2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2020 Audi Q7

The 2020 Audi Q7 presented a refined and modern aesthetic, with its updated front and rear styling aligning it with the flagship Q8 model. The test vehicle, a Q7 55 TFSI in Prestige trim, showcased a sophisticated exterior with Navarra Blue metallic paint and 20-inch turbine-style wheels. Inside, the Q7 adopted a high-tech dashboard from the Q8, featuring three digital displays that replaced most physical controls. The cabin, adorned in Okapi Brown leather and Gray/Brown Fine Grain Ash wood inlays, exuded an upscale and technologically advanced vibe, enhanced by multi-color ambient lighting.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a blend of SUV ruggedness and car-like features, with a low roofline and aggressively-raked rear hatch. The SEL Premium test vehicle featured standard LED lighting and 21-inch wheels, but the styling was marred by fake exhaust tips. Inside, the minimalist design was functional but let down by subpar materials, with leather upholstery that felt rubbery and an abundance of hard plastics. The interior color scheme lacked warmth, and the flat-bottom steering wheel seemed out of place for a non-performance model.

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI was powered by a new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine, producing 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel-drive, delivered a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds. The Q7 also featured a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to enhance fuel efficiency, achieving an average of 21 mpg during testing. The adaptive air suspension and Audi Drive Select offered various driving modes, ensuring a comfortable and agile ride, whether on winding roads or off-road trails.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 235 horsepower and a 3.6-liter VR6 engine producing 276 horsepower. The VR6 engine, paired with all-wheel drive, provided lively acceleration from a stop but lacked midrange power. The ride quality was harsh, with noticeable wind and tire noise, and the handling was truck-like with significant body roll. The VR6 model had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, while the four-cylinder variant was limited to 2,000 pounds.

The 2020 Audi Q7, while offering three rows of seats, was best suited for five passengers due to the cramped third row. With the third row folded, cargo space increased from 14.2 to 35.7 cubic feet, and up to 69.6 cubic feet with both rear rows down. The Prestige trim provided comfortable seating with heated and ventilated front seats, ample second-row legroom, and a panoramic sunroof. However, interior storage was limited, with the center console and door bins offering minimal space for personal items.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport boasted competitive interior space for a two-row midsize crossover, with generous front and rear legroom. However, rear headroom was compromised by the sloping roofline. Cargo space was ample, with 40.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 77.8 cubic feet with them folded. The interior featured practical storage solutions, including a large center console and a second-row armrest with cupholders, but the overall feel was marred by the use of hard plastics and a lack of premium materials.

The 2020 Audi Q7 introduced the MMI Touch Response system, combining a 10.1-inch and an 8.6-inch touchscreen for accessing vehicle systems. It offered features like natural voice recognition, wireless smartphone integration, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Prestige trim included a head-up display and a Bose sound system, though the latter was replaced by a Bang & Olufsen system in 2021. The system was generally intuitive, but dry fingertips occasionally caused unresponsive virtual buttons.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport featured two infotainment systems: the MIB2 with a 6.5-inch screen for the base trim and the MIB3 with an 8-inch screen for higher trims. MIB3 offered multiple-device pairing and updated voice recognition, but was slow to load and the Fender audio system was underwhelming. The Digital Cockpit display provided a customizable instrument cluster, and analog controls for basic functions were user-friendly, appealing to less tech-savvy buyers.

The 2020 Audi Q7 was equipped with advanced driving-assistance systems, including Emergency Assist, Turn Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Assist. However, the traffic-sign recognition system was problematic, misreading signs and causing abrupt braking. The IIHS rated the Q7 highly for collision protection, but its headlights received a "poor" rating, preventing a "Top Safety Pick+" designation.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received top scores in IIHS crash tests, with mixed headlight ratings. It earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring, with optional adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. Unique to VW were the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System. New for 2021 were Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, though Travel Assist struggled with highway curves.