Table of Contents
Introduction:
2021 Volkswagen Atlas Se With Technology illustrates why big, boxy SUVs have gotten a bad rap, but it’s also a hard alternative to a minivan. With ample cargo space and three rows of seats that comfortably accommodate adults in turn, the Atlas is better for family transportation than many other midsize vehicles. VW also fits in with popular driver aids and desirable standard equipment that enhances the value proposition, especially in mid-range models. Power comes from a normal turbocharged four-cylinder engine or a robust V-6; Both are available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The behaviour on the road is reassuring, although the large SUV is not attractive to drive. Unfortunately, its uninspired interior aesthetics and a rough ride on broken surfaces keep it from looking or feeling as stylish as its rivals. Still, the Atlas 2021 stands out as being an XL size.
What’s new for 2021?
Volkswagen is overhauling the 2021 Atlas lineup by removing the entry-level S model and trimming the SE as its new entry point. While this contributes to an advanced starting price than the preceding year’s model, the Atlas SE sees a price drop and comes with desirable standard features like a digital instrument cluster. The SE adds USB-C ports to the third row along with the tech suite. A 20-inch wheel package is also newly available. Along with the optional V-6, the SE comes standard with a trailer hitch with the Tech Package. In addition, all SEL models now feature standard all-wheel energy and 20-inch wheels. All SEL Best trim levels feature the R-Line beautiful with 21-inch wheels. The new R-Line Black skin pack gives the midsize model a more sinister look.
2021 Volkswagen Atlas Se With Technology Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Atlas comes with two engines, the 235-hp four-cylinder and the 276-hp V-6. Both are paired with an eight-speed automatic program and front or all-wheel drive. The V-6 has a refined feel and sound, with almost no jitters in the cabin. Despite the normal acceleration in the later four-cylinder and V-6 models we tested, they rarely felt underpowered on the highway. While non as fun to drive as the Mazda CX-9, the Atlas obediently responds to steering commands and never feels clunky. It trains on the road and is agile in the city. The ride is smooth, and all the hardest bumps are soaked up.
Real-World MPG and Fuel Economy
Atlas’ fuel economy ratings aren’t groundbreaking for this class of full-size family trucks, but its real-world performance isn’t too far off the segment’s fuel eaters. The four-cylinder model is the most competent, with the front-wheel drive different keeping a count of 21 mpg in the country and 25 mpg on the highway. The thirstiest V-6 model is rated at 18 mpg city and 24 mpg road with front-wheel determination and 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway with all-wheel get-up-and-go. 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Se With Technology We take part both alternatives on our 75-mph real-world route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, and the Atlas V-6 returned 24 mpg; The four-cylinder model delivered 27 mpg. For more information on Atlas fuel economy, visit the EPA website.
Volkswagen Atlas SE Exterior
2021 Volkswagen Atlas Se With Technology It’s only been three years in the meantime the Atlas was first launched, but VW wastes no time charge its biggest crossover fresh and relevant. The biggest change you’ll notice on the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas is a cleaner front end that eliminates the stock’s stacked headlights. Instead, the face looks like a front clip from the 2020 Atlas Cross Sport, showing VW’s more corporate design language.
The tech-savvy mid-range SE spiced things up even more with standard features like a hands-free liftgate and 20-inch two-tone alloy wheels. The rear of this big Vdub has also been updated with restyled taillights, and some chrome trim makes it look less like a Jeep Grand Cherokee, in my opinion. As a result, in a segment crowded with three-row crossovers and midsize SUVs, Atlas’s box-shaped design has more of an old-school SUV impression than its challengers.
Interior of the Volkswagen Atlas SE
The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas may have grown outwardly, but it certainly wasn’t lacking in interior space, to begin with. In standard form, the three-row Atlas can seat up to seven passengers with room for adults in the third row, and the SE, with technology and higher trims, add additional space for second-row passengers with the existing captain’s seat. There’s plenty of headroom and legroom wherever you sit, and the boxed design also includes plenty of payload space, with 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row and 96.8 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. Five USB ports and 17 cup holders show Atlas is ready for any family adventure!
Only trivial changes have been made to the interior of the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas, the most obvious being the redesigned steering wheel that accentuates the redesigned Volkswagen logo. Besides that, the rest of the cabin reflects the interior design language we’ve expected from VW in recent years. It is a modern, simple and functional design with many advanced technologies. 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Se With Technology All in-shape levels come standard with an eight-inch touch screen and wireless smartphone charging, and the tech-savvy SE I tested added tri-zone automatic climate control, rear-door windows and leather seats.
2021 Volkswagen Atlas Se With Technology SE Presentation
The biggest count to the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas is that purchasers can pair VW’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system with the 2.0-litre turbocharged, direct-injection four-cylinder engine. Previously, this AWD system was only available on the optional V-6 engine. My test vehicle was a front-wheel drive model with a base four-cylinder engine rate at 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. On flat Florida roads, this engine provides enough power to motivate the 4,248-pound crossover in most driving conditions. However, the engine feels underpowered when passing or blending manoeuvres. EPA fuel economy evaluations of 21 mpg city and 24 mpg highway are regularly lower than those of cited competitors. Similarly.
This crossover. That said, the Atlas shines in its overall driving dynamics. Despite its boxy, old-fashioned SUV looks, the 2021 VW Atlas has a surprisingly. Smooth ride whether driving on tarmac or dirt roads, and the cabin is remarkably silent at highway speeds. Add to that a direction-finding system that makes the midsize crossover surprisingly manoeuvrable. And the Atlas becomes one of the best road blockers in its segment. Choosing the base engine drops Atlas’s towing capacity to 2,000 pounds (vs 5,000 pounds with the optional V-6). But except you need maximum towing, this engine is the most efficient and affordable way to equip.
Volkswagen Atlas SE Safety
The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Sport have five-star overall crash ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Se With Technology All Atlas in shape levels come standard with full LED external lighting. Blind spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert, while the tech-equipped SE model adds adaptive cruise control and parking sensors.
Volkswagen Atlas SE Overview
2021 Volkswagen Atlas Se With Technology Despite all the options for three-row midsize crossovers. The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas stands out with its large size, spacious interior, and an extensive list of standard equipment. Volkswagen may be a latecomer to this segment, but Atlas is proving to be a strong competitor. Factoring in all the updates for the 2021 model year. The three-row Atlas now represents even more value with the same starting price of $31,545. The mid-range Atlas SE with Technology trim use for this review was price at $38,360 as test.