Bob Penkhus Volkswagen - 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan and Atlas Earn Top Honors in Cars.com's Best Cars for Car Seats
If you’re a parent shopping for a family-friendly SUV in Colorado Springs, here’s news worth celebrating. On July 29, 2026, Volkswagen of America announced that the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan was named one of the winners in Cars.com’s Best Cars for Car Seats testing, while the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas earned recognition as a Top Finisher.
For families juggling the daily reality of car seats, boosters, and busy schedules, that’s more than a headline. It’s a sign that your next SUV can make life a little easier.
What the Cars.com Recognition Means
The Tiguan didn’t just make the list. It earned a perfect score in its Car Seat Check. Out of 56 vehicles Cars.com tested this year, the Tiguan was one of only two vehicles to earn the Best Cars for Car Seats award. The Atlas was one of 10 vehicles named a Top Finisher, a category reserved for vehicles that perform exceptionally well, earning all A grades with no more than one B rating per seating row evaluated.
This isn’t a one-time win. Volkswagen SUVs have consistently earned high marks in the Cars.com Car Seat Check Program over the past four years, with both the Tiguan and Atlas returning to the list for 2026. Previous years also recognized the Atlas Cross Sport, ID.4, and ID. Buzz.
According to Thomas Zorn, Vice President of Vehicle Safety at Volkswagen Group of America, family life is unpredictable, but car seat installation shouldn’t be. He noted that the recognition reflects careful attention to details like anchor placement and seat geometry, considered early in the vehicles’ development.
How Cars.com Tests for Car Seats
The Best Cars for Car Seats Report compiles 12 months of hands-on Car Seat Checks conducted by Cars.com’s team of experts. Each check is performed by a certified child passenger safety technician who installs three types of car seats into each new vehicle: an infant seat, a convertible seat, and a high-back booster. The technician then evaluates the vehicle’s LATCH system and how well the vehicle accommodates each type of seat.
In other words, this isn’t a spec-sheet award. It is based on the real-world experience of getting car seats in and out, which is exactly what parents deal with every single day.
Jennifer Newman, Cars.com editor in chief and a certified child passenger safety technician, described the 2026 Tiguan as a rare family car that can grow with a family through all the car seat stages, offering ease and accessibility along the way.
A Closer Look at the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan
The third-generation 2026 Tiguan balances spaciousness and comfort within a compact SUV footprint. Compared to the outgoing model, it delivers more power, improved fuel efficiency, and safety-enhancing features, while offering a more premium cabin and an expressive exterior design.
A Closer Look at the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas
Assembled at Volkswagen’s facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the seven-passenger 2026 Atlas pairs competitive technology and generous space with Volkswagen’s signature driving dynamics. The 2026 model brings enhanced technology, upgraded interior designs and materials, and a more responsive powertrain than the previous model.
Looking ahead, the all-new, redesigned 2027 Atlas is expected to arrive at dealers this fall.
Why Families Trust Volkswagen SUVs
Here are a few reasons the 2026 Tiguan and Atlas stand out for growing families:
- Award-winning car seat fit: The Tiguan earned a perfect Car Seat Check score and the Atlas was named a Top Finisher.
- Proven track record: Volkswagen SUVs have been recognized by Cars.com over the past four years.
- Room to grow: The seven-passenger Atlas and the compact Tiguan cover a range of family sizes and needs.
See the Tiguan and Atlas for Yourself at Bob Penkhus Volkswagen
Awards are great on paper, but the best way to know if a vehicle fits your family is to climb in and try it, car seats and all. At Bob Penkhus Volkswagen, we have proudly served Colorado Springs families for generations, and we would love to help you find the right Volkswagen SUV for your season of life.
Whether you’re coming from Fountain, Fort Carson, Monument, Falcon, or anywhere across the Pikes Peak region, our team is happy to walk you through the Tiguan and Atlas lineups, answer your questions, and set up a test drive. Our finance team can also help you explore loan and lease options that fit your budget.
You can visit Bob Penkhus Volkswagen at 1101 Motor City Drive, Suite C, Colorado Springs, CO 80905.
- Sales: 719-767-1821
- Service: 719-695-5790
- Parts: 719-497-5390
Stop by, give us a call, or browse our inventory online, and see why, at Bob Penkhus, nobody buys just one.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Which 2026 Volkswagen models were recognized in Cars.com’s Best Cars for Car Seats?
The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan was named one of the winners, and the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas was named a Top Finisher.
What score did the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan receive?
The Tiguan earned a perfect score in its Car Seat Check and was one of only two vehicles out of 56 tested to win the Best Cars for Car Seats award.
How does Cars.com test vehicles for car seats?
A certified child passenger safety technician installs an infant seat, a convertible seat, and a high-back booster in each vehicle, then evaluates the LATCH system and how well the vehicle fits each seat.
How much do the 2026 Tiguan and Atlas cost?
MSRP for the 2026 Tiguan starts at $30,805 and MSRP for the 2026 Atlas starts at $39,310, each with a $1,475 destination charge. MSRP excludes taxes, title, and other fees, and the dealer sets the actual price.
Where can I see the 2026 Tiguan and Atlas in Colorado Springs?
You can see both models at Bob Penkhus Volkswagen in Colorado Springs. Call today to schedule a test drive.
MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title, other options, and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price. Child seat capacity in the 2nd row depends on the size and combination of individual child seats. Always ensure that the child restraint system is positioned correctly, is securely attached to the vehicle, and does not contact any of the safety belt buckles. See owner’s literature for details. Specifications, standard features, options, and availability are subject to change; please confirm details with Bob Penkhus Volkswagen. Vehicle recognition and awards are per Cars.com’s 2026 Best Cars for Car Seats testing as announced by Volkswagen of America.