2021 Volkswagen Atlas Price: Styling Updates, Tech Upgrades Will Cost You Nothing

Volkswagen’s 2020 Atlas SUV is our reigning Family Vehicle of the Year — and the 2018 model is a previous Best Of overall winner — and it’s back for the 2021 model year with updates and a palatable price. VW refined the exterior styling slightly, added a bit more technology and interior refinement inside, and made the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine available across all trim levels. Despite the updates, the 2021 Atlas S still starts at $32,565 for a front-wheel-drive four-cylinder model, the same as a 2020. The range-topping SEL Premium R-Line will cost $51,715 (all prices include destination).

Related: 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Video: Less Boxy Styling for the Next Round

All 2021 Atlas models come standard with forward collision warning with automatic braking and pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, as well as VW’s Car-Net mobile app connectivity and a built-in Wi-Fi hot spot (though the latter will require a data plan subscription). Power comes from either the turbo four-cylinder or a 3.6-liter V-6, both paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the Atlas can be had in either front- or all-wheel-drive flavors. Upgrading the S to AWD increases the price by $1,900. Standard S model features include 18-inch wheels, LED headlights and a 6.5-inch touchscreen display.

SE model features include an 8-inch touchscreen display, faux leather upholstery, a 10-way power driver’s seat and heated front seats. SE models are also available with a Technology Package that adds adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, a hands-free liftgate and 20-inch wheels — as well as an additional $2,000 to the price. SE models with the Technology Package are also available with the V-6 engine, which adds another $1,400 to the price. For an additional $1,400 on top of that, V-6-equipped models can upgrade to the R-Line appearance package, which adds dark-graphite twin five-spoke 20-inch wheels, black accented bumpers, R-Line badging and stainless-steel pedal caps.

SEL models build upon the content in the SE with the Technology Package, adding things like adaptive LED headlights, more driver assistance features including lane keep assist, an eight-way power passenger seat, driver’s seat memory seating and a panoramic moonroof. SEL models powered by the V-6 can add the R-Line package for an extra $1,700, adding the same bumpers, badging and pedal covers but 21-inch wheels. SEL models can also add a Premium Package that includes standard AWD, 20-inch wheels, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and a Fender premium stereo; the Premium Package will cost an additional $4,800. For those who want it all, SEL Premium models with the V-6 engine can add the R-Line appearance package, too.

Standalone options for the Atlas include second-row captain’s chairs for $695, available on SE models with the Technology Package and higher trims; a $1,200 panoramic moonroof for SE models with the Technology Package and SE models with both the Technology and R-Line packages; and a $550 towing package adding a factory trailer hitch and upgraded alternator, available on V-6 SE models with the Technology Package and V-6 SE models with both the Technology and R-Line packages. The moonroof and towing package are standard on higher trims (the towing package only on V-6 models).

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Here’s a full breakdown of the 2021 Atlas’ pricing, all prices including the $1,020 destination fee:

• S with FWD, four-cylinder: $32,565
• S with AWD, four-cylinder: $34,465
• SE with FWD, four-cylinder: $35,915
• SE with AWD, four-cylinder: $37,815
• SE with Technology, FWD, four-cylinder: $37,915
• SE with Technology, AWD, four-cylinder: $39,815
• SE with Technology, FWD, V-6: $39,315
• SE with Technology, AWD, V-6: $41,215
• SE with Technology, R-Line, FWD, V-6: $40,715
• SE with Technology, R-Line, AWD, V-6: $42,615
• SEL, AWD, four-cylinder: $43,415
• SEL, FWD, V-6: $43,315
• SEL, AWD, V-6: $45,215
• SEL R-Line, FWD, V-6: $45,015
• SEL R-Line, AWD, V-6: $46,915
• SEL Premium, AWD, four-cylinder: $48,215
• SEL Premium, AWD, V-6: $50,015
• SEL Premium R-Line, AWD, V-6: $51,715

The Atlas is competitively priced to start, coming in below the 2020 Hyundai Palisade ($32,895) and 2020 Kia Telluride ($33,060), two models that beat the 2020 Atlas in our recent comparison of three-row SUVs. The 2021 Atlas goes on sale in the spring.

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