View Photos of the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas
A modest update brings cleaner exterior style to VW's Atlas three-row SUV without diminishing its spacious interior.
The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas gets refreshed with prettier exterior styling, a new powertrain configuration, and a handful of fresh features. However, its spacious interior carries over virtually untouched except for some small details.
The updated Atlas SUV looks much more handsome than its predecessor thanks to a more distinctive three-bar grille and redesigned headlights that are better integrated into the front end.
Inside, the only obvious update to the Atlas is a new steering wheel that display's VW's new logo as well as revised controls on the upper spokes. A wireless-charging pad is also now standard on all models except the base one.
The 2021 Atlas comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Unlike the previous model year, the four-banger is now available with all-wheel-drive in addition to front-wheel drive.
The Atlas SEL R-Line that we reviewed here shares an eight-speed automatic transmission with the four-cylinder engine, but it's only offered with the naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V-6. It's also equipped with VW's optional 4Motion all-wheel-drive system.
The EPA rates the 2021 Atlas with the four-cylinder engine at 20-21 mpg city, 24 highway, and 22 combined. The front-drive V-6 version has estimates of 17 mpg city, 23 highway, and 19 combined. Opting for all-wheel drive reduces each of those categories by one mpg.
The Atlas SEL R-Line not only boasts trim-specific badging and exterior details, such as a sportier front bumper with large air intakes, but it also features 21-inch wheels on 265/45 Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season tires.
Our SEL R-Line not only looks classier and sportier than the regular Atlas models, but its oversized wheels and tires help improve its cornering behavior and steering feedback, which elevate its driving verve versus most other mid-size crossovers.
The interior of the 2021 Atlas looks nearly identical to the previous model year, which is to say it still resembles a hospital waiting room more than a contemporary three-row crossover. However, its generous passenger space continues to cater to large families who like to road-trip.
The 2021 Atlas offers an assortment of driver-assistance features. This includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology, automated emergency braking with forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist.
Every Atlas comes with a comprehensive warranty that includes four years or 50,000 miles for both its limited and powertrain plans. VW also supplies complimentary maintenance for two years or 20,000 miles.
2021 Volkswagen Atlas V6 SEL R-Line
2021 Volkswagen Atlas V6 SEL R-Line
2021 Volkswagen Atlas V6 SEL R-Line
2021 Volkswagen Atlas V6 SEL R-Line
2021 Volkswagen Atlas V6 SEL R-Line
2021 Volkswagen Atlas V6 SEL R-Line
2021 Volkswagen Atlas V6 SEL R-Line
2021 Volkswagen Atlas V6 SEL R-Line
2021 Volkswagen Atlas V6 SEL R-Line
2021 Volkswagen Atlas V6 SEL R-Line
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