Volkswagen today announced almost all the updates coming for the 2021 model year. We say almost because all of the details for the American-spec Arteon haven’t yet been revealed. Expect a full post on that when VW decides it’ll garner some attention.
For now, though, the headline is better infotainment. Volkswagen wants as many cars as possible to have MIB3, the latest version of its infotainment system. That means wireless App-Connect, multi-phone pairing, and enhanced voice recognition.
Volkswagen is also rolling out more safety technology into more of its cars. Travel Assist essentially combines adaptive cruise control and lane keep-assist (along with some other, cleverer tricks) to take on the bulk of driving responsibility. You still need to have your hands on the wheel at all times but the system works at up to 95 mph.
Finally, there’s Emergency Assist, which can pull the car over if the driver becomes incapacitated for whatever reason. Both of these systems are being introduced to select models in America for the first time.
VW has listed vehicle-specific changes below:
AtlasNow on sale, the Atlas is available in eight trim levels for the 2021 model year—S, SE, SE w/ Technology, SE w/ Technology R-Line, SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL Premium and SEL Premium R-Line. For the first time, the turbocharged four-cylinder engine is available on top trims, and all-wheel drive is available with both the turbocharged four-cylinder and VR6 engines.
As a mid-year update, 2021.5 models will upgrade to MIB3 infotainment systems on SE models and up, as well as introduce Travel Assist and Emergency Assist on SEL and SEL Premium trims.
![]()
Atlas Cross SportFor the 2021 model year, the Atlas Cross Sport is available in eight trims—S, SE, SE with Technology, SE with Technology R-Line, SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL Premium, and SEL Premium R-Line. SE models and higher are equipped with the new MIB3 infotainment system. SEL models and higher add Travel Assist and Emergency Assist.
GolfThe 2021 Golf is available in one well-equipped trim—the Golf TSI—and features no changes from MY20. The 2021 Golf is equipped with standard 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, KESSY® keyless access with push-button start, leatherette seating surfaces, heated front seats, a panoramic tilt-and-slide sunroof, and heated washer nozzles.
Golf GTIThe 2021 Golf GTI is available in three trims: S, SE, and Autobahn. With 2021 being the seventh generation’s final model year, every trim includes visual cues to signal the change—painted side view mirrors and a rear lip spoiler, both in glossy black. SE and Autobahn models feature the new MIB3 infotainment system as well as new designs for the standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.
JettaFor the 2021 model year, the Jetta is offered in five trims: S, SE, R-Line, SEL, and SEL Premium.
The base S trim features a two-tone machined wheel design for the 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. SE, SEL, and SEL Premium trims offer standard contrast stitching for the steering wheel and shifter. SE and SEL trims also add a 6-way power adjustable driver’s seat. SEL and SEL Premium trims feature the new MIB3 infotainment system.
![]()
Jetta GLIThe 2021 Jetta GLI is offered in two well-equipped trims—the S and Autobahn. The Autobahn trim adds a host of upscale features including the new MIB3 infotainment system Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping System (Lane Assist), and High Beam Control (Light Assist).
PassatFor the 2021 model year, the Passat is offered in three trim levels: S, SE, and R-Line. All 2021 models are equipped with the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system, as well as a standard leather steering wheel, gearshift knob, and brake handle.
SE trims upgrade to standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and now include a standard sunroof. R-Line trims add upscale content including the Discover Media infotainment system with navigation, Fender® Premium audio, the Adaptive Front Lighting System, and Light Assist.
TiguanThe 2021 Tiguan is offered in five trims: S, SE, SE R-Line Black, SEL, SEL Premium R-Line. S and SE trims feature new designs for the standard 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. The SE trim also welcomes new standard technology, including Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop and Go, as well as the new MIB3 infotainment system. SEL Premium R-Line trims now offer a standard power passenger seat.
For now, though, the headline is better infotainment. Volkswagen wants as many cars as possible to have MIB3, the latest version of its infotainment system. That means wireless App-Connect, multi-phone pairing, and enhanced voice recognition.
Volkswagen is also rolling out more safety technology into more of its cars. Travel Assist essentially combines adaptive cruise control and lane keep-assist (along with some other, cleverer tricks) to take on the bulk of driving responsibility. You still need to have your hands on the wheel at all times but the system works at up to 95 mph.
Finally, there’s Emergency Assist, which can pull the car over if the driver becomes incapacitated for whatever reason. Both of these systems are being introduced to select models in America for the first time.
VW has listed vehicle-specific changes below:
AtlasNow on sale, the Atlas is available in eight trim levels for the 2021 model year—S, SE, SE w/ Technology, SE w/ Technology R-Line, SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL Premium and SEL Premium R-Line. For the first time, the turbocharged four-cylinder engine is available on top trims, and all-wheel drive is available with both the turbocharged four-cylinder and VR6 engines.
As a mid-year update, 2021.5 models will upgrade to MIB3 infotainment systems on SE models and up, as well as introduce Travel Assist and Emergency Assist on SEL and SEL Premium trims.
GolfThe 2021 Golf is available in one well-equipped trim—the Golf TSI—and features no changes from MY20. The 2021 Golf is equipped with standard 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, KESSY® keyless access with push-button start, leatherette seating surfaces, heated front seats, a panoramic tilt-and-slide sunroof, and heated washer nozzles.
Golf GTIThe 2021 Golf GTI is available in three trims: S, SE, and Autobahn. With 2021 being the seventh generation’s final model year, every trim includes visual cues to signal the change—painted side view mirrors and a rear lip spoiler, both in glossy black. SE and Autobahn models feature the new MIB3 infotainment system as well as new designs for the standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.
JettaFor the 2021 model year, the Jetta is offered in five trims: S, SE, R-Line, SEL, and SEL Premium.
The base S trim features a two-tone machined wheel design for the 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. SE, SEL, and SEL Premium trims offer standard contrast stitching for the steering wheel and shifter. SE and SEL trims also add a 6-way power adjustable driver’s seat. SEL and SEL Premium trims feature the new MIB3 infotainment system.
PassatFor the 2021 model year, the Passat is offered in three trim levels: S, SE, and R-Line. All 2021 models are equipped with the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system, as well as a standard leather steering wheel, gearshift knob, and brake handle.
SE trims upgrade to standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and now include a standard sunroof. R-Line trims add upscale content including the Discover Media infotainment system with navigation, Fender® Premium audio, the Adaptive Front Lighting System, and Light Assist.
TiguanThe 2021 Tiguan is offered in five trims: S, SE, SE R-Line Black, SEL, SEL Premium R-Line. S and SE trims feature new designs for the standard 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. The SE trim also welcomes new standard technology, including Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop and Go, as well as the new MIB3 infotainment system. SEL Premium R-Line trims now offer a standard power passenger seat.
