2021 Volkswagen Atlas Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

Packing a lot of punch in its mid-sized frame, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas is an excellent choice for those who like their spaces large and luxurious. An impressive feat of engineering, this vehicle maximizes space with roomier interior than one would have anticipated from its exterior size. Whether it's cargo or passengers that need to be hauled around - rest assured they will do so comfortably! Before you make your decision however, consider if all that comes with the VW Atlas suits you best; there may be other options more suitable for your needs as well.

What's New for 2021?

For 2021, the Volkswagen Atlas is stepping up its game with a stylishly refreshed exterior and subtle upgrades to the interior. The MIB3 infotainment system boasts enhanced touchscreen capabilities for ultimate convenience paired seamlessly with wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Furthermore, safety features like Forward Collision Warning have been included in this model year's lineup to boost your driving experience beyond expectations. To top it all off, new trim levels such as Basecamp offer eye-catching external elements that will make you stand out from the crowd.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas – The Pros

1. Plenty of Cargo Space

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offers extraordinary cargo capacity and convenience. With the second-row and third-row seats folded flat, you can enjoy an impressive 98.6 cubic feet of storage – perfect for accommodating any size item! Plus, it features a Remote Power Liftgate to make loading up simple so that whatever your next adventure may be, you'll have plenty of space at the ready with this reliable ride.

2. A Roomy Interior

With the Volkswagen Atlas, you get a spacious interior – regardless of which version you choose. There's plenty of headroom and legroom for even your largest family or group to ride in comfort; with two rows, up to five people can travel together while three-row models easily accommodate seven! And this mid-sized crossover beats expectations by providing impressive elbow room as well.

3. Great Steering and Handling

Steering and handling is far above average for the Volkswagen Atlas. It has steering dynamics more akin to a sedan than a mid-sized crossover SUV. Steering is tight, responsive and accurate. The Atlas feels great at highway speeds and downright nimble when zipping around the city.

4. 4Motion All-Wheel Drive

The Atlas offers all-wheel drive (AWD) which plays a big part in the excellent handling of the vehicle. This makes the Atlas a safer vehicle on wet or slick pavement too. It even gives this crossover SUV respectable off-road capabilities. Volkswagen's 4Motion AWD gives drivers four different modes which can be selected with the turn of a dial. The modes are Snow, On-Road, Off-Road and Off-Road Custom. This allows the driver to fine-tune the AWD performance to match their current situation.

5. Good Performance From the V6 Engine

Volkswagen gives you the choice of two different engines for the 2021 Atlas. There's a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, but the real star of the show is the 3.6-liter V6. This engine produces 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. That's plenty enough power and torque so that you'll never feel bogged down, even with a carload of passengers or cargo.

6. Surprisingly High Towing Capacity

The horsepower and torque of the larger engine does more than just provide good acceleration. It also gives the Volkswagen Atlas surprisingly good towing capabilities. This powerful SUV can tow up to 5,000 pounds. That's plenty enough weight to pull along a small trailer or boat for your next trip.

7. VW Car-Net Remote Access

This unique feature allows you to control your Volkswagen Atlas from a distance. Volkswagen provides an app that you can download to your smartphone for free. You will then be able to remotely start your vehicle, lock or unlock the doors, flash your headlights, honk your horn and more, right from your phone.

8. The Modern High-Tech Infotainment System

The Atlas's modern infotainment system is designed for convenience and accessibility. With an 8-inch color display, voice command technology to make calls hands free and AM/FM/HD radio plus a CD player that plays MP3s & WMAs, you'll never be short of entertainment options. Plus with Bluetooth connectivity as well as both USB ports and charging points easily connecting your smartphone or other devices have been made stress-free - not to mention the added bonus of WiFi Hotspot access if multiple people are accessing on one device.

9. Good Crash-Test Ratings

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, or IIHS for short, does a number of different crash tests on vehicles to measure how safe they are. They conduct six main tests for what they call their "Crashworthiness," score. The organization gives the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas a "Good," rating in each of these six different test categories.

10. A Lot of Standard Safety Features

When it comes to safety, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas puts buyers at ease with its impressive crash test ratings and ample standard features. Not only are advanced airbags present including side curtain protection head airbags for front and rear passengers, but there is also an Automatic Post-Collision Braking System as well as Blind Spot Monitoring technology that ensure maximum driver security. Plus, state of the art Electronic Stability Control (ESC) &Anti Lock Brake Systems (ABS) come equipped on all models of the VW Atlas - making this vehicle unmistakably safe for every buyer's needs.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas – The Cons

1. The Fuel Economy Could Be Better

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas sets the bar for mid-size SUV capability, but its fuel economy could be improved. Depending on which engine and trim you select, drivers can expect up to 22 miles per gallon or a combined 18 MPG rating with their V6 model - still respectable figures in this competitive market segment.

2. Sluggish Acceleration from the Base Engine

Drivers looking for a powerful and responsive ride won't be impressed with the base engine's acceleration. Even though it offers adequate horsepower, its sluggish pick up can make getting from point A to point B frustratingly slow - so consider upgrading to one of the V6 trims if you're after quicker response times on your journeying needs.

3. A Plain and Basic Interior

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offers an interior full of features and amenities for comfort, but its design may leave something to be desired with plain colors and materials that are less than luxurious. While the fit is good, it lacks a certain aesthetic charm - perfect if you're looking for function over form.

How It Stacks up To the Competition:

2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

If you're looking for a vehicle to fit up to eight people without breaking the bank, then it's worth considering both Volkswagen Atlas and Chevrolet Tahoe in 2021. While the Tahoe may slightly edge out ahead with more horsepower and speed performance, you'll be paying significantly higher - unless of course extra seating is essential! The Atlas on the other hand offers generous standard features & safety equipment coupled with lower price tag. All-in-all making it an appealing option that unlocks great value while still delivering plenty of cargo space.

2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot has a legendary record for quality that makes it an impressive mid-sized SUV. With its V6 engine, the 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque rival Volkswagen's Atlas model which produces 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Where they really differ is in interior refinement; while Honda edges out VW on decoration, the Atlas offers more cabin space as well as improved cargo capacity - not to mention their lower price point means bigger savings.

2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2021 Toyota Sequoia

The first thing to note when comparing the Volkswagen Atlas to the 2021 Toyota Sequoia is the difference in cost. The Toyota has a significantly higher starting price and it only gets higher as you add on options or move up through the trim levels. Once again, both vehicles offer a similar amount of standard features. They both have nice infotainment systems and a lot of safety features too. The Toyota offers more power and a better interior. The Volkswagen offers a bigger interior and more practicality with a larger cargo area. The price difference yet again makes the Atlas the smarter purchase here.

Final Thoughts

Looking for a reliable and well-rounded mid-sized crossover SUV? The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas delivers on all fronts. It is equipped with an impressive array of comfort, convenience, technology, and safety features that offer great value - so you can feel secure at the wheel. Plus, its roomy cargo capacity makes it ideal for everyday family errands or light off-roading excursions; it even has enough power to tow small trailers! If practicality without compromising efficiency matters to you, get behind the wheel of this economical car today.