Despite that this large crossover has been released just about three years ago, the company already introduced an updated model. Simply, sometimes it isn’t just enough to offer a large and spacious vehicle, but you need something that is strong in other aspects as well. Therefore, the 2021 VW Atlas comes with a nice amount of changes. First of all, there is a new style, which brings a completely new face. Also, there are various interior novelties, including new steering wheels. Naturally, there are new tech features, including a new infotainment system.
When it comes to the powertrain, things essentially remained the same. The two familiar engine options carried on in the same way, with a good-old 8-speed automatic transmission. However, a big change is that the AWD system is now available in versions with turbo-four engine as well.
The new model has been presented at the recent Chicago Auto Show and we expect to see it on the market later in the year.
2021 VW Atlas Exterior Changes
Of course, the first changes you will notice are those in terms of the styling, and the 2021 VW Atlas comes with a variety of them. As you may presume, the focus was on the front end, which now comes much closer to the brand’s latest design language. There are many details that are similar to ones that can be found on the Atlas Cross Sport. Moreover, the two faces look largely the same. You may notice the same grille slats and headlights that also include those interesting LED inserts. Of course, the bumper has been revised as well.
When it comes to the rest of the body, changes aren’t that big. The rear end has remained largely the same. Of course, there are typical updates in terms of new color options, new wheels designs etc. Also, keep in mind that the new R-Line trim comes with a variety of exclusive details that make this crossover look more attractive.
Interior Changes
The number of interior changes is also pretty decent. One of the first things you will notice is a new steering wheel, which comes with the company’s new logo in the center. Some revisions have been made on the dashboard. You may notice new color schemes, nicer materials and also a standard 8-inch touchscreen, which comes with an updated infotainment system. Also, buttons on the center stack have been slightly revised.
The rest of the cabin has remained largely the same. This means you may count on a familiar cabin layout, which really shines in terms of the interior space. As we are talking about one of the longest models in the class, it’s no wonder that all three rows can accommodate adult passengers. The cargo area is also very generous.
Features
As we already mentioned, there is a new standard 8.0-inch touchscreen but that’s not the only novelty in terms of features for the next year. There is a couple of new safety systems that have been introduced with the Cross Sport. Of course, we are talking about traffic jam assist and dynamic road sign display.
Other than that, things are pretty familiar. The list of standard tech goodies also includes things like Mirror Link, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a six-speaker stereo, Bluetooth, a USB port etc. Additionally, you can get things like navigation, HD Radio, satellite radio, a 12-speaker Fender premium stereo, three extra USB ports and, of course, VW’s excellent 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
When it comes to safety features, the list of standard equipment also includes things like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a post-collision braking system, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
2021 VW Atlas Engines
As we already mentioned, the biggest novelty under the hood is that you can now get an AWD system with both engines. In the previous models, this was reserved for the V6 model only. On the other side, the engine lineup remains the same. Base models will carry on with a 2.0-liter turbo-four, which is good for about 235 horsepower, which feels underpowered and awards with great fuel economy on the other side. With this engine, you may count on quite decent 20 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.
The optional 3.6-liter V6 delivers around 276 horsepower and offers notably better performances. On the other side, mpg ratings aren’t that good, as this version returns around 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.
2021 VW Atlas Release Date and Price
The 2021 VW Atlas has been presented at the recent Chicago Auto Show. However, we are still waiting for the details when it comes to the launch date and price. The competition remains pretty much the same and includes models like Honda Pilot, Chevy Traverse, Mazda CX-9 etc.
