2021 Update: The Volkswagen Atlas
For 2021, the 7-place Atlas has received a major update both on the inside and outside to further stand out from the competition, while continuing to offer Volkswagen’s take on the affordable family SUV. The changes are most visible when viewing the bumpers as well as the front grille. In addition, customers in snowier climates looking for a more fuel-efficient Atlas can get the 4-cylinder engine paired to VW’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system, while numerous once-optional features have now become standard.
Customers have 8 trims to choose from: base S, popular midrange SE, enhanced SE w/ Technology, sporty SE w/ Technology R-Line, well-equipped SEL, SEL R-Line, high-end SEL Premium and top-shelf SEL Premium R-Line, with the SEL R-Line and SEL Premium R-Line available by special order only. Standard features on the Atlas include 18-inch alloy wheels, full LED lighting, rain-sensing windshield wipers, the MIB touchscreen infotainment system, and a blind spot monitor. In addition, all Atlas come with VW’s Carefree Maintenance Program, which provides scheduled maintenance services for 2 years or 20,000 miles (whichever occurs first) included in the price.
As safety is a major concern for shoppers of family SUVs, a forward collision warning system with pedestrian detection is standard along with a rear traffic alert system which can warn drivers of oncoming traffic when backing out of a parking spot or driveway. Buyers looking at higher trim levels can get additional features such as a Lane Keeping System, Traffic Jam Assist for the Atlas to steer, accelerate and brake automatically in the stop-and-go traffic, and Dynamic Road Sign display for detecting and reading road signs.
Notable features available on higher trim levels are Park Assist, which can automatically maneuver the Atlas into parallel and perpendicular parking spaces, a 480-watt 12-speaker Fender stereo, and the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit system that provides a fully digital instrument cluster utilizing a 10-inch screen. In addition, SEL and SEL Premium trim levels get a panoramic sunroof along with 20-inch alloy wheels. Those who want their Atlas to have a sport-oriented look can get the R-Line trim on the SE with Technology, SEL, and SEL Premium levels, which bring larger rims, R-Line badging, and more aggressive bumpers.
Furthermore, the 2021 Atlas comes with Volkswagen’s next generation Car-Net system, which allows owners to monitor their Atlas using their smartphone. From their phone, owners can start and stop their Atlas, unlock and lock the vehicle remotely, honk and flash the lights, as well as get diagnostic data directly through Vehicle Health Reports. Also, Car-Net should have support for the Apple iWatch and Android Wear-equipped devices later this year. There are Valet Alert (if the vehicle goes too far from a drop-off location) and Curfew Alert features available too.
In the powertrain department, buyers can choose between a 4-cylinder engine generating 235 horsepower and a 6-cylinder motor making 276 horsepower. Front-wheel-drive is standard with 4MOTION all-wheel-drive optional on all trims except the SEL Premium and six-cylinder-powered SEL, which get the all-wheel-drive system standard. All Atlases come with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The 2021 Atlas should bring a jolt of fresh energy to the ever-burgeoning family SUV segment while continuing to offer a great deal of comfort to both drivers and passengers. With a focus on providing a multitude of beneficial features at a very reasonable price, the Atlas should have little trouble finding families who will find plenty of uses for it.
