2021 Volkswagen Atlas Highlights

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas receives a notable refresh, with updated styling in the front and rear. Four-cylinder editions can now be paired with all-wheel drive (AWD), and surprisingly, there is no substantial fuel efficiency penalty versus front-wheel drive (FWD) models. There are also a host of new driver-assistance and connectivity features.

Key Details

• Mid-size crossover SUV body style
• Two or three-row seating for up to 7 passengers
• Revised front and rear styling, increasing overall length by nearly three inches
• New three-bar grille design and updated LED headlights
• The R-Line option is now available with distinctive styling elements
• Four-cylinder engine now available with 4Motion all-wheel drive
• Updated interior with new steering wheel and enhanced seat stitching

Benefits

• Refreshed exterior styling enhances visual appeal
• Expanded availability of all-wheel drive improves versatility
• Spacious interior with ample room in all three rows
• User-friendly technology with an updated infotainment system
• Competitive towing capacity for the class
• Wide range of trims to suit different preferences and budgets
• Standard driver assistance features across all models

Learn More: Which Years Of Used Volkswagen Atlas Vehicles Are Most Reliable?

2021 Volkswagen Atlas Overview

Performance

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offers two engine options across its lineup:

2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine:

• 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque
• Available with FWD or 4Motion AWD
• New for 2021: 4Motion is now available with a four-cylinder engine

3.6-liter V6 engine:

• 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque
• Available with FWD drive or 4Motion AWD

Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which provides smooth shifts and contributes to the Atlas's refined driving character. The 4Motion AWD system gives the Atlas a sure footing in slippery conditions and features different drive modes to optimize performance.

The 2021 VW Atlas towing capacity is impressive for its class:

• Up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped with the V6 engine

The Atlas's performance credentials are further enhanced by:

• Drive Mode Selection, allowing drivers to tailor vehicle dynamics
• Available 20- or 21-inch wheels with the R-Line package
• Start-stop system for improved fuel efficiency in city driving

The Atlas offers 8.0 inches of ground clearance, making it capable of handling light off-pavement excursions. 2021 VW Atlas tire size can be 18, 20, or 21 inches, depending on options and trim.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2021 Atlas a top five-star overall safety rating.

Standard safety features across all 2021 Atlas trims include:

• Six airbags, including side curtain airbags for all three rows
• Electronic stability control (ESC)
• Automatic Post-Collision Braking System
• Rearview camera

The Atlas also comes standard with a suite of driver assistance features, including:

• Forward collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert

Higher trims offer additional safety features such as:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane assist
• Parking sensors
• Parking Steering Assistant

Driving

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas is a tall, boxy family hauler and acts as practical as that sounds. This utilitarian appliance has poised road manners and a smooth ride with well-controlled motions. The Atlas's large dimensions contribute to its stable feel on the road, and while it’s not a sports car, it provides excellent feedback to the driver regardless.

The base 2.0-liter turbocharged engine provides serviceable power. The 3.6-liter V6 is simultaneously smooth and jewel-like yet more powerful and fun, offering quicker acceleration and improved towing capability. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly.

The suspension absorbs road imperfections, providing a comfortable ride well-suited for long trips. Road and wind noise are well-controlled, especially at highway speeds, contributing to a quiet cabin environment.

Interior

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas interior is spacious and logically functional, offering one of the most accommodating cabins in the three-row SUV segment.

Key interior features include:

• Three rows of seating with room for up to seven passengers
• Available second-row captain's chairs (reducing seating to six)
• New steering wheel design for 2021
• Updated seat stitching for a more premium look
• Available panoramic sunroof
• Tri-zone automatic climate control

The front seats offer good comfort and support for long drives, with generous head and legroom. The second row provides ample space for adult passengers, with the ability to slide and recline for added comfort. Notably, the third row is one of the most accommodating in its class, capable of comfortably seating adults.

