2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2019 INFINITI QX50

The 2019 INFINITI QX50 was wider and taller than its predecessor, offering two extra inches of ground clearance and more interior space. The trunk expanded to 31.4 cubic feet, thanks to modular rear seats that both slid and reclined. Despite these changes, rear legroom remained ample, even for a 6’4” individual, although the panoramic sunroof slightly compromised headroom. The redesigned interior was spacious, attractive, and filled with high-quality materials, featuring a new infotainment system and a very quiet cabin, aided by a noise-cancelling system.

The base “Pure” trim of the QX50 started at $36,550 and included features like LED headlights, a hands-free liftgate, keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone auto climate controls, power front seats, and a forward-collision warning and mitigation system. The “Luxe” trim added LED fog lights, a panoramic sunroof, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a blind-spot monitoring system for $39,400. The top-tier “Essential” trim, priced at $43,350, included navigation, 3-zone climate controls, parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, and leather seats. Additional packages like the $7,500 Sensory package and various safety and convenience options could push the price to $55,285.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, offered in S, SE, SEL, and SEL Premium trims, featured a stylish SUV coupe look, being 5.2 inches shorter and 2.2 inches lower than the larger Atlas. The SEL Premium trim with the R-Line package looked particularly striking with its 21-inch wheels and optional Pure Gray paint. The interior, especially in the Burgundy and Titan Black two-tone color scheme, looked good at a glance but revealed hard plastics upon closer inspection. However, the design, detailing, and materials in high-contact areas were well-executed, and the available ambient lighting added a nice touch.

The 2019 INFINITI QX50 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, the world’s first mass-produced variable-compression engine, producing 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Despite the innovative engine, the 0-60 time of 6.4 seconds was slower than the previous V6 model. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) was a significant drawback, struggling with power delivery and producing unpleasant noises. The QX50’s EPA-estimated fuel economy was 24 city and 31 highway mpg, with a combined rating of 27 mpg, though real-world testing showed it barely reached 24 mpg. The ride prioritized comfort over sportiness, but the Direct Adaptive Steering system was inconsistent and difficult to get used to.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine, producing 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The optional 3.6-liter V6 engine offered 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, providing a more spirited driving experience and a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Both engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and the Atlas Cross Sport could be equipped with the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. The V6 engine was adequate in power and refinement, though the 8-speed automatic transmission had delayed downshifts in normal mode. The 4Motion AWD system was effective, and the Active Control system offered various driving modes. The Atlas Cross Sport’s ride was on the softer side, with some unwanted body motion and impacts affecting ride quality. It was rated at 19 mpg in combined driving, with real-world testing averaging 18.7 mpg.

The 2019 INFINITI QX50’s interior was high-quality, with pleasing materials and ample space. However, the abundance of tech made the dashboard cluttered and confusing, with a mix of buttons, dials, and touchscreens. The infotainment system had input delays, causing frustration, especially with the navigation system. The shifter’s design, with a separate “PARK” button, was a safety concern, as it could easily be mistaken for Reverse.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, despite being smaller than the Atlas, felt spacious inside. The front seats were large, heated, ventilated, and comfortable for long drives. The second row was equally comfortable, with ample legroom and headroom, and included rear air-conditioning vents and heated seat cushions. The dual-zone automatic climate control system struggled in direct sunlight, especially with the engine’s auto stop/start system engaged. Storage space was plentiful, and the cargo area offered 40.3 cubic feet behind the back seat and 77.8 cubic feet with it folded down.

The 2019 INFINITI QX50 offered advanced safety tech in the $2,000 ProActive package, including intelligent cruise, blind-spot intervention, lane-departure warning, and ProPilot assist. However, these features were only available on the top-tier Essential trim, making the starting price for these systems $45,900. The base QX50 was well-equipped with technology, but the infotainment system’s frustrations detracted from the overall experience.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered three different infotainment systems, with the top-trim test vehicle featuring an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen display, large virtual menu buttons, and two stereo knobs. The system supported two Bluetooth device pairings simultaneously and included robust Car-Net connected services. The 12-speaker Fender premium sound system provided excellent audio quality. However, the lack of a natural voice recognition system was a drawback, as it failed to understand basic commands, necessitating the use of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

The 2019 INFINITI QX50’s safety tech was limited to higher trims, with features like blind-spot monitoring unavailable on the base trim. The QX50 had not been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) even on the base trim, with features like automatic post-collision braking. The SEL Premium R-Line trim had additional features like road-sign recognition and Traffic Jam Assist. The ADAS operated smoothly, though lane assistance was best turned off. Crash-test results for the Atlas Cross Sport were not available, but the larger Atlas performed well in safety tests.