hamburger icon

2021 Volkswagen Atlas

Change vehicle or year
Select a Year - Volkswagen Atlas
Preview
New
OR
Change Vehicle
Make
Volkswagen
Model
Atlas
Year
2021
GO
Volkswagen Atlas OEM Exterior Primary Photo
OEM Interior Primary
OEM Exterior
OEM Exterior
OEM Interior
Photos Colors
Used Car Price Range
$21,107 - $38,998
$21,107 $38,998
Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2021 2.0T S 4dr Front-Wheel Drive
most popular
Price:   -  From $31,545
2021 2.0T S 4dr Front-Wheel Drive 2021.5 Price:   -  From $31,555
2021 2.0T S 4dr All-Wheel Drive 4MOTION Price:   -  From $33,445
2021 2.0T S 4dr All-Wheel Drive 4MOTION 2021.5 Price:   -  From $33,455
2021 2.0T SE 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $34,895
2021 2.0T SE 4dr Front-Wheel Drive 2021.5 Price:   -  From $34,905
2021 2.0T SE 4dr All-Wheel Drive 4MOTION Price:   -  From $36,795
2021 2.0T SE 4dr All-Wheel Drive 4MOTION 2021.5 Price:   -  From $36,805
2021 3.6L V6 SE w/Technology 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $38,295
2021 3.6L V6 SE w/Technology 4dr Front-Wheel Drive 2021.5 Price:   -  From $38,345
2021 3.6L V6 SE w/Technology 4dr All-Wheel Drive 4MOTION Price:   -  From $40,195
2021 3.6L V6 SE w/Technology 4dr All-Wheel Drive 4MOTION 2021.5 Price:   -  From $40,245
2021 3.6L V6 SEL 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $42,295
2021 3.6L V6 SEL 4dr Front-Wheel Drive 2021.5 Price:   -  From $42,325
2021 2.0T SEL 4dr All-Wheel Drive 4MOTION Price:   -  From $42,395
2021 2.0T SEL 4dr All-Wheel Drive 4MOTION 2021.5 Price:   -  From $42,425
2021 3.6L V6 SEL R-Line 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $43,995
2021 3.6L V6 SEL R-Line 4dr Front-Wheel Drive 2021.5 Price:   -  From $44,025
2021 3.6L V6 SEL 4dr All-Wheel Drive 4MOTION Price:   -  From $44,195
2021 3.6L V6 SEL 4dr All-Wheel Drive 4MOTION 2021.5 Price:   -  From $44,225
2021 3.6L V6 SEL R-Line 4dr All-Wheel Drive 4MOTION Price:   -  From $45,895
2021 3.6L V6 SEL R-Line 4dr All-Wheel Drive 4MOTION 2021.5 Price:   -  From $45,925
2021 2.0T SEL Premium 4dr All-Wheel Drive 4MOTION Price:   -  From $47,195
2021 2.0T SEL Premium 4dr All-Wheel Drive 4MOTION 2021.5 Price:   -  From $47,225
2021 3.6L V6 SEL Premium 4dr All-Wheel Drive 4MOTION Price:   -  From $48,995
2021 3.6L V6 SEL Premium 4dr All-Wheel Drive 4MOTION 2021.5 Price:   -  From $49,025
2021 3.6L V6 SEL Premium R-Line 4dr All-Wheel Drive 4MOTION Price:   -  From $50,695
2021 3.6L V6 SEL Premium R-Line 4dr All-Wheel Drive 4MOTION 2021.5 Price:   -  From $50,725
Expert Rating
2.8 (Fair)

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

See All Used Listings

Overview

What's New

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas receives an exterior refresh, including a bolder grille and cleaner front and rear fascias. Also, the base four-cylinder engine is standard on more models this year and can now be paired with all-wheel drive. The upper trims gain traffic jam assist and road sign display. The seven-seat VW Atlas remains the largest vehicle in the brand's lineup.

