Volkswagen Reveals 2021 Lineup, Updated Arteon

Volkswagen introduced its lineup for 2021, with most of its models remaining relatively the same. The Volkswagen Arteon gets a decent overhaul.

Volkswagen’s lineup of cars stays pretty true to form with their 2020 counterparts. The biggest update comes for the Arteon, Volkswagen’s full-size sedan that has only been in the United States for a year.

The Arteon features redesigned bumpers and lighting, as well as an upgraded dashboard. Unfortunately, the American audience will have to go without the Arteon R and Arteon Shooting Brake wagon, both of which we would like to see Stateside.

Of Volkswagen’s SUV offerings, much remains the same as well. The Volkswagen Atlas gets a front fascia update, which makes it look a bit chunkier and Expedition-like.

The biggest addition to many vehicles in the VW lineup is a new infotainment system that includes improved navigation, as well as an improved voice recognition system.

Notably, the Golf R – Volkswagen’s souped-up hatchback – was canceled for 2020, but will make a return with the release of the MkVIII Golf. The current-generation Golf GTI MkVII, which is reaching the end of its lifespan, still looks great but adds fairly minimal updates for 2021.

The Jetta GLI likewise sees little in the way of updates. The Autobahn trim gets the improved MIB3 infotainment system.

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, which has a mouthful of a name, was introduced in 2020. It’s a modern-looking fastback SUV based on the standard Atlas, and its side profile resembles some higher-priced SUV options. However, the sloped rear roofline results in the elimination of the third row of seats.

The Atlas Cross Sport is an interesting option that resembles an oversized station wagon. Unfortunately, that just leaves us yearning for the Volkswagen Sportwagen and Alltrack, both of which are conspicuously absent from the 2021 lineup.

Based on the information available, it looks like 2022 will see a large number of Volkswagen’s models getting overhauled. 2021 sees the German automaker playing it safe with tried-and-tested designs.