> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.roadblazing.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # 2021 Volkswagen Atlas V6 SEL - Re-Driven, Front Wheels Only - URL: https://www.roadblazing.com/2021-volkswagen-atlas-v6-sel-re-driven-front-wheels-only/ - Published: 2020-10-12T17:25:00.000Z - Updated: 2024-05-07T03:16:11.000Z - Author: George Straton - Tags: Sport Utility Vehicles ### *WHEN THE LOVE FOR LIL' BUG WENT BUST:* Americans learned to love their Volkswagens sized Mammoth. ### REASON FOR RE-DRIVE: Enter the **2021 Volkswagen Atlas.** A 3-Row full size American made for American tastes crossover sport utility vehicle more assertive cues and new emblem to ensure it remains a close number two on VW's U.S. charts \[after [Tiguan](https://www.roadblazing.com/2019-volkswagen-tiguan-sel-r-line-re-driven-review-with-3rd-row/)\]. #### #### *Driving Hits:* - Deep lungs & silky sound of single overhead bent VR-6 engine ![2021 Volkswagen Atlas V6 SEL: Unique single head over the narrow angel V6 engine block.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2020/10/RB-2021-VW-Atlas-V6-SEL-engine-VR6-P1890646-bc.jpg) 2021 Volkswagen Atlas V6 SEL: Unique single head over the narrow angel V6 engine block. - 8-speed torque converter automatic transaxle - Useful ground clearance - 465 miles highway range - Observed fuel economy +23% vs. 4Motion all-wheel drive model - Rides rigid MQB platform - Heaping helping of compliance - Eager braking - 20" alloy wheels - Firmly weighted helm - Well insulated against external sounds #### *Driving Misses:* - Touchy throttle - Transaxle releases low gears early on - 21 mpg fuel economy = -13% vs. base 2.0 turbo-4 - Steering dilly dallies to inputs - Motorway lane wander - Body dive on braking - 255/50-20 Goodyear Assurance tires afford quiet at a slight cost to grip - Lacks all-terrain capability with all-season highway rubber #### *What It Has Got:* - *From* **$31,675** (incl. destination) for a front-drive 8-speed tiptronic automatic **2021 Volkswagen Atlas 2.0T S FWD**. The tested **2020 VW Atlas 3.6 SEL FWD** pumps the bottom line up to **$43,315**, but *saving $1900 by foregoing all-wheel drive*. - As mammoth as a crossover SUV gets - 3 Row seating for up to eight occupants - Row 3 access = easy peasy - Row 3 seating = two average sized adults roomy ![2021 Volkswagen Atlas V6 SEL: Split bench 2nd Row slide and fold for peasy Row 3 access](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2020/10/RB-2021-VW-Atlas-V6-SEL-seats-Row-2-3-004c.jpg) 2021 Volkswagen Atlas V6 SEL: Split bench 2nd Row slide and fold for peasy Row 3 access - Decent front seat bolstering - Immense cargo carrying ![2021 Volkswagen Atlas V6: flat folding Row 2 & 3 seat backs & tall aperture = ginormous cargo capacity](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2020/10/RB-2021-VW-Atlas-V6-SEL-cargo-Row-2-3-P1890522-bc.jpg) 2021 Volkswagen Atlas V6: flat folding Row 2 & 3 seat backs & tall aperture = ginormous cargo capacity - 60:40 split 2nd Row, 50:50 split flat folding seat backs - Sub cargo floor storage - Universally comprehensible switchgear with bits of Bauhaus distinction - Above par standard feature set - Heated mirrors, front seats, headlamp washers - Keyless comfort entry, ignition - Cruise control - Power windows full express x 4 - Bluetooth wireless communications and music stream - 6.5"-inch touch LCD infotainment display - 6 speaker audio - Inductive wireless device charging (SE trim and up) - Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink phone projection - Wi-Fi - Good safety features & grades - IIHS Roof, side, driver small frontal overlap, occupant protection ratings = GOOD - Driver assist tech enhanced on lower trims - Forward Collision avoidance w/ pedestrian & cyclist detection braking, blind