2021 Volkswagen Atlas Review

　　

2021 Volkswagen Atlas Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　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.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas S 4dr SUV w/Prod. End 08/20 (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$211/mo  for Atlas S

　　Atlas S

　　S 4dr SUV w/Prod. End 08/20 (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $31,545 MSRPS 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $31,555 MSRPS 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 08/20 (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $33,445 MSRPS 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $33,455 MSRPSE 4dr SUV w/Prod. End 08/20 (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $34,895 MSRPSE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $34,905 MSRPSE 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 08/20 (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $36,795 MSRPSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $36,805 MSRPSE w/Technology 4dr SUV w/Prod. End 08/20 (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $36,895 MSRPSE w/Technology 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $36,945 MSRPSE w/Technology 4dr SUV w/Prod. End 08/20 (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $38,295 MSRPSE w/Technology 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $38,345 MSRPSE w/Technology 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 08/20 (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $38,795 MSRPSE w/Technology 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $38,845 MSRPSE w/Technology 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 08/20 (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $40,195 MSRPSE w/Technology 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $40,245 MSRPSE w/Technology R-Line 4dr SUV w/Prod. End 08/20 (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $39,695 MSRPSE w/Technology R-Line 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $39,745 MSRPSE w/Technology R-Line 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 08/20 (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $41,595 MSRPSE w/Technology R-Line 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $41,645 MSRPSEL 4dr SUV w/Prod. End 08/20 (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $42,295 MSRPSEL 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $42,325 MSRPSEL 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 08/20 (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $42,395 MSRPSEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $42,425 MSRPSEL 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 08/20 (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $44,195 MSRPSEL 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $44,225 MSRPSEL R-Line 4dr SUV w/Prod. End 08/20 (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $43,995 MSRPSEL R-Line 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $44,025 MSRPSEL R-Line 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 08/20 (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $45,895 MSRPSEL R-Line 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $45,925 MSRPSEL Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 08/20 (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $47,195 MSRPSEL Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $47,225 MSRPSEL Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 08/20 (3.6L 6cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $48,995 MSRPSEL Premium 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $49,025 MSRPSEL Premium R-Line 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 08/20 (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $50,695 MSRPSEL Premium R-Line 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $50,725 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　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? zzdcar 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.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　8.0

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the Atlas drive? Neither Atlas engine is all that great. The optional V6 engine delivers decent acceleration off the line but runs out of oomph when the Atlas is merging at speed, even with an empty cabin. Our V6-equipped Atlas test vehicle needed 8.5 seconds to cover 0-60 mph, which is slower than many rival three-row SUVs. We also tested the base four-cylinder — surprisingly, that Atlas was quicker, with 0-60 mph coming up in 8.1 seconds.

　　Otherwise, the Atlas is pleasant to wheel around considering its size. It's composed and stable when going around turns, and the smooth brakes and transmission shifting make this an easy SUV to drive everyday.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Atlas? The Atlas' front seats lack some adjustability, and the bottom cushions feel a little flat and long, which might be uncomfortable for short drivers. Both back rows recline, and the second row slides and has a slightly firmer middle seat.

　　The Atlas has a settled ride quality. The suspension absorbs most bumps and road undulations without getting overly floaty. There's some road noise, and the large mirrors generate noticeable wind noise at highway speeds, but it's nothing the audio system can't conceal. The Atlas' climate system is strong and has plenty of heating and cooling capacity.

　　

Interior

8.5/10

　　How’s the interior? There's plenty of room in all directions up front, and the second row is wide enough for three adults across. Also the third row fits adults 6 feet or shorter with surprisingly little effect on comfort. The Atlas also gets high marks for its clever sliding second-row seat, with good rear visibility to boot.

　　It does take some time to become familiar with the Atlas' available digital gauge cluster, but once you're accustomed to it, functionality is wide-ranging. One downside to the touchscreen infotainment system interface is having to look at what you're pressing, which takes attention away from driving.

　　

Technology

8.5/10

　　How’s the tech? The Atlas boasts a strong assortment of technology features. The infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone capability. The base stereo has pretty good quality, and the optional 12-speaker system on top models boasts impressive sound quality. Voice control is improved over previous versions of the Atlas but remains restricted to pretty basic commands.

　　A number of driver aids also come standard, and adaptive cruise control handles transitions and maintains gaps well for such a large vehicle. We also like the subtle lane keeping assist. The rearview camera is crisp and provides several viewing options.

　　

Storage

8.0/10

　　How’s the storage? The Atlas dominates the midsize SUV competition with 20.6 cubic feet of space behind the third row and a maximum capacity of 96.8 cubic feet. The flexibility of the manual-folding flat seats is great, and our test SUV also had a hands-free tailgate.

　　The Atlas offers a good amount of storage space for small items, but there are no obvious storage cubbies for items such as sunglasses or sectioned compartments in the center armrest bin. The second row packs plenty of space, and there shouldn't be any issues fitting a rear-facing car seat there. The second row is also designed to tilt and slide with a seat installed.

　　

Fuel Economy

6.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The four-cylinder engine is less thirsty than the optional V6. The EPA estimate is 22 mpg combined (20 city/24 highway) with all-wheel drive. On our 115-mile evaluation route, our AWD-equipped test Atlas averaged 23.5 mpg, indicating the rating is accurate. But that still trails some three-row V6-equipped rivals such as the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander.

　　

Value

7.5/10

　　Is the Atlas a good value? The Atlas comes in a little pricier than most of its competition at its top trim levels. It balances that by offering plenty of safety and technology features that are effective and easy to use. What doesn't feel worth the price is the lack of horsepower, plus an abundance of hard plastic in the second and third rows. That could be OK, though, if there's a high likelihood of kids sitting in back.

　　Volkswagen once offered great warranty coverage but has fallen behind recently. Kia and Hyundai offer the best basic warranties by far, and many other crossovers beat the Atlas in powertrain coverage.

　　

Wildcard

7.5/10

　　The Atlas isn't as fun to drive as a Mazda CX-9 or Honda Pilot, but buyers who don't need sporty abilities will find the Atlas pleasant enough. Our editors have mixed opinions about the Atlas' styling. Some think it looks handsome, especially with the available R-Line enhancements, while others say it doesn't do enough to resemble other models in the VW lineup.

　　

Which Atlas does zzdcar 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.

　　

2021 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 servicesThe 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 padSE 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 accentsSEL

　　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.

　　

2021 Atlas Highlights

Trim: SSESE w/TechnologySE w/Technology R-LineSELSEL R-LineSEL PremiumSEL Premium R-LineS

　　

Base MSRP	$31,545
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	22 MPG
Cost to Drive	$211/month
Seating	7 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	20.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles