2021 Volkswagen Atlas — Full Specifications
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The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas is an SUV offered with 2 engines (2L 4-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 26 mpg (UK) / 22 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 22–26 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Volkswagen Atlas workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 26 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2L 4-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2L 4-cyl turbo · 3.6L 6-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (S8) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 26 combined / 25 urban / 29 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 22 combined / 21 city / 24 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 249 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 4 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,050 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 4 configurations for the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas across 2 engines (2L 4-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 18 to 22 mpg (US), or 22 to 26 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 26 | 22 (20/24) | 256 | $3,050 |
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 22 (21/24) | 249 | $3,050 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 | 18 (16/22) | 301 | $3,700 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 19 (17/23) | 286 | $3,550 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas
Running Costs: 2021 Volkswagen Atlas
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas at 26 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,399 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $3,050 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2021 Volkswagen Atlas Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 17 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (3), Tires (2), Back over prevention (2). 1 campaign carried a “do not drive” or “park outside” advisory. A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Air bags — campaign 24V464000, reported 20 June 2024. Risk: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
- Air bags — campaign 23V215000, reported 29 March 2023. Risk: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
- Tires — campaign 22V815000, reported 31 October 2022. Risk: An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
- Back over prevention — campaign 22V514000, reported 20 July 2022. Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Showing the 4 most recent of 17 campaigns.
Owners have filed 639 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. The most-reported areas are Electrical system (202), Service brakes (129), Engine (118). Complaints include 18 reported crashes, 2 reported fires, 19 reported injuries. That is well above the median of 255 complaints across the 9 Volkswagen Atlas model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Electrical system (202 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Brakes (129 owner complaints) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
- Air bags (3 recall campaigns · 103 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Engine (118 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Volkswagen Atlas compare to similar SUVs? SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model sits close to that average, within 1 mpg. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
Volkswagen models in our database average about 33 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas's 26 mpg is 7 mpg below that make average. Its 249 g/km CO₂ figure is 36 g/km higher than the 213 g/km Volkswagen average.
Of the 9 Volkswagen Atlas model years we cover, the 2021 ranks 6th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (26 mpg UK combined, against a high of 29 mpg). See every Volkswagen Atlas year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas: 2L 4-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2L 4-cyl turbo with a automatic (s8).
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas?
The most efficient configuration returns around 26 mpg (UK) combined, or 22 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 22 to 26 mpg.
How much does the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $3,050 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 17 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (3), Tires (2), Back over prevention (2). 1 campaign carried a “do not drive” or “park outside” advisory. A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas?
Among the 639 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Electrical system (202 complaints), Service brakes (129 complaints), Engine (118 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the Volkswagen Atlas's fuel economy good for an SUV?
It returns around 26 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track.