Pros
Turbocharged 4-cylinder engine now available with all-wheel drive
Revised front and rear styling
Very spacious — accommodates tall drivers
Made in Tennessee
Cons
Not especially fuel-efficient
Max tow rating of only 5,000 pounds
What’s New this Year?
Updated front and rear styling
All-wheel-drive 4-cylinder model now available
Top trim levels now available with 4-cylinder engine
Better connectivity and driver-assistance features
People Also Ask :
Where is the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas made?
The Atlas is made in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in the same large VW plant that builds the Passat sedan.
How many rows of seats does the VW Atlas have?
The VW Atlas has three rows of seats, and its third row is more spacious than those of many other SUVs. This big VW SUV seats up to seven people, or six when captain’s chairs replace the center bench.
What is the ground clearance on the Volkswagen Atlas?
The VW Atlas has eight inches of ground clearance, the same as the Kia Telluride.
Does the VW Atlas use regular gasoline?
Both Atlas engines, the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and the 3.6-liter V6, run just fine on regular unleaded gasoline, no premium required.
Driving the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas
As a vehicle designed for the American market, the Volkswagen Atlas is a roomy family hauler with a high seating position that gives the driver a great view of the traffic ahead. The ride quality is comfortable and not the least bit floaty, and the interior controls are where you’d expect them to be. The quality of materials is good, and a European sensibility is apparent in the look of the dash.
The 235-horsepower 4-cylinder engine may seem small and possibly underpowered for a vehicle weighing over 4,000 pounds, but it’s up to the task, thanks in part to its excellent low-end torque that peaks at just 1,600 rpm. The naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V6, with 276 horsepower, feels more relaxed in its duty, but fuel economy goes down a bit.
A smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic is the only transmission available, and the 4Motion AWD models benefit from Snow and Off-road modes. While the 4Motion Atlas is by no means an off-roader, it performs well on muddy dirt roads. It also becomes your best friend when the steep driveway at your cabin is covered in snow. Ground clearance is a respectable eight inches.
Favorite Features
DUAL CAPTAIN’S CHAIRS
These 2nd-row captain’s chairs replace the bench seat, lending the Atlas the feel of an executive transport, one with plenty of space in back to work or sleep. Available for $695 on the Atlas SE with Technology model and above.
VOLKSWAGEN DIGITAL COCKPIT
Standard on the Atlas SEL and above, the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit is a highly configurable digital version of traditional gauges. Controls are on the steering wheel.
2021 Volkswagen Atlas Engines
The base Atlas continues to be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Last year, this powerplant was available exclusively in the front-wheel-drive Atlas. For 2021, VW has made the 4-cylinder Atlas available with 4Motion all-wheel drive.
With front-wheel drive, the 4-cylinder 2021 VW Atlas has EPA fuel-economy ratings of 21 mpg city/24 mpg highway/22 mpg combined. The all-wheel-drive 4-cylinder Atlas is nearly as efficient, with EPA ratings of 20 mpg city/24 mpg highway/22 mpg combined.
The 3.6-liter V6 is more powerful but thirstier, particularly around town. In front-drive form, the V6 Atlas has EPA ratings of 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway/19 mpg combined. With all-wheel drive, the V6 Atlas drops to 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway/18 mpg combined.
One transmission remains available: an 8-speed automatic.
2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
235 horsepower @ 4,500 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/24 mpg, 20/24 mpg (AWD)
3.6-liter V6
276 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
266 lb-ft of torque @ 2,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/23 mpg (FWD), 16/22 mpg (AWD)
How Much Does the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cost?
There are eight trim levels of the 2021 VW Atlas, beginning with the 4-cylinder front-wheel-drive S. This base Atlas has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $31,545, the same as in 2020. The Atlas 4Motion S begins at $33,445.
We continue to think the Atlas SE represents a good balance of equipment and price. It starts at $34,895 in FWD form, or $36,795 with AWD. The Atlas SE with Technology model is available as a front-drive 4-cylinder for $36,895, or as a front-drive V6 for $38,295. Add $1,900 for 4Motion AWD. An R-Line version of the Atlas SE with Technology is also available. Equipped exclusively with the V6, it starts at $39,695 in FWD form or $41,595 with AWD.
Next up, the luxurious Atlas SEL. As a 4Motion 4-cylinder, it starts at $42,395. A V6 4Motion version is $44,195. An R-Line version of the SEL, with V6 and 4Motion, starts at $45,895.
The top-of-the-line 2021 VW Atlas is the SEL Premium, equipped exclusively with 4Motion AWD. With the turbo 4-cylinder, it starts at $47,195. With the V6, it’s $48,995.
The only 2021 Volkswagen Atlas with an MSRP over $50,000 is the $50,695 SEL Premium R-Line model. Like all 2021 Atlases, it has a destination fee of $1,020.
At these prices, the Atlas is priced in the same ballpark as the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, and Hyundai Palisade. The Chevrolet Traverse, on the other hand, has a lower starting price, while the Toyota Highlander comes in a bit higher.
Always check the KBB Fair Purchase Price to see what other buyers in your area are paying for their new VW Atlas. Note: Last year, the Atlas had a great 6-year/72,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. But for 2021 that has been reduced to 4-year/50,000-mile coverage.