Spacious three-row family SUV Volkswagen Atlas has received a major do-over recently. Many new highly awaited features have been added to the family SUV in addition to other design-related changes.
The car has been incorporated with a bolder and updated front fascia. The cargo and seating space has received three extra inches so it is not more spacious than ever. Compared to the previous model, the new Volkswagen Atlas provides a huge variety of features at a very attractive price range.
Before opting to buy, go through the full review of the Volkswagen Atlas to make an informed decision.
Top-class safety and security
The most predominant feature of the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas SUV is safety and reliability offered by it. In fact, all of the cars manufactured by Volkswagen are known for the great safety and security that they offer.
The new Volkswagen Atlas SUV has received five stars in the crash test conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It scored 70 out of 100 for quality and reliability which is impressive.
All four corners of the SUV have disc brakes furnished with ABS and Brake Assist. The rakes are light and easy to operate and provide enough power even when used under wet conditions.
In addition to the standard airbags, the new Volkswagen SUV offers front and side throat airbags for the driver and front passengers. It offers side curtain airbags for the front as well as rear passengers. It is equipped with the latest LED lights that provide adequate illumination.
Other noticing safety features integrated in the new SUV are:
- Forward collision warning
- Adaptive Cruise control system
- Low-speed traffic assistance
- Parking camera system with surround view 360 degree
- Lane keep assistance
- Pedestrian detection
- Blind spot monitoring system
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Hands free parallel parking assistance
- Traction control
Engine performance and convenience
When it comes to power output, the new Volkswagen SUV provides a lower one when compared to others. Even if you’re considering buying the SUV, you should opt for the bigger v6. It provides huge amounts of torque at lower RPMs. It is naturally aspirated and hence provides a smoother acceleration.
The engine of the new Volkswagen SUV is naturally aspirated 3.6L v6 and it produces 276 hp at 6200 rpm and 266 lb-ft at 3500 RPM. The engine is essentially a VR6 because it makes use of a single cylinder head and the angle between the cylinders is narrower when compared to traditional V6 engines.
The 2021 Volkswagen SUV provides highly commendable suspension and absorbs most of the potholes without you even feeling them. It ensures a smooth and safe ride even when the drive encounters a few rough patches on the road.
For an SUV, the Atlas provides a pretty decent handling. It has a light steering and hence it becomes easy while parking and moving in slow traffic. However, some people might feel the steering a bit too light when it comes to high speed.
The engines are very refined and smooth and hence the vibrations produced by the SUV are almost next to nothing. The cabin is perfectly integrated with suitable insulations and hence, even at high RPMs, there are no vibrations or noise.
Practical interior
The new Volkswagen Atlas does not offer a high-end fashionable interior but has a practically designed cabin. It might look very off to some people but it is designed smartly with a good amount of storage area and essential stuff placed over properly. The driving seat is bolstered enough and is soft and comfortable.
It offers memory for up to four drivers and is also power-assisted. It offers a good and comfortable thigh and lumbar support which proves beneficial in long journeys. It is also properly ventilated with heating and cooling.
The dashboard comprises an infotainment system of 6.5 or 7 inches. The AC vents are situated on either side of the screen of the infotainment system. The dashboard is free of any unwanted clutter and has a smart and neat design. The climate controls are placed below the screen of the infotainment system.
The new Volkswagen SUV can easily and comfortably accommodate up to seven people. The car offers three rows of seats. The 2nd row can be moved forward or backward depending upon the need. It offers reclining too. The second row also has 2 USBs and a 115V power outlet, unlike the third row. Different AC Vents are installed solely for the second and the third row.
Overall, the SUV is 200.7 inches long, 78.3 inches wide, 70.1 inches tall, and has a wheelbase of 117.3 inches. It is very spacious with enough headroom for passengers in all the three rows. It offers a cargo space of a maximum of 96.8 cu ft (when both 2nd and 3rd rows are down), 55.5 cu ft (when the 3rd row is down), and 20.6 cu ft (when the 3rd row is up).
To sum it all up, the 2021 Volkswagen SUV is a highly recommended option for families looking for a simple and practical family car. It might not be highly fashionable or extremely sporty but offers a good load of useful and practical features with a decent performance. It was also awarded ‘Family Car of the Year’ by Cars.com and is also the winner of PARENTS Best Family Cars 2021.
