2021 VW Atlas Refreshed With Bolder Design Cues And More Technology

Update: We’ve included live photos from VW’s stand at the 2020 Chicago Auto Show

Hot on the heels of the new Atlas Cross Sport, 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.

Also Read: 2020 VW Atlas Cross Sport Starts From $30,545, Saves You $1,000 Over 3-Row Atlas

Familiar changes inside

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.

Base 2.0-liter TSI now available with AWD

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 266 lb-ft (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.