Choosing Your Volkswagen Atlas

The Atlas comes in eight trims levels: S, SE, SE with Technology, SE with Technology R-Line, SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL Premium, and SEL Premium R-Line. Pricing starts at $32,565 including destination for the base S model and goes to $51,715 for the SEL Premium R-Line.

Engine Choices

The VW Atlas S, SE, SE with Technology, SEL, and SEL Premium models come standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The three R-Line trims carry a V6 engine, which is optional on the SE with Technology ($1,400) and the SEL and SEL Premium ($1,800).

Engine TypeHorsepowerTorqueMax TowingFuel Economy (Combined)
2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder235 hp258 lb-ft2,000 pounds22 mpg
3.6L V6276 hp266 lb-ft5,000 pounds19 mpg

Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard on the SEL Premium and SEL Premium R-Line, and optional for $1,900 with either engine throughout the rest of the lineup. Those other trims utilize front-wheel drive as standard.

Passenger and Cargo Capacity

The VW Atlas provides ample room for seven passengers across three rows. The second-row captain's chairs, a $695 option starting with the SE with Technology, reduce seating capacity to six.

The Atlas can handle 20.6 cubic feet of cargo behind the third row. With it folded, there's 55.5 cubic feet of space. Capacity tops out at 96.8 cubic feet with both back rows down. These figures place the Atlas firmly in the largest class of crossovers.

Volkswagen Atlas

Safety Features

When it comes to active safety features, the Atlas starts out with automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Stepping up to the SE with Technology brings adaptive cruise control and front and rear parking sensors. SEL models also get lane keeping assist, an automatic high beams, traffic jam assist, and road sign display. The SEL Premium and SEL Premium R-Line add a surround-view camera system and an automated parking system.

Connectivity

The VW Atlas S carries a 6.5-inch touchscreen, two USB ports, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. In all other trims, buyers get an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless device charging, satellite and HD radio, and five USB ports. The SEL trim and above also come with navigation and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, which is called Volkswagen Digital Cockpit.

Volkswagen Atlas

S - From $32,565

The entry-level Atlas S offers quilted cloth seats, a six-speaker audio system, dual-zone manual climate control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, roof rails, 18-inch alloy wheels, power and heated side mirrors, and LED headlights and taillights. It shows its base trim status with the 6.5-inch touchscreen, a six-way manual driver's seat, a four-way manual passenger seat, and a manual liftgate.

SE - From $35,915

The SE carries expanded comfort and convenience features, including the 8-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, a 10-way power driver's seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, push button start, three-zone automatic climate control, and a power liftgate.

SE with Technology - From $37,915

The SE with Technology trim adds adaptive cruise control, remote start, a hands-free power liftgate, a household-style 115-volt power outlet, front and rear parking sensors, and 20-inch silver wheels. Models equipped with the V6 engine also get heated washer nozzles.

A panoramic sunroof becomes available for $1,200.

SE with Technology R-Line - From $40,715

Along with standard V6 power, the sporty SE with Technology R-Line is an option that wears aerodynamic bumpers, side skirts, R-Line badging, a gloss black rear spoiler, and stainless steel pedal caps.

SEL - From $43,315

The sunroof comes standard on the SEL, along with navigation, lane keeping assist, an eight-way power passenger seat, memory for the driver's seat, a heated steering wheel, heated washer nozzles, automatic high beams, traffic jam assist, road sign display, and the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit.

SEL R-Line - From $45,015

The SEL R-Line combines the SEL features with the R-Line treatment, including the standard V6. Exclusive to this trim are 21-inch alloy wheels.

SEL Premium - From $48,215

The SEL Premium gets a genuine leather interior with ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. It also adds a 12-speaker Fender audio system, ambient lighting, a surround-view camera system, an automated parking system, and puddle lights on the side mirrors. It reverts back to 20-inch wheels.

