The upcoming 2021 VW Atlas is the company’s newest pickup truck. It is based on the Atlas SUV, no surprise. Manufacturers are opting for the SUV-based pickup trucks nowadays. The same is with the Atlas pickup. This model will borrow many cues from its SUV sibling. However, the name is still uncertain. As a matter of fact, Atlas could use some other name such as “Tanoak.” It is the name of the concept and possibly the new name of the pickup.
The German manufacturer is expending its pickup truck lineup, and it plans to conquer the markets in North America. New 2021 Atlas will look very modern, stylish, and its interior will provide exceptional comfort. As for the performance, borrowing engines from the SUV model is the most likely outcome. Atlas will be a mid-size pickup truck.
Exterior Design is Based On The Atlas SUV
The mid-size pickup truck segment is the strongest segment at the moment. It is packed with established rivals. New 2021 VW Atlas is far from competing with the likes of Ford, Toyota or Chevrolet. However, Atlas pickup will have so much to offer. For a start, its design looks incredibly stylish and modern. Volkswagen did a great job with the styling and transforming an SUV into the pickup truck. For that reason, pickup truck is very similar to the Atlas SUV.
Two models are sharing the same underpinnings and exterior features. The front fascia is easy to recognize, and it looks really sharp. The LED headlights are perfectly shaped, and the front bumper sits lower than everyone expected. Atlas pickup comes with larger 20-inch wheels, and it looks really unique. For now, only dual-cab configuration is available.
Interior Features
What to expect from an SUV-based pickup truck? The interior of the 2021 VW Atlas didn’t surprise us at all. It is an interior closer to the regular SUV than the actual pickup. New Atlas offers a room for five passengers, and it guarantees right level of comfort. The cabin design looks so clean and modern. Interestingly, Volkswagen is opting for a digital gauge cluster, and it looks impressive. This model will also get new infotainment system and latest phone integrations.
On top of that, displays are taken from the Atlas SUV, just like the steering wheel. It is a three-spoke unit, and it hosts numerous controls. The two-zone climate control comes as standard, and we like the console-mounted gear shifter. Generally, the cabin is both attractive and practical.
Potent V6 Powertrain
Sharing the MQB platform with the SUV model leads us to a 3.6-liter V6 engine. It is the only powertrain option, unfortunately. This unit is producing up to 280 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. It comes with a standard 8-speed automatic gearbox. However, manual shift mode is available.
Volkswagen will introduce its 4Motion AWD setup and various driving modes. Modes for off-road, on-road, and snow are all in the offer. On top of that, Atlas comes with a sport mode too. We don’t know the fuel economy figures, but it will be lower than the SUVs fuel efficiency.
2021 VW Atlas Price and Release Date
The price should start at around $32,500. The forthcoming 2021 VW Atlas will inevitably cost more than the SUV model. On top of that, we can expect a couple of trim levels.
Volkswagen plans to compete with Honda Ridgeline in the mid-size pickup truck segment. The release date is still not available. We predict for the new VW’s pickup to go on sale in the last quarter of 2020.