The idea of transforming an SUV model into a pickup truck turns out like a good move recently. Perhaps, one of the finest examples could be the 2021 VW Atlas. This pickup is based on the Atlas SUV in literally every way. Of course, the shape, dimensions, and purpose will largely depart. However, the same design language will be present both inside and outside. Most importantly, this pickup will borrow the powerful 3.6-liter VR6 engine from its SUV brother.The 2021 VW Atlas will also arrive with great safety rating and plenty of standard equipment. The payload is great, along with the tow rating and fuel economy. A mid-size truck will ride on a VR6 engine, that’s for sure. The base SUV model is offering this mill as an option and it generates 280 horses.
2021 VW Atlas offers astonishing exterior design
The arriving 2021 VW Atlas will compete with the Honda Ridgeline, no doubt about it. Ridgeline is a perfect example of a nice-looking mid-size pickup. The bar was set so high that the Volkswagen will have to pull out astonishing exterior design. On the other hand, luckily, this pickup is based on the SUV model that looks brilliant. Knowing that the front will retain the LED headlights and two-bar grille. For sure, the front bumper will sit lower and the front part will look really classy.
Will ride on 20-inch aluminum wheels
The side profile will look very subtle and this pickup will ride on 20-inch aluminum wheels. The rear end sports LED taillights, stylish look, and the beautiful tailgate. Honda Ridgeline delivers one of the best tailgates in the segment, if not the best. For that reason, Volkswagen will develop the brand new and unique tailgate design that we didn’t see before.
2021 VW Atlas interior styling
The interior will be exactly the same as the SUV’s interior. False! It is clear that most of the features and styling cues will carry over. However, the 2021 VW Atlas will offer a lot of uniqueness, especially from the inside. There will be room for five persons across the two rows of seats. You can expect a very clean and modern interior design. Everything starts with a digital gauge cluster that is phenomenal. The infotainment system is all-new and it supports systems such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.A three-spoke steering wheel looks stylish and it will come as standard. The same stands for the console-mounted gear shifter and a two-zone climate control. The second row will for sure depart even more from the SUV model. Whatsoever, Volkswagen needs to deliver a pickup truck that is more user-friendly and practical, rather than anything else.
2021 VW Atlas engine specs
While the Atlas SUV comes with two engines, the pickup variant will offer only one. As the name already suggests, the 2021 VW Atlas VR6 will use a 3.6-liter VR6 powertrain. This engine can produce up to 280 horsepower and it will use an 8-speed automatic transmission. Manual shift mode will be in the offer as well.The VR6 engine comes with a 4Motion all-wheel-drive setup and driver-selectable modes. You can choose between the Sport, Snow, On-Road and Off-Road driving modes. The 3.6-liter VR6 will generate 265 lb-ft of torque. However, tow rating is yet to be announced, just like the fuel economy rating.
2021 VW Atlas price and release date
The price of the mid-size pickup 2021 VW Atlas will start at around $33,000. The range-topping model will for sure cost above $40,000. With this starting price, the 2021 VW Atlas will cost slightly over the Honda Ridgeline. This pickup starts at $31,000 so the prices are still in line. Volkswagen’s newest pickup will hit the markets in the first quarter of 2021.
