2021 VW Atlas Review
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by Mark Fulmer
The Auto Channel
The 2021 edition of the popular seven-passenger, three-row Atlas SUV includes modifications to the exterior design that include a more modern look to the grill and standard all-LED lighting.
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There are engine choices as well: either a 2.0-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder, making 235 horsepower with 258 pound-feet of torque and getting 21 mpg city/24 highway/22 combined ; or a 3.6-liter V6, making 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque and producing 17 mpg city/23 highway/19 combined. The drive modes include Onroad (with subsets Normal, Sport, Comfort, and Individual), Snow, Offroad, and Custom Offroad. The six can tow 5,000 lbs.; the four can handle 2,000 lbs.
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Inside, I know you are going to doubt this, but there actually is excellent leg room for adult passengers in the third row, and well as easy-peasy access with onehanded pull and push of the 2nd row. There is also new double-stitched leather upholstery available in various color combinations. As you'd expect from VW the interior is simple, effecient, and yet feels quite upscale.
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Got cargo? How about a whopping 96.8 cubic feet when all rear seats are flattened. When just third-row is folded, you have 55.5 cubic feet, and with all seats up, there is 20.6 cubic feet.
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The tech includes a new 8.0-inch touchscreen standard except for the base S model. For folks who can't get by without their phones, there is wireless smartphone charging available as well as a variety of 4G LTE data connection plans for onboard Wi-Fi hotspot. The Digital Cockpit system provides a fully-digital instrument cluster. New to the driver assist systems are available traffic jam assist and dynamic road sign detection.
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And the final coup de gras is an unchanged base price at $31,545. No wonder they sold 81,500 of the vehicle last year.
UPDATE
Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced that the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas has been named to the Cars.com 2020 Car Seat Check Honor Roll. This is the second year in a row that Atlas has earned a spot on the list. “Volkswagen has grown our SUV family to fit the needs of America’s families,” says Hein Schafer, Senior Vice President of Product Marketing and Strategy. “Being recognized for the family-friendly features of Atlas is a sign that we’re getting it right.”
- Atlas is one of 14 vehicles on the Car Seat Check Honor Roll
- For the second year, Atlas earns top marks in all categories
- Family-friendly Atlas also named Cars.com’s 2020 Family Car of the Year
- Editor
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