2021 Volkswagen Atlas

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

Volkswagen Atlas
Pictured: 2024 Volkswagen Atlas IMG 2146. Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV 4motion 2.0l, 4dr SUV 4motion 3.6l, Sport Cross 4dr SUV 4motion 2.0l, Sport Cross 4dr SUV 4motion 3.6l
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl
Horsepower
276 hp
Transmission
8-speed automatic
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Seats
7
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
22 combined · 21 city / 24 hwy
Length
195.7–200.8 in
Curb weight
4,442–4,594 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
17 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Seats up to 73 rows of seating.
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.

Watch out for

  • Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 22 MPG combined, 17% below the 2021 small SUV average of 26.4 MPG.
  • Many owner complaints647 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 205 for similar models — most often about the electrical system.
  • "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 20 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.6L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 201 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 117-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,442 lb (4dr SUV 4motion 2.0l).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (21 city / 24 highway), 17% worse than the 2021 small SUV average of 26.4 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 17 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 647 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2021

  • New body dimensions: 2.4 in longer — most likely a redesign or new generation

Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Atlas →

Trims, performance & features

Engine276 hp3.6L 6-cyl
Transmission8-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD · FWD
Seating7 seats · 3 rows

Trims

4Motion SE w/ Tech w/ Sunroof Pkg.4Motion SE w/ Tech4Motion SEL Premium4Motion SE w/ Tech R-Line w/ Sunroof Pkg.SE w/ Tech

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Blind-spot interventionOptional
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Lane centeringStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Parking assistStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

Built in: Chattanooga, Tennessee

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 Atlas configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV 4motion 2.0l200.8 in78 in68.9 in117.3 in67.7 / 67.7 in4,442 lb56/44
4dr SUV 4motion 3.6l200.8 in78 in68.9 in117.3 in67.7 / 67.7 in4,594 lb57/43
Sport Cross 4dr SUV 4motion 2.0l195.7 in78.3 in67.7 in117.3 in67.3 / 67.7 in4,442 lb57/43
Sport Cross 4dr SUV 4motion 3.6l195.7 in78.3 in67.7 in117.3 in67.3 / 67.7 in4,594 lb57/43

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Atlas2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)Front-Wheel Drive21 / 24 / 22-17%$3,050400
Atlas 4motion2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive20 / 24 / 22-8%$3,050412
Atlas Cross Sport 4motion2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive20 / 24 / 22-8%$3,050413
Atlas Cross Sport2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)Front-Wheel Drive21 / 24 / 22-17%$3,050401
Atlas Cross Sport3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S8)Front-Wheel Drive18 / 23 / 20-24%$3,350453
Atlas3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S8)Front-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19-28%$3,550461
Atlas Cross Sport 4motion3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19-21%$3,550464
Atlas 4motion3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18-4%$3,700485
4/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
4/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $3,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
26.4 MPG2021 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2021 Volkswagen Atlas SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★15.9%
2021 Volkswagen Atlas SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★13.6%
StandardElectronic stability control
Not availableForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2021 Volkswagen Atlas SUV AWD
Frontal crash test — 2021 Volkswagen Atlas SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2021 Volkswagen Atlas SUV AWD
Side crash test — 2021 Volkswagen Atlas SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2021 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2021 Volkswagen Atlas (this car)22 MPG★★★★★17
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime38 MPGNot rated4
2021 Ford Explorer27 MPG★★★★★27
2021 Toyota Highlander36 MPG★★★★★5
2021 Kia Telluride23 MPG★★★★★5
2021 GMC Yukon23 MPG★★★★★14
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe24 MPG★★★★★16

Recalls (17)

Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · Jun 20, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V464000 · 271,330 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Atlas and 2020-2024 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may experience a fault in the wiring and deactivate the front passenger air bag when the seat is occupied.
Risk
A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 30, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on October 18, 2024, December 10, 2024, December 20, 2024, and January 17, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69PZ.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · Mar 29, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V215000 · 143,053 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Atlas and 2020 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may experience a fault in the wiring and deactivate the front passenger air bag when the seat is occupied.
Risk
A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 22, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69FB.
Tires › Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems · Oct 31, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V815000 · 296,044 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021 Atlas FL vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system may not detect an air pressure loss in adequate time when deflating occurs among all four tires simultaneously. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Risk
An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi’s customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.
Equipment › Electrical › Infotainment › Software · Jul 20, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V514000 · 43,091 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Golf GTI, Jetta GLI, Jetta NF, Arteon FL, Tiguan LWB, 2022 Taos, Jetta PA, Tiguan PA, 2021-2022 Atlas Cross Sport, and Atlas FL vehicles. The manufacturing process of the eMMC memory module in the infotainment system may cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DV.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Injectors · Apr 13, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V245000 · 1,382 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Atlas FL and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The long fuel injectors may have been assembled without filters.
Risk
Long fuel injectors with missing filters may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix
Dealers will replace the long fuel injectors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 20, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24iD.
Air Bags › Side/Window · Mar 28, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V152000 · 222,892 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Atlas, 2020-2023 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021-2023 Atlas FL vehicles. The door wiring harness electrical contacts may corrode, disrupting the electrical connection and delaying the deployment of the driver or passenger front side air bag during a side impact crash.
Risk
A delayed air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will secure and, as necessary, replace any the front door wiring harnesses showing a fault code, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97GF.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Feb 16, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V086000 · 3,648 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Atlas and 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles equipped with accessory side steps. The reduced Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) label, reflecting the additional weight of the side steps, was not installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk
Without the reduced GVWR label, the vehicle could be overloaded, leading to a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will install the reduced GVWR label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 09D9.
Air Bags › Air Bag/Restraint Control Module · Nov 17, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V892000 · 54,429 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas and 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The air conditioning system drain tube could be blocked, causing water to leak inside the vehicle near the air bag control module.
Risk
A water leak may damage the air bag control module, causing an inadvertent air bag deployment and increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
Fix
Dealers will repair the drain tube and replace the air bag control module, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 87H4.
Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing · Oct 15, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V812000 · 30 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, and Passat vehicles. The front wheel bearing bolts may have been incorrectly tightened.
Risk
The bolts may loosen and cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect the tightness of the wheel bearing bolts and replace the bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40R7.
Electrical System › Wiring › Relays/Solenoids · Aug 6, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V616000 · 33 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. Damaged relays may have been installed in the engine compartment fuse box, which could inadvertently activate the horn or engine starter.
Risk
A horn or starter that remains activated for an extended period of time can overheat, increasing the risk of fire.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and as necessary, replace the relays, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97FR.
Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs · Mar 3, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V132000 · 128 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The lug bolt holes on the wheels may have been machined incorrectly, preventing the wheel bolt from sufficiently attaching to the wheel bearing hub.
Risk
An insufficiently attached wheel may separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four wheels, and as necessary, replace the wheels, lug bolts ,and wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began March 4, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 44Q9.
Steering · Jan 27, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V026000 · 10,303 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas and 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The front steering knuckle may fracture in the area of the strut mounting.
Risk
A fractured steering knuckle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace one or both steering knuckles, free of charge. The recall began February 16, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40Q7.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Nov 18, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V716000 · 32,048 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas Cross Sport, Tiguan LWB, Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas FL and Arteon vehicles. The rear view camera could malfunction during an ignition cycle, leading to a black screen or infotainment system freeze. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
A black or frozen rear view image reduces the driver's visibility when reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the infotainment system software, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91BB/91BC.
Steering · Nov 17, 2020 Do not drive

NHTSA campaign 20V712000 · 776 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas and 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. One or both steering knuckles may have been damaged during production.
Risk
A damaged steering knuckle can fail, causing a loss of steering, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the steering knuckle, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40Q6. Note: Owners are advised to DO NOT DRIVE the vehicle until the vehicle has been inspected and repaired if necessary.
Tires › Sidewall · Nov 13, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V702000 · 760 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport and 2021 Atlas vehicles equipped with Continental Cross Contact LX Sport tires, size 255/50 R 20 105 T. The tires may have been over cured.
Risk
Over cured tires can result in a sidewall break causing a sudden loss of air pressure or the tread separating from the tire. Both conditions increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect DOT date code and mold number on the vehicle's tires to see if they are affected, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 30, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 44Q5.
Seats · Aug 26, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V505000 · 5,376 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen ) is recalling certain 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, Jetta, Jetta GLI and Tiguan and Audi Q5 and SQ5 and 2021 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. Parts of the front seat frame and backrest adjuster may not have been welded properly.
Risk
In the event of a rear-end crash, the backrest adjustment could break, possibly reducing the amount of occupant restraint, thus increasing risk of injury.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seats, and, as necessary, replace the seatback frames, free of charge. The recall began September 11, 2020. Volkswagen owners may contact their customer service at 1-888-241-2289. Audi owners may contact their customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 72L1, 72K8, and 72K9.
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · Aug 26, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V504000 · 11 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020 Atlas Cross Sports and 2021 Atlas vehicles. The driver's side headlight may have been aimed too low during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk
A headlight aimed incorrectly aimed reduces the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will adjust the driver's side headlight, free of charge. The recall began September 9, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 94N7.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2021 Volkswagen Atlas is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

647Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
18Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
19Injuries reported
15,150 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System200
Service Brakes129
Engine119
Air Bags103
Unknown Or Other102
Exterior Lighting88
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking77
Fuel/Propulsion System57
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/11: 1124/12: 925/01: 425/02: 825/03: 1625/04: 1825/05: 325/06: 625/07: 1625/08: 825/09: 825/10: 625/11: 525/12: 726/01: 1226/02: 526/03: 926/04: 926/05: 2526/06: 1326/07: 1426/08: 1526/09: 1326/10: 724/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 25

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2021 Volkswagen Atlas buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 17 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Electrical System — 200 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Service Brakes — 129 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  5. Engine — 119 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 15,150 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Atlas years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Atlas25–Not rated00
2026 Atlas23200.8 inNot rated212
2025 Atlas23200.8 in★★★★★576
2024 Atlas23200.8 in★★★★★8277
2023 Atlas23200.8 in★★★★★6160
2022 Atlas23200.8 in★★★★★7263
2020 Atlas22198.4 in★★★★★11135
2019 Atlas22198.4 in★★★★★12484
2018 Atlas24198.4 in★★★★★17466

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →