Volkswagen reveals 2021 Chattanooga-made Atlas SUV in Chicago

Volkswagen 2021 Atlas / photo courtesy of Volkswagen
Volkswagen 2021 Atlas / photo courtesy of Volkswagen

Volkswagen of America on Thursday unveiled the Chattanooga-made 2021 Atlas SUV at the Chicago Auto Show.

According to VW, the refreshed seven-seater offers a bolder design as well as interior upgrades, advanced technology and new driver-assistance features.

"The Atlas has been a huge success story for Volkswagen of America, helping us to position the brand with a greater emphasis on the family-friendly SUVs that consumers are buying," said Scott Keogh, president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, in a statement. "This refreshed model brings all the functionality of the previous model, and ups the ante with new technology and more style."

In 2019, Atlas sales were 81,508, up 37% over 2018, according to the German automaker.

The refreshed Atlas maintains the same underpinnings of the outgoing model, but it is nearly three inches longer because of new front and rear bumper designs, the company said.

Following in the footsteps of the soon-to-be released five-seat Atlas Cross Sport SUV, VW said the bold three-bar grille extends into the front light signature creating a more stylish presence.

The refreshed model features new headlight and taillight designs that include standard LED lighting. This, along with the sculpted front and rear bumpers, gives the Atlas a more aggressive stance, the company said.

The R-line trims up the ante with a unique bumper design, side skirts, and available 20- or 21-inch aluminum-alloy wheels dependent on trim, as well as signature R-line badging.

VW said that the interior receives upgrades over the previous model, offering a more connected and comfortable experience. Upgrades include a new steering wheel, available contrast-stitching on the leather seating surfaces and door trim, and an 8-inch composition media infotainment system on all models but the base S trim.

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