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2021 Volkswagen Atlas Review: Strong V6 Power

August 28, 20264 min readBy South West

Spacious three-row interior for families, but third row less comfortable for tall adults. Full 2021 Volkswagen Atlas review from South West Auto Group.

280 HP
Horsepower
8.5 seconds
0-100 km/h
AWD
Drivetrain
12.2 L/100km combined
Combined
266 lb-ft
Torque
5 / 5 ★
Safety

If you're weighing a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas, the short answer is yes — it earns a look for spacious three-row interior for families, and strong V6 power. The honest trade-off: third row less comfortable for tall adults. This example sold for $26,995, showed 156,614 km and is rated an official 12.2 L/100km combined.

This 2021 Volkswagen Atlas in sleek Black is a spacious 7-passenger SUV with 4MOTION All-Wheel Drive and a punchy 3.6L V6 under the hood. With 156,614 km, it's loaded with Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor, Tri-Zone Climate Control, and a Power Liftgate for busy families on the go. Priced at $26,995, it's a lot of room and tech for the money at South West Auto Group in London, Ontario.

What stood out about this one

I've sold a lot of three-row SUVs over the years, and the Atlas always stands out to me for how much real space it offers a family. When this one came into our South West Auto Group lot, I immediately noticed how clean the Black exterior looked and how well the interior had been kept given the kilometres on it.

What I like most about this particular Atlas is the feature set — Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Monitor aren't always standard on vehicles in this price range, and having them here adds real peace of mind for daily driving around London and beyond. The Tri-Zone Climate Control is also a small touch that makes a big difference on family trips.

If you're looking for a spacious, capable SUV that won't break the bank, I'd encourage you to come take this one for a drive. My team and I are here to answer any questions and make sure you feel good about your decision, whatever it ends up being.

Features and equipment

Safety

  • Backup Camera
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert
  • Forward Collision Warning
  • Automatic Emergency Braking

Technology

  • Apple CarPlay
  • Android Auto
  • Bluetooth Connectivity
  • Touchscreen Display
  • USB Ports (Front)

Comfort & Convenience

  • Heated Front Seats
  • Tri-Zone Climate Control
  • Push-Button Start
  • Power Liftgate
  • Keyless Entry
  • Power Windows
  • Power Door Locks
  • Tilt Steering Wheel
  • Telescopic Steering Wheel
  • Cloth Seats
  • Fold-Flat Seats

Exterior

  • Alloy Wheels
  • Daytime Running Lights
  • Fog Lights

Performance

  • Gas Engine
  • Automatic Transmission
  • All Wheel Drive

What to check before you buy

  • Check third-row seat access and cargo space firsthand — the Atlas is known for best-in-class room in this segment
  • Ask about the 3.6L VR6 engine's maintenance history, as timing chain and oil changes are key to long-term reliability
  • Test the AWD 4MOTION system on a variety of road surfaces to feel its traction control in action
  • Confirm all driver-assist features like Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Monitor are functioning properly during your test drive

This 2021 Volkswagen Atlas SUV / Crossover was sold by South West Auto Group in London, Ontario. If you are looking at something similar, have a look at what is on the lot now — and if you want a straight answer about whether it is the right fit, just ask.

Specifications

Engine3.6L
DrivetrainAWD
TransmissionAutomatic
Fuel typeGasoline
Fuel economy12.2 L/100km combined
Horsepower280 hp
Torque266 lb-ft
Mileage156,614 km
Safety rating5 / 5 (NHTSA)
Price when sold$26,995
Highlights

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas represents one of the roomiest three-row SUVs in its class, and this particular unit brings genuine 7-passenger versatility to families across Southwestern Ontario who need space without sacrificing comfort. With its 3.6L V6 engine and 4MOTION All-Wheel Drive system, this Atlas is built to handle everything from snowy London winters to summer road trips up north, delivering confident power and traction when it matters most. This trim level comes well-equipped with the driver-assistance features today's families expect, including Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Monitor, making highway drives and busy parking lots noticeably less stressful. Add in Tri-Zone Climate Control so everyone in the cabin — front and back — can dial in their own comfort, and Heated Front Seats for those cold Ontario mornings, and you've got an SUV that's as thoughtful as it is spacious. What really sets the Atlas apart from other mid-size SUVs is just how much usable interior room it offers. The third row is genuinely functional for adults, not just an afterthought, and the Power Liftgate makes loading gear, groceries, or hockey bags simple. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keep everyone connected on longer drives, while the backup camera adds extra confidence when maneuvering this larger vehicle. For Ontario buyers looking at a practical, feature-rich family SUV without a premium price tag, this Atlas hits a sweet spot. At $26,995, it offers a lot of capability, space, and modern tech for the money — an easy recommendation for anyone cross-shopping three-row SUVs in this price range.

INTERIOR
Three rows seat up to seven comfortably
TECH
Integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
INTERIOR
Heated front seats for comfort
South West's Take: “I always tell buyers the Atlas is one of the most underrated three-row SUVs on the market, and this one backs that up with real family-friendly features at a fair price. If you need space, all-weather capability, and modern safety tech without stretching your budget, I think this Atlas is worth a look. Come see us at South West Auto Group and let's get you behind the wheel.”
Pros & Cons
Pros
Spacious three-row interior for families
Strong V6 power and responsive handling
Modern tech features at this price point
Excellent all-around visibility and safety suite
Reliable VW engineering and build quality
Good cargo flexibility with folding seats
Cons
Third row less comfortable for tall adults
Fuel economy modest for its class
Infotainment system interface could be intuitive
Maintenance costs higher than some competitors
Final Verdict

• 2021 Volkswagen Atlas, 7-Passenger 3-Row SUV • 3.6L V6 Gasoline Engine • 4MOTION All-Wheel Drive • 156,614 km • Black exterior • Adaptive Cruise Control & Blind Spot Monitor • Tri-Zone Climate Control with Heated Front Seats • Power Liftgate and Alloy Wheels

Volkswagen Atlas on the lot now

View all Volkswagen Atlas →
2019 Volkswagen Atlas 4Motion SEL Premium - 7 PASSENGER
Family SUV
2019
Volkswagen Atlas 4Motion SEL Premium - 7 PASSENGER
$178/bi-wk$21,995
AWD
12.2 L/100km
161,177 KM
Auto
✔ No obligation · Takes 2 minutes · All credit welcome

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