SEL Premium R-Line - From $51,715

The range-topping SEL Premium R-Line model combines the upscale features of the SEL Premium with the sporty R-Line components. It also gets the same 21-inch alloy wheels as the SEL R-Line.

Compare Atlas Trims Side-By-Side

CarsDirect Tip

The four-cylinder engine in the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas is overtaxed by a vehicle of this size, which leaves the S and SE out of the running in our view. The SE with Technology with the V6 added offers the best ratio of price to equipment.

author image
Automotive Editor
Read Less

Expert Review

Pros
  • Massive interior
  • Handsome styling
  • Plenty of features
Cons
  • OK handling
  • Terrible gas mileage
  • Lethargic base engine
Expert Rating
2.8 (Fair)

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Automotive Editor

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. For much of the last 20 years, Volkswagen was on an upmarket trajectory, proffering luxurious products that were more Audi competitors than Ford. But those models – the CC, the Touareg, the infamous Phaeton – never brought big success to the brand.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas, then, is a return to form. It goes after the hearts and wallets of the American people with the most American of sales pitches: size and value. It's big, roomy, and affordable. Just don't expect it to be as special as some of the VWs of recent memory.

New style, same size. The 2021 VW Atlas gets a mild redesign that softens some of the harder angles and smooths out the front end. The look doesn't reinvent the Atlas, but refines it and brings it in line with the recently-released VW Atlas Cross Sport (covered separately).

With so much styling overlap, it might be hard at first glance to differentiate the Atlas from the Atlas Cross Sport, other than the latter's sportier roofline. But spend some time in the cabin of each and the difference is clear: the Atlas remains as cavernous as ever, with seating for up to eight passengers, while the Atlas Cross Sport makes do with five-passenger seating and wears a more rakish look.

It's hard to overstate just how roomy the Atlas is. On the outside, it stretches 198.3 inches long, 78.3 inches wide, and 70 inches tall. These dimensions allow for an interior that, at 153 cubic feet of total passenger volume, feels bigger than a Greyhound bus.

The third row is particularly impressive, offering 33.7 inches of leg room and 38 inches of head room – that's more than many second-row vehicles offer. Even the Chevrolet Tahoe can't match the Atlas for third-row space. Second-row leg room in the Atlas is an equally-impressive 37.6 inches.

Behind that third row, the Atlas will hold a full 20.6 cubic feet of stuff. Fold it down, and 55.5 cubic feet of cargo space is available – and that's still with the second row in place. Drop both back rows and 96.8 cubic feet opens up. These numbers handily outdo most of its large crossover competition; only the 98 cubic feet of cargo space found in the Chevy Traverse outdoes the VW.


Volkswagen Atlas

More choice under the hood. The big news under the hood for 2021 is that the base 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine gets expanded availability. For the first time, it's available with all-wheel drive as well as the top trim levels.

Unfortunately, that'll probably goad more people into opting for this motor, and their disappointment with it won't wear off with the new car smell. The heft of the Atlas is substantial (4,300 pounds at its lighest), and the engine's 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque isn't enough. Simply put, this motor struggles in any scenario that isn't serene highway cruising.

Luckily, the 3.6-liter V6 remains available. It makes 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque; these numbers aren't huge a jump over the turbo-four, but they're enough to make the Atlas not feel quite so asthmatic on steep grades. It's the better engine, especially for shoppers who want the optional all-wheel drive.

Both engines pair up to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This gearbox is a competent one, and does a good job of timing both upshifts and downshifts.

All Atlas models ride well regardless of the engine specified. It'll smother bumps and soak up potholes like the best of its competition. Don't expect this heavyweight to be athletic, though, as cornering remains a necessary drudgery rather than anything to relish. Other crossovers, like the Mazda CX-9, are better choices for the sport-minded buyer.

As for gas mileage, it's not great. The four-cylinder manages just 21 miles per gallon city (20 with all-wheel drive), 24 mpg highway, and 22 combined, according to the EPA. V6 models are worse yet with 17/23/19 mpg (city/highway/combined) with front-wheel drive, or 16/22/18 mpg with AWD. Many other crossovers of this size will go much further on a gallon of gas.

