We have seen a lot of rumors about the SUV-based trucks in recent months. The upcoming 2021 VW Atlas is one fine example. Volkswagen will look to deliver something new and the idea of Atlas pickup truck makes perfect sense. Logically, a pickup truck will be very similar to the SUV model. Moreover, the Tanoak concept will play a huge role in making this brand-new pickup.
The German manufacturer is looking to invest a lot of money and will try to put Atlas in the American dealerships. Two models will share the same architecture and even the engine is the same. The latest information is saying that Atlas will arrive as a mid-size pickup truck.
2021 Atlas Styling
The all-new 2021 VW Atlas will rival the new Honda Ridgeline. Logically, Atlas will compete in the mid-size segment but exact dimensions are not available yet. Still, Atlas won’t be as good and reliable as the most established models such as Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger. On the other hand, Volkswagen will deliver a nice looking pickup with plenty of modern cues and features. The styling is clearly borrowed from the Atlas SUV. For that reason, we can’t call the new Atlas pickup unique.
The front fascia will host a two-bar grille with sharp LED headlights. The front bumper should be positioned lower than on the SUV variant and the same stands for the rear bumper. The rear part will sport very stylish taillights and the tailgate is very practical. As we said, both SUV and pickup truck versions will deploy a brand’s famous MQB platform. According to the latest reports, VW will offer Atlas in a dual-cab configuration.
Interior Features
Again, we don’t expect from 2021 VW Atlas to depart from its SUV sibling in terms of interior design. Whatsoever, a pickup truck will borrow almost all of the features, including the displays. The infotainment system will be all-new and Atlas will provide room for five passengers. The interior will host plenty of clean details and upscale materials.
The gauge cluster is digital so there are no real surprises. The infotainment system will support all of the newest phone integrations, including Apple CarPlay. Two-zone climate control, three-spoke steering wheel, and console-mounted gear shifter are offered as standard. While the interior looks stylish, it is far from something new and unique.
Single V6 Powertrain Option
Unfortunately, the new 2021 VW Atlas will arrive with a single powertrain option. A 3.6-liter V6 is in the offer and this engine can produce up to 280 horsepower. Moreover, powerful V6 provides 265 lb-ft of torque. Atlas pickup will use an eight-speed automatic transmission and the customers will surely like manual shift mode.
Volkswagen plans to offer an optional 4Motion AWD setup and various driving modes. That includes modes for snow, off-road, on-road, and sport. More details will become available soon and we are very interested in fuel economy and towing capacity figures.
2021 VW Atlas Release Date and Cost
The price of the brand-new 2021 VW Atlas should start at $32,000. It is a perfect price for a mid-size pickup truck that will look to compete with Honda Ridgeline.
However, Ridgeline will be slightly more affordable. The German manufacturer is still silent on available trim levels and other details. However, new reports are saying that the Atlas pickup will hit the dealerships later in 2020.
Pingback: New 2023 Audi Pickup Truck Based on the Q9 SUV Could Happen After All - 2021 - 2022 Pickup Trucks