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    • 2021 Volkswagen Atlas  RealSafeCars87Safety Rating

    #27 of 2021 SUVs

    #39 of all 2021 vehicles


    Pictured: 2020 Volkswagen Atlas
    The Atlas, which Volkswagen introduced in 2018, is a three-row midsize SUV with seating up to 7. Exceeding the average MPG (miles per gallon) for its class, it reduces fuel costs and the carbon footprint. It has technology that is now expected: Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. With optional all-wheel drive (AWD), it can easily handle mud, snow, and sand. Volkswagen offers a 6-year, 72,000-mile basic/powertrain warranty on its lineup.

    The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas is above average compared to all vehicles.

    Comparison to all vehicles.  This plot shows RSC safety scores on the horizontal axis vs. the number of vehicles with each safety score (depicted by bar height and percentages at the bottom). Colors reflect vehicle safety, ranging from red (not that safe) to green (safer). For reference, a score of 0 implies a 0.15% chance of driver death (13% chance of driver injury) over 15 years, and a score of 100 reflects a 0.016% chance (1.4% chance of driver injury). The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas has a score of 87, implying a 0.033% chance of driver death (3% chance of injury).

    We estimate that the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas has a vehicle lifetime fatality chance of 0.0331% and a vehicle lifetime injury chance of 3.7843%, meaning the average driver has a 0.0331% chance of dying in an accident if they drive the car under regular conditions for fifteen years, and a 3.7843% chance of being injured.

    Compared to the average vehicle, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas is 29% less likely to result in a fatal accident. Compared to other suvs, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas is 18% less likely to result in a fatal accident.

    Active safety features on the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas can protect loved ones by preventing accidents and reducing accident severity. An active safety system that is standard on the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas is Front Assist. Some safety features are optional on the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas--- although they add to the cost, one should consider the benefits of Lane Assist and Blind Spot Monitor.

    Some safety technologies get a lot of press, but others may also improve safety. Optional Light Assist on the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas automatically switches off high beams headlights when another vehicle is nearby. Standard Cornering Headlights / Leveling Head Lamps better illuminate the road ahead --- the lights point towards the direction that the vehicle is heading. Standard side mirror turn signals can help when you don't see a vehicle in your blind spot, by alerting them to your intention to switch lanes, which allows the other driver to avoid an accident with you.

    But it is about as safe as many comparable models.

    9675Chrysler VoyagerKia SedonaChevrolet TraverseVolkswagen AtlasHyundai PalisadeDodge DurangoMazda CX-9Honda OdysseyFord ExplorerSubaru AscentHonda PilotKia TellurideComparison to similar models.  This plot compares the RSC rating of the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas with its main competition. Models are plotted on a scale from 75 to 96. The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas is safer than the 2021 Chrysler Voyager and the 2021 Kia Sedona and less safe than the 2021 Honda Odyssey and the 2021 Mazda CX-9. It is about as safe as the 2021 Hyundai Palisade, the 2021 Dodge Durango, the 2021 Kia Telluride, the 2021 Honda Pilot, the 2021 Subaru Ascent, and the 2021 Ford Explorer.

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