier towing or longer hauls, the Atlas's larger fuel tank and higher capacity offset the efficiency gap by reducing refuelling stops on remote highways.

Which Model is Right for Your Winter Hauling Needs?

Your decision depends on what you're towing and how often.

Choose the 2026 Tiguan if:

• You're hauling one snowmobile on an aluminum trailer
• Your trips are shorter and closer to home
• You prioritize fuel efficiency and agile handling
• You don't need third-row seating or maximum cargo space

Choose the 2026 Atlas if:

• You're towing two snowmobiles, an enclosed trailer, or heavier winter gear
• You frequently haul equipment for extended trips or multi-day outings
• You need seating for more than five passengers
• You want maximum interior cargo space alongside towing capability

The Tiguan handles light winter hauling tasks with efficiency and ease, while the Atlas provides the capacity and versatility for serious snowmobiling families who need room for sleds, gear, and passengers without compromise.

Experience the 2026 Tiguan and Atlas at Orillia Volkswagen

Whether you're planning weekend snowmobile trips around Lake Simcoe or hauling gear for backcountry adventures in Muskoka, the right SUV makes every journey safer and more enjoyable. Visit Orillia Volkswagen in Orillia to compare the 2026 Tiguan and 2026 Atlas in person, discuss your specific towing needs with our team, and find the model that fits your winter lifestyle.