- the 2021 volkswagen atlas, not surprisingly, has styling that mirrors that of the all-new atlas cross sport.
- the four-cylinder atlas model has available all-wheel drive, previously only available with the v-6 engine.
- the 2021 atlas will arrive in showrooms in may 2020 after making its debut in february 2020 at the chicago auto show.
vw doesn't want to get caught on its heels as the suv segment gets increasingly more crowded and competitive, and the updated 2021 version of the three-row mid-size atlas is additional evidence of that. the german automaker has given its new atlas a significant facelift, adopting the styling recently revealed on the all-new two-row mid-size atlas cross sport, which is based on the same platform.
the updated atlas is three inches longer than the outgoing model, but that change, vw said, was made in line with pedestrian safety guidelines and doesn't change the cabin size. the 2021 atlas 5.7 inches longer than the cross sport, despite the fact that they have the same wheelbase.
vw is still offering both four-cylinder and v-6 engine options, but starting with 2021, the 4motion all-wheel-drive system is also now available with both engines. the outgoing model only offers awd with the v-6. for 2021, vw also is making changes to the available driver assist features. two vw systems are new options: dynamic road sign detection, which scans for road signs, and traffic jam assist, which continues operation of adaptive cruise control at low speeds and in heavy traffic.
the atlas will be unveiled to the public at the chicago auto show this coming february and will reach showrooms starting in may of next year.