The 2021 VW Atlas is a competent family hauler that assimilates into the daily routine without fuss.
Pros Plenty of space Good warranty Good tech Relative value among competitors Solid powertrains
Cons A little boring Base touchscreen is on the small side Not fuel-efficient Cross Sport gets lost
VW refreshes the 2021 Atlas by adding updated front and rear ends that increase its overall length by almost three inches. Its face is graced by a more attractive three-bar grille and revised headlights, which now feature standard LED elements that continue out back. Models with the R-Line option also get new looks courtesy of its special badging, body kit, and 20- or 21-inch rims. Inside, there's a new steering wheel, updated stitching on the seats, an 8.0-inch touchscreen on most models, and the latest iteration of the company's Car-Net smartphone app. The four-cylinder Atlas is now available with all-wheel drive for the first time.
Pros No shortage of cargo or passenger space, reassuring driving manners, hard-to-beat value.
Cons Uninspired interior aesthetic, less fuel efficient than advertised, rides rough on broken surfaces.
The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas comes with front wheel drive, and all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed shiftable automatic.Restyled front and rear bodywork.Upgraded interior appointments.
Pros Spacious interior offers ample room for passengers in all three rows Great compromise between precise handling and everyday comfort Straightforward, easy-to-use cabin design
Cons Lackluster acceleration, even with the optional V6 Fuel economy lags that of most competitors
Pros Plenty of cargo space Upscale interior design and materials Distinctive styling and paint color choices add personality
Cons Front seats aren't very comfortable for long drives Less than athletic handling
For the Seltos's sophomore year, it gains a host of driver-assistance features as standard, including automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlamps. The larger 10.3-inch infotainment screen is now standard on more of the Seltos's trim levels, and all but the LX trim now come with automatic climate control and remote start; the top-spec SX receives a flat-bottomed steering wheel and a new Plum interior color scheme. The Nightfall Edition is new to the lineup this year and features unique black-painted 18-inch aluminum wheels and blacked-out exterior trim.
Pros Roomier cabin than other subcompact SUVs, slick infotainment features, engaging driving dynamics.
Cons Stiff-legged ride over bumpy surfaces, optional seven-speed automatic occasionally stumbles, base powertrain could use some refinement.
It is a finalist for our 2022 Best Subcompact SUV for the Money award. Currently the Kia Seltos has a score of 8.2 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 25 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Huge cargo hold Spacious seats Straightforward infotainment controls Great gas mileage
Cons Meager base engine Less agile than rivals