Plenty of amenities. Lots of well-equipped trims and a cheap base price allow the Atlas to position itself as good value among a crowded and cutthroat segment.

Even the base Atlas S gets a 6.5 inch touchscreen, 18-inch wheels, full LED lighting, and rain-sensing wipers. The only thing that suggests its base status is the cloth upholstery and manually-adjustable seats. Standard active safety features include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Higher trims bring more goodies. The SE has leather seating, a power driver's seat, and three-zone climate control. The SEL has wireless charging, a Fender audio system, and more active safety technologies. R-Line versions of both trims bring sporty accents and interior touches.

An 8-inch touchscreen comes standard on SE models and higher, which is reason enough for upgrading. Its faster processing speeds, crisp graphics, and bigger size all make it worthwhile. The system also performs well relative to the competition, thanks to its simple, straightforward layout that's intuitive even for tech-averse users.

Final thoughts. The 2021 VW Atlas is a spacious crossover available with the bells and whistles that buyers want most. It isn't the most luxurious three-row out there, and it certainly won't knock your socks off with its acceleration or gas mileage. But this big VW gets the job done as a capable family hauler.

Check prices for the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas »

Read Less

Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.0L I-4 / 235 HP / 258 ft.lbs.
Transmission
8-spd Tiptronic w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
21 / 24 / 22 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
7
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.0L I-4 / 235 HP / 258 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
21 / 24 / 22 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Steel
Fuel Tank
18.6 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$71
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
96.8 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
154 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
198.3 "
Exterior Width
78.3 "
Exterior Height
70.0 "
Front Headroom
41.3 "
Rear Headroom
40.4 "
Front Legroom
41.5 "
Rear Legroom
37.6 "
Front Shoulder Room
61.5 "
Rear Shoulder Room
60.8 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
4,253 Lbs.
Wheel Base
117 "
Turning Radius
19.0 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
18.0 " Silver Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote Heated
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Black W/chrome Accents
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
7
Seat Trim
Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
6-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Armrests
6-way
Rear Armrests
Rear Seats
60-40 Split-bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm Stereo, Seek-scan
Speakers
6
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Climatic
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Front And Rear
Tinted Windows
Deep
Vanity Mirrors
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
3
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Fcw W/autonomous Emergency Braking Forward Collision Mitigation
Blind Spot Sensor
Blind Spot Monitor Blind Spot
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Pedestrian Monitoring Pedestrian Detection Prevention
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Major Components Months
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
24 Months / 20,000 Miles
Roadside Assistance Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
84 Months / 100,000 Miles
Accessories Months

Used 2021 Volkswagen Atlas for Sale

71 vehicles found within 50 miles of your area
Volkswagen
3.6L V6 SE w/Technology
Color: Deep Black Pearl
Mileage

61,409 mi

Map location icon

Camacho Mitsubishi - Palmdale (49 mi)

Volkswagen
S
Color: White
Price

$21,107

Mileage

54,051 mi

Map location icon

STG Auto Group Bellflower (16 mi)

Phone: (909) 552-7433
Volkswagen
S
Color: Deep Black Pearl
Price

$21,493

Mileage

74,824 mi

Map location icon

Mercedes-Benz of South Bay (8 mi)

Phone: (866) 371-6277
Volkswagen
SE
Color: Pure White
Price

$21,700

Mileage

73,465 mi

Map location icon

Puente Hills Volkswagen (29 mi)

Phone: (626) 965-7500
See All Used Car Listings

Insider Information

We have information you must know before you buy the Atlas. We want to send it to you, along with other pricing insights.

Sign Me Up

I agree to receive emails from CarsDirect. I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time. We will not spam you, and will never sell your email. Privacy Policy.

Thank you. You are now subscribed to our Pricing Insider updates.