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2021 Volkswagen

Atlas 4motion

Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.6 L

Volkswagen Atlas 4motion: best and worst years

Overview

Body
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Drivetrain
All-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
22 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG City
16 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG Comb
18 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel $/yr
$3,450EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
CO₂
485 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
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.

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 4motion: 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.