There's a whole lot of driver assistance tech available.
The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas arrives wearing refreshed styling that makes the crossover look more like its Atlas Cross Sport sibling. The updated model will arrive this spring, and VW will announce pricing details closer to launch.
New bumpers make the 2021 Atlas is nearly 3 inches (7.62 centimeters) longer than the model from before the update. A revised grille features a three-bar design that is like what's on the Atlas Cross Sport, and it connects to tweaked headlights. At the back, the designers resculpt the taillights. The R-Line trim level features a different bumper design, side skirts, and wheel designs.
Motor1.com Car Buying Service
Buyers will be able to get a 235-horsepower (175-kilowatt) turbocharged four-cylinder or 276-hp (206 kW) V6. An eight-speed automatic will be the only gearbox option, regardless of engine choice. Both will also be available with all-wheel drive, instead of front-wheel drive, on the higher trim levels.
The Volkswagen Atlas Range Just Keeps Growing:
Inside, there's a standard eight-inch infotainment display, except for the base S trim. There's also a redesigned multi-function steering wheel. Buyers can specify options like a digital gauge cluster, updated stereo, three-zone climate control, ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats. All models get a driver assistance technology suite that includes Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring, Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Traffic Alert. The available upgrades to the system are Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Lane Keeping System, Park Distance Control, Park Steering Assistant, Overhead View Camera, Traffic Jam Assist, and Dynamic Road Sign Display.
FEBRUARY 6, 2020
2021 VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS DEBUTS AT THE CHICAGO AUTO SHOW
→ Facelifted Atlas shows more modern and bolder exterior design
→ New driver-assistance features, technology and interior upgrades
→ BothV6 and four-cylinder engines now available with 4Motion all-wheel-drive and on top trims
Herndon, VA — Volkswagen of America, Inc. unveiled the new 2021 Atlas at the Chicago Auto Show today. The refreshed seven-seater offers a bolder design as well as interior upgrades, advanced technology and new driver-assistance features while still maintaining the spacious interior and user-friendly infotainment and ergonomics that made the outgoing model so popular.
“The Atlas has been a huge success story for Volkswagen of America, helping us to position the brand with a greater emphasis on the family-friendly SUVs that consumers are buying,” said Scott Keogh, president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America. “This refreshed model brings all the functionality of the previous model, and ups the ante with new technology and more style.”
The refreshed Atlas maintains the same underpinnings of the successful outgoing model, but is nearly three inches longer, thanks to new front and rear bumper designs. Following in the footsteps of the Atlas Cross Sport, a bold three-bar grille extends into the front light signature creating a more stylish presence. The refreshed model features new headlight and taillight designs that include standard LED lighting. This, along with the sculpted front and rear bumpers, gives the Atlas a more aggressive stance. The R- line® trims up the ante with a unique bumper design, side skirts, and available 20- or 21- inch aluminum-alloy wheels (dependent on trim), as well as signature R-line badging.
The interior receives upgrades over the previous model, offering a more connected and comfortable experience. Upgrades include a new steering wheel, available contrast- stitching on the leather seating surfaces and door trim, and an 8-inch Composition Media infotainment system on all models but the base S trim. Available features include the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, Fender® Premium Audio System, ambient lighting, 3-zone Climatronic® climate control, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, wireless charging, and remote start.
The Atlas highlights new technology features such as the Car-Net® telematics system. The next generation of Car-Net includes an updated mobile app, a long list of no-charge services for five years, and a variety of subscription options for customer flexibility— including in-car Wi-Fi capability when you subscribe to a data plan. Car-Net Hotspot allows passengers to access the internet with up to four connected devices simultaneously, including compatible tablets, smartphones, laptops, gaming devices, and more—all at 4G LTE-enabled speed.
A suite of driver-assistance technology is available on the Atlas. Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist), Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Traffic Alert are standard on all models. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop and Go, Lane Keeping System (Lane Assist), Park Distance Control (PDC), Park Steering Assistant (Park Assist), and Overhead View Camera (Area View) are also available. Traffic Jam Assist and Dynamic Road Sign Display, first debuting on the Atlas Cross Sport, will be available as well.
The Atlas will be available with two powertrains: a 276-horsepower V6 and a 235-hp four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® engine. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and are available with Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. The 2.0T and 4Motion pairing is new for 2020, as is the availability of the four-cylinder engine on top trim lines. V6 models can tow up to 5,000 pounds, when equipped with the V6 Towing Package.
More details and pricing will be announced ahead of the launch in the Spring of 2020.
The Atlas was the first Volkswagen designed, engineered and produced as part of Volkswagen’s North American region strategy. Assembled at Volkswagen’s Chattanooga, Tennessee factory alongside the Volkswagen Passat and the all-new Atlas Cross Sport, the Atlas has become a major player in the U.S. market since its initial release. Volkswagen has now invested more than $2.6 billion in the area and has about 3,800 direct employees in Tennessee.