2020/2021 Volkswagen Atlas Comparison
| Vehicle Name | 2020 VW Atlas | 2021 VW Atlas |
| Base MSRP | $31,545 | $31,545 |
| Horsepower | 235 hp | 235 hp |
| City Est. MPG | 20 | 21 |
| Highway Est. MPG | 24 | 24 |
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Overview of the VW Atlas SUV
Looking to see what is new with the 2021 VW Atlas, and what the differences are between the 2020 VW Atlas and the 2021 VW Atlas are? A spacious SUV, both the 2020 and 2021 models of the Volkswagen Atlas deliver plenty of exciting features to enjoy. Relatively minor changes were made between the two model years, but the 2021 Atlas does feature some enhancements that are welcome changes to the 2020 edition. One noteworthy change is that the 2021 Atlas with the four-cylinder engine equipped can be purchased with AWD, which was unavailable on the 2020 model. Slightly better fuel economy is also found in the 2021 version of the SUV with the same engine.
Engine Differences
The engine choices for both the 2020 and the 2021 models are identical, providing impressive performance in the SUV market. Standard is the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower ready to enjoy. In the 2020 Atlas, this engine provides an EPA-estimated 20 MPG city/24 MPG highway fuel economy while the 2021 version increases the city MPG to 21. The 2020 Atlas is FWD only with the four-cylinder engine, while the 2021 has the choice of being FWD or AWD. Both model years have the larger 3.6L V6 engine available as well, sporting 276 horsepower.
Interior Differences 
The interior of both the 2020 and the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas SUVs is incredibly spacious. Perfect for hauling lots of items or people, drivers will be confident they have more than sufficient room in either version. The base trim level of both SUVs comes with great comfort features such as dual-zone climate control and six-way manually adjustable driver’s seating. Upgrading to upper levels of either trim adds options such as three-zone climate control and heated front seats. One difference is that the 2020 version can have the driver’s seat upgraded to eight-way electronic adjustability, while the 2021 offers 10-way adjustability.
Technology Differences
Volkswagen kept the technology in both the 2020 and 2021 models of the Atlas similar for a pleasantly comfortable entertainment experience. Both base trims are fitted with a 6.5-inch touchscreen system standard for accessing various applications in the Atlas. While both the 2020 and 2021 models also come with the integrated VW Car-Net® Smartphone App, the 2021 version has a newer version of the system. Both the Atlas SE w/ Technology trims also feature the Car-Net® Wi-Fi® Hotspot for connectivity to the Internet for every occupant’s mobile devices. The same trim also features SiriusXM® radio in both model years as well.
The 2021 VW Atlas is for sale or for lease in Denver, Colorado at Emich Volkswagen.
(Photo Credit: Volkswagen)
