Temperatures were getting cold and the forecast was for nearly a foot of snow. In our luggage testing, the Atlas impressed us by fitting four carry-on suitcases behind the third row and 38 behind the first, same as the enormous Honda Pilot.The timing of the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas SE R-Line’s arrival was just about picture perfect. The cabin should accommodate just about anything a suburban family can throw at it, and there are plenty of thoughtfully placed storage nooks to stash small items. The interior design of the Atlas is uncomplicated and utilitarian-perfect for families but less so for style mavens. Plus, a third row of seats that can comfortably accommodate full-size adults is a definite win. Interior, Comfort, and Cargoįamily-friendly interior space, a straightforward control layout, and an overabundance of cupholders make the Atlas a practical choice, even among other highly practical rivals. The V-6 Atlas returned 24 mpg, and the four-cylinder model delivered 27 mpg. Both the V-6 and the four-cylinder models bested their EPA ratings on our 200-mile real-world test route. The thirstier V-6 model is rated at 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway with front-wheel drive and 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway with all-wheel drive. The four-cylinder model is the most efficient with the front-wheel drive variant scoring ratings of 21 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. The Atlas's fuel-economy ratings aren't groundbreaking for this class of big-box family haulers, but its real-world performance isn't far off from the segment's fuel sippers. Our VW Atlas Has Us Divided at 30K Miles.2021 VW Atlas Gets a New Look and New Features.2021 Atlas SUV Dons a Much Prettier Face.The ride is smooth, and all but the harshest potholes are absorbed. It is composed on the highway and nimble in the city. While it's not as much fun to drive as the Mazda CX-9, the Atlas responds obediently to steering inputs and never feels clumsy. Though the last four-cylinder and V-6 models we tested had ordinary acceleration, out on the road, they rarely felt underpowered. The V-6 feels and sounds refined, transmitting nary a shiver into the cabin. Both pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive. The Atlas comes with one of two engines-a 235-hp four-cylinder or a 276-hp V-6. To that we'd add the second-row captain's chairs and the tow hitch that unlocks the Atlas's maximum towing capacity of 5000 pounds. Our example includes a wide range of contemporary features that include an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, adaptive cruise control, three-zone climate control, and remote start. Those who want 4Motion all-wheel drive can add it for $1900. Still, we'd recommend the V-6-powered SE with the Technology package. The 2021 Atlas costs slightly more than last year's model. The four-cylinder Atlas is now available with all-wheel drive for the first time. Inside, you'll find a new steering wheel, updated stitching on the seats, an 8.0-inch touchscreen (on SE and SEL models), and the latest iteration of VW's Car-Net smartphone app. Models with the R-Line option come with special badging, a body kit, and 20- or 21-inch rims. A more attractive three-bar grille graces the front end, as do revised headlights that now feature standard LED elements. VW refreshes the 2021 Atlas with new front and rear fascias that increase the SUV's overall length by almost three inches. And the 2021 boasts an array of standard driver assists and confident handling traits, but don't expect the Atlas to be as exciting or sophisticated as this segment's best. A pair of steady albeit staid engines provide motivation with either the front- or all-wheel-drive SUV. VW apparently wanted the Atlas to look and feel like a hospital room, but it offset that sterile aesthetic with loads of desirable features. It's also one of the biggest mid-size crossovers, with a giant footprint that gives way to three spacious rows of seating. The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas has the boxy appearance, cavernous interior, and vast practicality that have defined SUVs for decades.
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