2021 Volkswagen Atlas Reviews: A Family-Friendly SUV with a Punch
The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas stands tall in the world of midsize SUVs, designed with American families in mind. With generous cabin space, advanced tech, and a smooth driving experience, the Atlas checks many boxes for drivers seeking comfort and practicality. This review dives deep into the Atlas’s features, performance, pros, and cons—offering real-world insight for those considering this versatile family hauler.
Overview of the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas
The Volkswagen Atlas enters the 2021 model year with some notable upgrades. A refreshed exterior styling and a variety of trim options make it stand out in a crowded SUV market. Volkswagen has also focused on refining the interior, adding new technology features to stay competitive. But what truly defines the Atlas is its sheer size and capability.
While the Atlas offers third-row seating and good cargo space, it has some quirks worth mentioning. Below, we’ll walk through its design, driving performance, tech, and potential drawbacks so you can decide if this SUV fits your needs.
What’s New for 2021?
- New grille design with sharper lines
- Standard LED headlights across all trims
- Updated infotainment system with Volkswagen’s Car-Net suite
- Additional driver assistance features available
- More interior materials upgraded for a premium feel
As Alex Collantes, an automotive enthusiast from Florida, put it: “The Atlas feels like a breath of fresh air in the family SUV segment. It gives you space without looking like a minivan and that’s what I love.”
Exterior Design and Styling
Volkswagen updated the 2021 Atlas’s exterior, giving it a more aggressive look. The redesigned grille and revised LED lighting add to its modern aesthetic. While it maintains a blocky, muscular stance, the Atlas looks more upscale than before, especially with optional R-Line packages that add sporty touches like larger wheels and body-colored bumpers.
Key Exterior Features
- LED headlights and daytime running lights now standard
- Available 20- or 21-inch alloy wheels
- Optional Panoramic sunroof
- Eight exterior color options, including Racing Green Metallic and Aurora Red
- Hands-free liftgate on higher trims
Though the overall design is bold and attractive, the size might not appeal to everyone. Alex noted: “The Atlas is huge and it’s definitely a bit wide for narrow city streets. If you’re mostly driving in urban areas, it can feel like a tight fit sometimes.”
Interior Comfort and Cabin Space
When it comes to interior space, the Atlas shines. With room for seven passengers across three rows, this SUV prioritizes passenger comfort. Even the third row offers ample legroom compared to competitors like the Toyota Highlander. Families will appreciate how easy it is to fold down seats and create more space for luggage or sports equipment.
The cargo area measures 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row and expands to 96.8 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded flat. That makes the Atlas one of the most spacious SUVs in its class.
Notable Interior Features
- Available captain’s chairs for the second row
- Tri-zone climate control standard across all trims
- Fender Premium Audio system available
- Upgraded 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Optional leather upholstery on higher trims
While the Atlas delivers plenty of space, some materials inside feel less refined. Hard plastics can be found on lower trims, which detracts from the otherwise upscale vibe. “The interior is solid but I feel like they could have used softer materials on the dash,” said Alex.
Driving Performance and Engine Options
Under the hood, the 2021 Atlas offers two engine choices: a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder and a 3.6-liter V6. Both engines come paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and are available with either front-wheel drive or Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system.
Engine Options
-
2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder
- 235 horsepower
- Better fuel economy (21 MPG city / 24 MPG highway)
- Slightly underpowered when the vehicle is fully loaded
-
3.6L V6
- 276 horsepower
- Tows up to 5,000 pounds
- Fuel economy drops to 16 MPG city / 22 MPG highway
The V6 engine offers smoother acceleration and better towing capacity, but it sacrifices fuel efficiency. The turbocharged engine is more efficient but can feel sluggish with a full cabin.
“The 4-cylinder is fine if you’re just driving around town,” Alex commented. “But if you need to haul a trailer or drive up steep hills, you’ll want the V6.”
Handling and Ride Quality
The Atlas excels in terms of ride comfort. Its suspension is tuned for absorbing bumps and uneven surfaces, making it an excellent choice for road trips or long commutes. While the Atlas isn’t exactly sporty, the steering feels light and responsive enough for a vehicle of its size.
However, the Atlas’s size does impact its maneuverability. Parking in tight spaces can be challenging, and the SUV’s turning radius is larger than that of competitors.
Driving Pros and Cons
- Pro: Comfortable ride for all passengers
- Pro: Smooth handling on highways
- Con: Large size makes parking harder
- Con: Not as agile as smaller SUVs
Technology and Infotainment
Volkswagen has packed the 2021 Atlas with plenty of tech to satisfy modern drivers. The updated infotainment system features a larger touchscreen, and wireless smartphone integration means no more fiddling with cables.
The Car-Net app adds remote features, allowing owners to check fuel levels, start the engine, and even locate the vehicle from their smartphone. However, some users have reported that the system can be a bit glitchy.
Tech Highlights
- Standard 6.5-inch touchscreen (upgraded to 8 inches on higher trims)
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Available 360-degree camera system
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability
- Optional digital cockpit display
Safety Features and Ratings
The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features. Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE includes driver assistance tools such as lane-keeping assist and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.
While the Atlas performed well in crash tests by the NHTSA and IIHS, rear visibility can be an issue due to its size. Fortunately, the standard rearview camera and optional parking sensors help mitigate this drawback.
Safety Features
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane departure warning
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Available adaptive headlights
Pricing and Trim Levels
The 2021 Atlas is available in several trims, making it accessible to a wide range of buyers. Below is a quick breakdown of the main trims:
-
S (Base)
- Cloth upholstery
- Basic infotainment system
-
SE
- Leatherette seats
- Wireless charging
-
SEL
- Panoramic sunroof
- Digital cockpit display
-
SEL Premium R-Line (Top Trim)
- Leather upholstery
- All-wheel drive standard
Prices start around $32,565 for the base S trim and go up to $50,000 for the fully-loaded SEL Premium R-Line.
Potential Drawbacks
While the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas is a strong contender in the SUV market, it isn’t without flaws.
- Fuel efficiency is below average, especially with the V6 engine.
- Infotainment system can experience occasional glitches.
- The large size makes it harder to park in tight urban spaces.
- Some interior materials on lower trims feel cheap compared to competitors.
Despite these drawbacks, the Atlas remains a solid choice for families seeking a spacious, comfortable, and well-equipped SUV.
Conclusion: Is the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Worth It?
The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offers a compelling package of space, comfort, and technology that appeals to families and road-trip enthusiasts. While it isn’t the most fuel-efficient or nimble SUV, its roomy interior and advanced features make it a practical choice.
As Alex summed up, “The Atlas is not perfect but it’s hard to beat if you need lots of space. For me, the pros outweigh the cons, especially with all the tech features it offers.”
If you’re looking for a versatile SUV that prioritizes passenger comfort without compromising on style, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas deserves a spot on your shortlist.
This detailed review provides all the essential information for potential buyers. With a combination of real-world insights, expert opinions, and a breakdown of pros and cons, this article aims to help you make an informed decision about the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. Whether you’re upgrading to a larger vehicle or shopping for your first family SUV, the Atlas delivers on many fronts.