2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2020 Acura MDX

The 2020 Acura MDX presented itself as a well-designed crossover SUV, though its styling was not particularly groundbreaking or attention-grabbing. It blended seamlessly into its surroundings, neither standing out nor causing embarrassment to its driver. The MDX featured Acura's signature Jewel Eye LED headlights, which added a touch of sophistication to the vehicle's front end. These headlights, with their five LED elements per side, flanked a trapezoidal grille, creating an expressive face. The MDX's sleek, low-slung profile, combined with flawless paint and chrome, contributed to its overall appeal. Inside, the MDX offered a modern and simple design, highlighted by twin infotainment screens and a high-quality fit and finish that gave the vehicle a solid and well-built feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport carried over much of the same sheet metal from the regular Atlas but featured a lower roofline and aggressively raked rear hatch. This design aimed to mimic the "crossover coupes" offered by luxury automakers, resulting in a mix of SUV ruggedness and car-like features. However, some elements, like the fake exhaust tips, appeared tacky. The Cross Sport's interior followed VW's minimalist design approach, which was functional but let down by subpar materials. Despite leather upholstery and contrast stitching, the interior felt cheap, with hard and shiny plastics dominating the cabin. The choice of multiple dark colours didn't create a welcoming atmosphere, and the flat-bottom steering wheel seemed out of place for a non-performance model.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain options: a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, and the MDX Sport Hybrid, which combined a 3.0-litre V6 engine with three electric motors to deliver 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. The gasoline-only model with Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system demonstrated impressive straight-line performance and nimble handling, thanks to torque-vectoring technology. This system directed power to the outside wheel during cornering, enhancing turn-in and handling. The MDX's four-wheel independent suspension provided a comfortable ride, making it a suitable choice for long drives.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared powertrain options with the seven-seat Atlas, featuring a standard 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 3.6-litre VR6 engine delivering 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The VR6 engine, combined with all-wheel drive, offered lively acceleration from a stop, but midrange performance was less impressive. The transmission's slow response could be improved with manual shifting. The Cross Sport's ride quality was subpar, with noticeable bumps and pothole impacts, and the cabin allowed in wind and tire noise. Despite its "Sport" name, the SUV exhibited significant body roll and loose steering, lacking a sporty feel.

The 2020 Acura MDX, as a three-row SUV, provided practical features for families, including sliding and reclining second-row seats for easy access to the third row. It offered 447 litres of luggage space behind the third row, expandable to 1,229 litres with the third row folded, and 2,574 litres with the second row folded. The interior featured ample storage options, including a flexible centre console, cupholders, and storage bins. Tri-zone climate control ensured comfort for all passengers, making the MDX a stylish alternative to minivans.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, with its large footprint, offered competitive interior space among two-row midsize crossovers. Front-seat and rear-seat legroom were commendable, but rear headroom suffered due to the sloping roofline. Cargo space was above average, with 1,141 litres behind the rear seats and 2,203 litres with the seats folded. The interior included standard 60/40 split-folding rear seats, a foot-activated tailgate on higher trims, and various storage solutions. However, the rear headroom limitations were a drawback for taller passengers.

The 2020 Acura MDX featured a simplified trim level system with technology packages. The base model included Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and an eight-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added navigation, parking sensors, and a premium audio system. The A-Spec Package introduced LED fog lights, heated and ventilated seats, and 20-inch wheels. The Technology Plus package offered additional features like heated rear seats and an upgraded audio system, while the Elite Package included a surround-view camera and rear entertainment screen.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two infotainment systems: the MIB2 system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen on the base trim and the MIB3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen on higher trims. Both systems included USB-C ports, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The MIB3 system added multiple-device pairing and updated voice recognition. Execline models featured the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit and a 12-speaker Fender audio system. However, the MIB3 system was slow to load, and the voice recognition required specific prompts. The Digital Cockpit provided a customizable display, while analog controls simplified basic functions.

The 2020 Acura MDX came equipped with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX's Next-Generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure enhanced crash protection. The IIHS rated the MDX as "good" in crash tests, with "acceptable" ratings for headlights and LATCH ease of use. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received top "Good" scores in IIHS crash tests, with mixed headlight ratings. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating, with four-star ratings for frontal and rollover crash tests. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. Unique to the Cross Sport were the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System. New for 2021, Travel Assist and Emergency Assist added advanced driver-assist features.