Cargo space is impressive:

• 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row
• 55.5 cubic feet with the third row folded
• 96.8 cubic feet with both rear rows folded

Technology

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas’s infotainment system has been updated for this model year, offering improved functionality and a larger screen on most trims.

Key technology features include:

• Standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system (S trim)
• 8-inch touchscreen standard on SE and above (new for 2021)
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• Volkswagen Car-Net with mobile app (updated for 2021)
• Available Fender premium audio system
• Available overhead view camera

The infotainment system is user-friendly, with a responsive touchscreen and intuitive menu structure. Physical buttons and knobs for frequently used functions enhance ease of use while driving.

Higher trims offer additional tech features:

• Digital Cockpit configurable instrument cluster
• Wireless device charging
• Navigation system

Fuel Economy

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offers competitive fuel economy ratings for a vehicle of its size. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Atlas achieves the following fuel economy estimates:

2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine:

• FWD (mpg): 21 city / 24 highway / 22 combined
• AWD (mpg): 20 city / 24 highway / 22 combined

3.6-liter V6 engine:

• FWD (mpg): 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined
• AWD (mpg): 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined

2021 Volkswagen Atlas Reviews

Consumer reviews on Kelley Blue Book give the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas an overall rating of 3.9 out of 5. Owners praise the Atlas's styling, comfort, and value.

Reasons to Buy It

• Exceptionally spacious interior, including a usable third-row
• Comfortable and quiet ride
• User-friendly infotainment system
• Competitive towing capacity with V6 engine
• Available all-wheel drive on both engine options
• Strong safety ratings and standard driver assistance features
• Refreshed styling enhances visual appeal

Problems

• Fuel economy, while competitive, isn't class-leading
• Some may find the four-cylinder engine underpowered for a vehicle this size
• Interior materials in lower trims may feel less premium than some competitors
• No hybrid option is available
• Large size can make it challenging to maneuver in tight spaces

Explore: Volkswagen Atlas Pros and Cons: What To Know When Weighing Your Decision

CoPilot's Take

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offers the refinement and usability one would expect from the German brand. Its shockingly good packaging has resulted in stupendous interior space, with one of the most accommodating third rows in its class and impressive cargo capacity.

The Atlas's 2021 refresh addresses some criticisms of previous models, with updated styling and improved technology features. The four-cylinder engine's availability with all-wheel drive gives snowy-climate dwellers a more efficient powertrain.

The Atlas does come with some compromises, though. Fuel economy is competitive for its size, but it may not impress those coming from smaller vehicles or hybrid SUVs. While satisfactory for many drivers, the base four-cylinder engine is merely adequate rather than exciting, and it doesn’t have the passing power or towing prowess of the V6.

While generally good, interior quality may not match the premium feel of some competitors, particularly in lower trims. The Atlas's large size, while great for interior space, can make maneuvering in tight urban environments challenging.

2021 Volkswagen Atlas FAQs

How reliable is the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas?

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas has received mixed reliability ratings. J.D. Power rated it 68 out of 100 for quality and reliability, while Consumer Reports rates its predicted reliability below average.

Are there any issues with the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas?

Some issues reported by owners and noted in reviews include:

• Occasional electrical glitches, particularly with the infotainment system
• Some complaints about transmission hesitation or rough shifting
• Reports of excessive oil consumption in some units
• Occasional issues with the Start-Stop system
• Some owners report disappointing real-world fuel economy

How many miles does the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas last?

With proper maintenance, a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas can last 200,000 miles or more. Many modern vehicles, including large SUVs like the Atlas, are built to last longer than vehicles from previous decades.

Does the Volkswagen Atlas hold its value?

The Volkswagen Atlas tends to have average to slightly below-average resale value compared to some competitors. Factors that influence its resale value include:

• Volkswagen's overall brand reputation in the U.S. market
• The Atlas's relatively recent introduction to the market
• Competition from well-established rivals with solid resale value (like the Toyota Highlander)

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