[Auto] 2021 Volkswagen Atlas

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The Volkswagen Atlas was VW's first swing at a three-row midsize SUV, and the automaker knocked it out of the park. Its roomy cabin and comfortable ride helped place it near the top of the pack when it debuted in 2018. But new competitors and a rapidly evolving market mean Volkswagen feels the need to offer some updates to keep the Atlas fresh.

On the outside, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas gets restyled headlights, bumpers, taillights and a new grille. The interior receives some mild changes such as a new steering wheel and the addition of new driver aids including a system that can scan traffic signs. This latter feature can help you know what the speed limit of the road you're on, even if you didn't see the sign yourself.

Alas, the Atlas is powered by the same engines as before: a turbocharged 235-horsepower four-cylinder and a 276-hp six-cylinder engine. We think Volkswagen missed an opportunity here to add some power under the hood since even the optional six-cylinder lacks the power to get this big SUV moving with any real authority. Overall, though, the 2021 VW Atlas is still a compelling contender among three-row family SUVs.

What's it like to live with?
Want to know even more about the Atlas? Edmunds added a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas SE with Technology to our long-term road test fleet. Our editors spent a year driving Volkswagen's biggest SUV, racking up more than 20,000 miles. Check out our VW Atlas long-term test coverage to read more about what we learned, from real-world fuel economy to reliability. Note that while the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas differs slightly from our long-term 2018 model, nearly all of our observations still apply.

Which Atlas does Edmunds recommend?
We think the SE with Technology trim gives you the best of the Atlas' features while keeping the price reasonable. You can also select the panoramic sunroof and second-row captain's chairs if you desire, or check the box for the R-Line package, which gives the Atlas a sporty appearance. Acceleration from the four-cylinder and V6 engines is similar, so there's little reason to upgrade to the V6.
Volkswagen Atlas models
The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas is a midsize three-row SUV sold in eight trim levels. It is powered by your choice of two engines, though their availability across trims is quite confusing.

The base engine is a turbocharged 235-horsepower four-cylinder engine. It comes standard on S and SE levels, plus the front-wheel-drive SE with Technology and all-wheel-drive versions of the SEL and SEL Premium. All other configurations are powered by a 276-hp V6. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional.

S
Standard features of the base Atlas S include:

18-inch alloy wheels
LED headlights
A 60/40-split second-row bench seat and 50/50-split third-row bench
6.5-inch touchscreen
Six-speaker audio system
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
In-car Wi-Fi hotspot
Volkswagen's Car-Net app services
The S also comes with these safety features:

Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
Rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while in reverse)
SE
The SE adds a host of convenience features, including:

Power liftgate
Keyless entry and ignition
Three-zone automatic climate control
Power driver's seat
Heated front seats
Simulated leather upholstery
Second-row USB ports
Manual rear window sunshades
8-inch touchscreen
Voice controls
Wireless charging pad
SE with Technology
The SE with Technology primarily adds driver assistance features, but a few other extras are included as well:

20-inch wheels
Hands-free tailgate
Remote engine start
Household-style power outlet
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Atlas and the car in front)
Front and rear parking sensors (alerts you to obstacles that may not be visible behind or in front of the vehicle when parking)
There are several options packages starting at this level, including:

Second-row captain's chairs
Panoramic sunroof
Towing package with 5,000-pound towing capacity (V6 models only)
SE with Technology R-Line
This trim comes standard with the V6 engine. It also adds:

Dark gray wheels
Restyled bumpers and lower door trim
Sporty interior accents
SEL
The SEL builds off the SE with Technology trim. A panoramic sunroof is standard at this level, as is the Towing package when you opt for a V6 engine. Other add-ons include:

Digital instrument panel
Heated steering wheel
Driver-seat memory settings
Power passenger seat
Navigation system
Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
Adaptive headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)
SEL R-Line
The SEL R-Line essentially marries the SEL trim with the R-Line's styling upgrades and standard V6. It also includes 21-inch wheels.

SEL Premium
The SEL Premium is the most feature-packed Atlas available. It starts with SEL content and all-wheel drive, then adds:

Ventilated front seats
Heated second-row seats
Leather upholstery
Ambient interior lighting
12-speaker Fender premium audio system
Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with no driver intervention)
360-degree camera (gives you a top-down view of the car for tight parking situations)
SEL Premium R-Line
This top-of-the-line trim pairs the SEL R-Line's upgrades with SEL Premium's features.

Edited May 22, 2020 by Dr.Drako
Closed Topic / Complete 24 hours.