VW is refreshing the ‘regular’ Atlas to match its new sibling with a
bolder exterior design and new technology upgrades. The 2021 VW Atlas, which
debuts at the Chicago Auto Show, now sports a new three-bar front grille, LED
headlights and taillights and redesigned bumpers front and rear, which also add
nearly three inches to the seven-seater SUV’s overall length. R-Line models now
come with a unique bumper design and side skirts, as well as new 20- or 21-inch
alloy wheel designs that make the 2021 VW Atlas even more assertive on the
road.
The interior of the facelifted Atlas is
sharing the same updated features with the Atlas Cross Sport, meaning a new
steering wheel and an eight-inch Composition Media infotainment system. Customers
will also be able to choose contrast stitching not only for the seats but for
the door trims as well.
The cabin of the 2021 Atlas also offers
VW’s Digital Cockpit, a Fender Premium Audio system, ambient lighting, 3-zone
climate control, wireless charging, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats
and remote start. VW has also added the new Car-Net telematics system to the
redesigned Atlas, which includes an updated mobile app and plenty of no-charge
services for five years, as well as a range of subscription options. These
include in-car Wi-Fi capability that allows up to four devices to connect
online at LTE speed.
The range of active safety systems is
pretty complete, offering Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency
Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Traffic Alert
as standard. Customers can opt for Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go,
Park Distance Control, Park Steering Assistant and Overhead View Camera, as
well as Traffic Jam Assist and Dynamic Road Sign Display.
New for the powertrain lineup is the
optional combination of the entry-level turbocharged 235 HP 2.0-liter TSI
engine with 4Motion all-wheel drive. A naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V6 with
276 HP and 360 Nm is also available. Both engines are hooked to an
eight-speed automatic transmission.
VW will announce pricing and other range
details of the new 2021 Atlas closer to the model’s market launch in the Spring
of 2020.