For the latest Volkswagen Atlas pricing and information:
https://www.kbb.com/volkswagen/atlas/

The three-row midsize Volkswagen Atlas got a smidge of a midcycle refresh, so we’re going to go around the world on what’s new. See what I did there?

There are two significant updates to check out. The first is to the revised front and rear styling.
While that’s significant it isn’t in the looks department. The Atlas still looks pretty much the same. It is different however in size. The enhanced sculpted bumper on the front adds three inches to the length of what was already a long vehicle. It also now uses the same 3-bar grille that extends into the headlights that we find on the new Atlas Cross Sport.
While we like the look and certainly approve that the extra length helps with pedestrian impact mitigation, you’re going to have more trouble finding street parking.

The second change is to the 4-cylinder engine which you can now get on top trim levels and with optional AWD if you want.
In standard form, the Atlas seats seven. But you can get it with optional captain’s chairs in the second row, and now you can only bring five extra friends with you.

Regardless of configuration, all occupants are treated to plenty of space inside the Atlas.
On the safety front, a forward-collision warning system, along with automatic emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor, and a rear cross-traffic alert, now come standard on all models.

Two engine options are available. I’m driving an Atlas with the 276 horsepower 3.6-liter V6 and it feels quite effortless in moving around this 4,000-pound car. A 4-cylinder that makes 235 horsepower is also available and that’s highly capable, too, thanks in part to its excellent low-end torque that peaks at just 1,600 rpm.

The ride quality ranks high on the comfortable index and thankfully low on the floaty one. If I’ve got a nitpick, for me, it’s with the steering. Not that it’s not good, it’s very precise and certainly works, but I just don’t like how overly assisted it feels especially at low speeds.

Shifting on the 8-speed automatic feels smooth and it does well enough picking the right gear at the appropriate time.
The 4Motion AWD models get Snow and Off-road modes and while you shouldn’t mistake those for making the Atlas an off-roader they get the job done on dirt roads, mud, and snow. It’s also got a respectable eight-inch ground clearance.
Interior controls are where you’d expect them to be.

The quality of materials is good, though there’s more of hard plastic in here than you’d expect on the highest SEL trim, it looks appropriately European enough.

Gas mileage numbers on the 4-cylinder don’t shame the large Atlas (FWD 4-cylinder 21 city/24 hwy. AWD 4-cylinder 20 city/24 hwy.) The V6 doesn’t fair quite as well, but that’s to be expected since it’s more powerful and thirstier. (FWD V6 17 city/23 hwy. AWD V6 16 city/22 hwy).

If you’re looking for other midsize three-row SUVs you’ve got an embarrassment of riches to choose from.
The Ford Explorer Honda Pilot Toyota Highlander Hyundai Palisade the Kelley Blue Book Best New Model for 2020 Kia Telluride and don’t forget about the Chevy Traverse and Subaru Ascent.

There are 8 trim levels on the Atlas. The base S level gets the 4-cylinder engine, cruise control, and a good safety suite including automatic emergency braking.
Top Atlas trims include the SEL Premium and the SEL Premium R-Line.
Those get leather sport seats, panoramic sunroof, the VW digital cockpit, and a 360-degree overhead camera view. The SEL Premium R-Line adds 21-inch alloy wheels and unique bumpers and sporty body trim.

4Motion all-wheel drive adds $1,900 to the price of a base 2021 VW Atlas.
One more new option on the VW Atlas is a V6 Towing Package. Equipped with said package, the VW Atlas can now tow up to 5,000s.
Pricing on the Atlas starts with the base S at $32,565.

The mid SE trim starts at around $36,000 and the highest SEL trim starts at just under $48,000 and goes up from there. All those prices include a $1,020 destination charge. Add 4Motion AWD to any of those and you’re looking at another $1,900.

Smart ergonomics with plenty of interior space, a good standard safety suite, a solid overall driving experience and now three inches longer, if you’re browsing in the ever-growing midsize 3-row SUV category, then the VW Atlas might just be the right world on wheels for you.