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2021 Volkswagen

Atlas

Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.6 L

Volkswagen Atlas: best and worst years
2021 Volkswagen Atlas (photo 1 of 2)
2021 photoAlexander MiglCC BY-SA 4.0Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Transmission
Automatic (S8)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Powertrain
GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel
RegularEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Engine & performance

HP
276
Power to weight
0.062 hp/lb
Axle ratio
3.53
Cyl
6EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Aspiration
Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Start-stop system
YesEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
23 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG City
17 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG Comb
19 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel $/yr
$3,300EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
CO₂
461 g/miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Eco Score
3/10EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Smog score
5/10
Elec. Range
0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Real-world MPG
21 mpg, reported by 1 driverabout 2 mpg above the EPA combined estimate
SmartWay certified
No

Dimensions & capacity

Length
196 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Width
78 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Height
68 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Wheelbase
117 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Curb Weight
4,442 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

⚠ This model year has a recall advising owners to park outside or away from structures (fire risk). Check with the manufacturer.

Overall crash rating
★★★★★
Rollover rating
★★★★
Stability control (ESC)
Standard
Forward-collision warning
No
Lane-departure warning
Optional
Recalls
17
Owner complaints
433
Reported injuries
11

Feature availability

Which features come standard, cost extra, or are locked to a pricier trim arrives with the next data phase. Standard equipment shows here today.

Standard

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM20%
  • SERVICE BRAKES13%
  • ENGINE11%
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER10%
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE10%
  • AIR BAGS9%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 696 total.

Volkswagen Atlas: best and worst years

Federal investigations NHTSA defect investigations, model year

  • PE23017opened Sep 28, 2023FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

    Inadvertent Automatic Emergency Braking

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
4 yr / 50k mi
Powertrain
4 yr / 50k mi
Roadside assistance
3 yr / 36k mi
Maintenance
2 yr / 20k mi
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.