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 Roomy interior with comfortable seating Lots of cargo space Easy to get in and out Quiet at highway speeds
Cons Inconsistent power delivery due to CVT automatic Disappointing real-world fuel economy Adaptive steering feels overly light and artificial
Pros Large cargo area Sumptuous and spacious cabin Low base price
Cons Crude transmission operation Distracting infotainment system
The 2022 QX50 adds more standard features and updated visual options. Every model now comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Infiniti's suite of driver assists. The latter includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Along with a newly available appearance package, select trim levels receive interior enhancements.
Pros Handsome on the outside and the inside, lots of room for people and cargo, very comfy front seats.
Cons Innovative engine has ordinary traits, transmission contributes to noisiness, unintuitive infotainment layout.
