2021 VW Atlas V6 SEL Premium R-Line review
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Mark Fulmer
The Auto Channel
As a youth, my seven-person family went through a number of station wagons, but none of them could've held a candle to the roominess, comfort, power, safety, and tech that are contained in the three-row SUVs currently on the market as exemplified by this years VW Atlas.
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Although our Ford Woody wagon, which was named "Rattle-ly Bang Bang" was quite unforgettable in its own funky way.
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The Atlas comes in eight trim levels, from the Atlas S with a sticker of $32K to the SEL Premium R-Line at $52K. At any trim you will find and well-engineered ship quite capable of both short errands and long trips with space to spare for people, equipment, or gear.
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The engine powering the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium R-Line 4Motion is a 3.6-liter V6 and an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. Its fuel economy is 16 mpg city/22 highway/18 combined. Both in town and on the freeway, the Atlas has a steady, secure feel with smooth V6 acceleration when needed.
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Driving modes include Normal, Custom, Eco or Sport. The 4Motion system is an all-wheel-drive system designed to increase traction whenever needed, as well as enhancing fuel consumption by seamlessly shifting to front wheel drive when four-wheeled traction is not needed. The towing capacity is up to 5,000 pounds.
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The comfortable and roomy front seats measurements: Front Head Room (in.): 41.3 Front Leg Room (in.): 41.5 Front Shoulder Room (in.): 61.5 Front Hip Room (in.): 58.2
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The Fender premium audio system has 12-speakers (including subwoofer). The usual AM/FM/HD and SiriusXM channels are available and the best and safest way to change channels is through voice commands. There are USB inputs, as well as VW’s Media Device Interface, for thankfully easy connecting.
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2nd row seats keep the roominess going: Second Head Room (in.): 40.4 Second Leg Room (in.): 37.6 Second Shoulder Room (in.): 60.8 Second Hip Room (in.): 58
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And the 3rd row seats are truthfully adult sized: Third Leg Room (in.): 33.7
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With all seats up, the available cargo space is 20.6 cubic feet.
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With all seats flat, the available cargo space is 96.9 cubic feet.
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The safety systems include an excellent automatic post-collision braking system which will activate after the air bags are deployed to keep the vehicle from running into other vehicles or objects. The Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS) turns off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors and activates the hazard lights. Safe, reliable, spacious, and comfortable, the Atlas could be just the right sized family car for any sized family.
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