- VW’s 3-row midsize SUV receives freshened aesthetics
- Traffic Jam Assist, road-sign recognition added
- All-wheel drive now available with both engine choices
- Enhanced connected technology and in-car Wi-Fi
- Current VW Atlas price starts at $31,545
Volkswagen has unveiled the 2021 Atlas, the latest version of its 3-row midsize crossover and its first facelift since debuting for the 2018 model year. In that time, VW’s largest SUV has hit its goal of connecting with U.S. buyers seeking a roomy, practical, adventurous family SUV. The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas is making its debut at the Chicago Auto Show, boasting freshened aesthetics, added driver-assistance features, and tech upgrades.
The moves signal that VW is adamant about keeping the Atlas’ momentum rolling. The updates are also important in this bread-and-butter segment of family SUVs that includes the Honda Pilot and all-new versions of the Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer, not to mention hot new competitors like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade.
Freshened design
Beginning on the outside, the 2021 VW Atlas receives tweaks front and back. It sports a new grille design that aligns with its new sibling, the Atlas Cross Sport, a shorter, 2-row/5-passenger model derivative that will go on sale in the months ahead.
The 2021 Atlas is also longer than the current model. This freshened version of the 7-passenger SUV adds nearly three inches overall thanks to redesigned front and rear bumpers. That gain should also help it further stand apart from its new 5-passenger Cross Sport brother. New headlight and taillight designs with standard LED lighting are also part of the exterior updates.
Inside, the new Volkswagen Atlas is outfitted with a redesigned steering wheel and optional contrast-stitching on the leather seats and door trim.
Updated driver-assist features
As with the current Atlas, all 2021 models will come with active safety features like forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Also available on higher trims are features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and bird’s-eye camera. New for the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas is Traffic Jam Assist and Dynamic Road Sign Display.
Traffic Jam assists works with the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist systems to enable the 2021 Atlas to drive semi-autonomously – and with less stress to the driver – in heavy traffic and stop-and-go conditions. The road-sign system, meanwhile, allows the Atlas to detect speed-limit signs and other postings and relay them to the driver – essentially a set of digital eyes to supplement your own that are always on the lookout.
Enhanced connected tech
For the 2021 Atlas, Volkswagen is also updating its Car-Net telematics system. This next-gen version of the system that lets you connect with and monitor the vehicle from a smart phone includes a new mobile app and a slew of services that are complimentary for five years.
Also available via subscription are in-vehicle Wi-Fi that allows internet access for up to four connected devices – a boon for modern families and road trips where the kids spend as much time looking at a screen as they do out the window.
Expanded powertrain option
Rounding out the updates is a new powertrain configuration. While the Atlas’ two engine options carry over – a 235-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder or a 276-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 – for the first time the 4-cylinder is available with all-wheel drive (AWD). Until now, 4-cylinder variants were front-wheel drive (FWD) only. The 4-cylinder will also now be available on top trim lines, which should mean a lower cost of entry for the better-equipped variants.
Class of 2021: The New and Redesigned Cars, Trucks and SUVs
The V6 Atlas remains available in both front- or all-wheel drive. Both engines will again be connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission. When equipped with the V6 and the tow package, the 2021 VW Atlas is rated to pull 5,000 pounds.
When does the 2021 VW Atlas go on sale?
The new version of the Atlas is set to arrive at dealerships this spring.
How much does the 2021 VW Atlas cost?
Volkswagen will announce exact pricing closer to the 2021 Atlas’ on-sale date this spring. But for an idea, the current model begins at $31,545.
Where is the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas made?
The 2021 Atlas will again be made in America, specifically in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Want to get a great deal on the outgoing 2020 Atlas? Shop for one on sale near you.