spot & rear cross traffic warning - Available adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, park distance warning, surround camera, and auto high beams (on higher trims) - 4 year / 50,000 miles bumper to bumper warranty includes 2 years maintenance #### *What It Has Not (or Not Preferred):* - Lack of distinctive cabin finish in $40k vehicle - Corded rather than remote cable 3rd Row seat back release - No cargo bay remote 2nd Row seat back release - Short door pockets - 2nd Row seat heating only on top SEL Premium trim - Low cabin material contrast and excessive hard surfaces - Instrument panel illumination only adjustable via infotainment when parked - Digital Cockpit only on higher trims - Level 2 Driver autonomy only on SEL and SEL Premium trims - Lane departure warning too sensitive and barely nudges to correct - Traffic jam assist renders obsolete alerts - 2 years / 22k miles shorter warranty from 2019 MY #### *NEW for 2021 Volkswagen Atlas:* - Mid-cycle refresh coincides with introduction of 2-Row [VW Atlas Cross Sport](https://www.roadblazing.com/2020-volkswagen-atlas-cross-sport-2-0t-4motion-bottom-line-review/) ![2021 Volkswagen Atlas V6 SEL: the biggest and brawniest of VW SUVs gains more assertive nose and new VW emblem for a mid-cycle refresh.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2020/10/RB-2021-VW-Atlas-V6-SEL-ext-fr-P1890357-abc.jpg) 2021 Volkswagen Atlas V6 SEL: the biggest and brawniest of VW SUVs gains more assertive nose and new VW emblem for a mid-cycle refresh. - Exterior updates include: - More prominent "U" front bumper cover cradles new 3 chrome bar w/ dark chain-link grille the latter neatly tying bezeling for new twin segmented LED headlamp housings. Large piano black lower front corner duct bezels are split by a lower air dam intake under and outer scored in body color. - New split letter "VW" front and aft badge #### *Standout Cool Features on tested 2021 Atlas SEL FWD*: - Digital Cockpit configurable LCD instrument cluster w/ navigation map - Road sign display ![2021 Volkswagen Atlas V6 SEL: landscape orientation of native Navigation map in 10.2" Digital Cockpit driver's cluster and Android Auto's Pandora music app in the 8.0" touch infotainment display](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2020/10/RB-2021-VW-Atlas-V6-SEL-cockpit-nav-Android-Pandora-P1890618-bc.jpg) 2021 Volkswagen Atlas V6 SEL: landscape orientation of native Navigation map in 10.2" Digital Cockpit driver's cluster and Android Auto's Pandora music app in the 8.0" touch infotainment display - 8.0" Discover LCD HDD navigation infotainment display w/ proximity gesture settings menu - Panorama tilt and slide power moonroof - Proximity release power liftgate - 3-zone, including 2nd Row climate control - 115 VAC x 1 power outlet - Row 2 - 10-way + 3 position / 8-way power adjust driver's / front passenger seats - 2nd Row door sunshades - Heated steering - Rain sensing windshield wipers #### *ROADBLAZING.COM's SUMMATION:* **2021 Volkswagen Atlas V6 SEL front-drive** \= People's Car maker finally figured out what sunbelt Yanks want in their large sized family vehicle, gulping far fewer gallons without all-wheel drive. [2018 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium 3.6 4Motion – Bottom Line Review | RoadBlazing2018 Volkswagen Atlas: VW’s new “Better Late Than Never” full size 3 row crossover utility vehicle vaults to the head of the class![](https://www.roadblazing.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/rb-wheel500.png)RoadBlazingGeorge Straton![](https://www.roadblazing.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/RB_2018_Volkswagen_Atlas_SEL_3.6_4Motion_Premium_ext_fr_P1240181_abb.jpg)](https://www.roadblazing.com/2018-volkswagen-atlas-sel-premium-3-6-4motion-bottom-line-review/)