- volkswagen is rolling out subtle changes to the 2021 atlas, giving it a facelift and offering new technology.
- all-wheel drive will now be available with the four-cylinder engine, instead of just with the v-6.
- pricing and more details will come as the suv approaches its on-sale date this spring.
the volkswagen atlas three-row suv enters the 2021 model year brandishing a facelift which gives it a similar look to its smaller counterpart, the two-row atlas cross sport. it also offers an additional powertrain configuration and some new tech features.
the new atlas is nearly three inches longer than the outgoing model, but that increase is due to the reshaped front and rear bumpers and doesn’t alter interior space. chrome lines span the width of the car between more angular and aggressive headlights relative to the outgoing model. the three-row atlas's new front end isn't exactly identical to the cross sport's, however, as the lower air intakes look a bit different.
all-wheel drive is newly available with both the standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and the optional 3.6-liter v-6 engine; it used to be available only on the v-6. both engines are still paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
also new for the atlas is vw's updated car-net app, which allows owners to lock and unlock doors, honk the horn, view their vehicle's location, and remote-start their vehicle through their phone. the 2021 atlas also comes with newly optional driver-assist features including traffic jam assist and road sign display. there's also a new steering wheel with vw's new logo, which can also be seen on the atlas's exterior.
volkswagen says it will release more details, including pricing, this spring as the 2021 atlas starts arriving at dealerships.