The 2021 VW Atlas is a competent family hauler that assimilates into the daily routine without fuss.
Pros Plenty of space Good warranty Good tech Relative value among competitors Solid powertrains
Cons A little boring Base touchscreen is on the small side Not fuel-efficient Cross Sport gets lost
VW refreshes the 2021 Atlas by adding updated front and rear ends that increase its overall length by almost three inches. Its face is graced by a more attractive three-bar grille and revised headlights, which now feature standard LED elements that continue out back. Models with the R-Line option also get new looks courtesy of its special badging, body kit, and 20- or 21-inch rims. Inside, there's a new steering wheel, updated stitching on the seats, an 8.0-inch touchscreen on most models, and the latest iteration of the company's Car-Net smartphone app. The four-cylinder Atlas is now available with all-wheel drive for the first time.
Pros No shortage of cargo or passenger space, reassuring driving manners, hard-to-beat value.
Cons Uninspired interior aesthetic, less fuel efficient than advertised, rides rough on broken surfaces.
The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas comes with front wheel drive, and all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed shiftable automatic.Restyled front and rear bodywork.Upgraded interior appointments.
Pros Spacious interior offers ample room for passengers in all three rows Great compromise between precise handling and everyday comfort Straightforward, easy-to-use cabin design
Cons Lackluster acceleration, even with the optional V6 Fuel economy lags that of most competitors
Land Rover has given the Discovery a fairly thorough refresh for 2021 that includes two new turbocharged engines—a 296-hp four-cylinder and a 355-hp six-cylinder—as well as a new Pivi Pro infotainment system with an 11.4-inch display. A new grille, tweaked exterior lighting elements, and new wheel designs give the Disco a visual update, and a new R-Dynamic model—complete with glossy black exterior accents—joins the lineup. Land Rover has improved rear-seat comfort by adding additional padding to the second-row chairs. There's a new 12.3-inch digital gauge display and a full-color head-up display for the driver; a toggle-style gear selector is also new and all Discovery models now come standard with an adjustable air suspension.
PROS Legitimate off-road capability, stylish exterior, modern technology comes standard.
CONS Clumsy handling, cargo space suffers with third row in use, adults won't fit comfortably in the rearmost seats.
“A heroically talented go-anywhere, do-anything family SUV. Just be sure you *need* this much space and ability ”
PROS Unstoppable off-road, superb motorway manners, vast cabin space, improved interior tech
CONS Too damn big for the UK. Perhaps a little over-endowed for most of us. And now the Defender’s here, wouldn’t you sooner have that?
For 2021 Refreshed exterior styling,New infotainment system,New four- and six-cylinder gasoline engines; the diesel is discontinued.
PROS Smooth on-road driving manners Above-average capabilities off-road Luxurious interior with excellent materials Clever features in terms of utility and technology
CONS Infotainment system can be difficult to operate
