2021 Volkswagen Atlas 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 Q7 55 TFSI, priced at $86,100 with the Technik trim, featured 21-inch wheels and a high-tech interior. The cabin, adorned in Okapi Brown leather and Gray/Brown Fine Grain Ash wood inlays, exuded luxury and sophistication. The dashboard and instrumentation borrowed from the Q8, replacing physical controls with three digital displays, including Audi’s Virtual Cockpit. The ambient lighting added a soothing ambiance, enhancing the upscale feel of the vehicle.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh, gaining a more extroverted look with new front and rear bumpers, LED headlights and taillights, and a new grille. The Atlas grew by 6 centimetres in length, offering a sportier R-Line trim with enhanced bumpers and side skirts. Despite its cosmetic changes, the Atlas retained its MQB platform, shared with other VW models. The interior was minimalist, with controls logically laid out, but the material quality was below average, with cheap plastics and faux wood and metal trim. The Atlas offered a spacious cabin with a standard seven-seat configuration, though the second-row legroom was limited.

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI featured a new 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine, producing 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system. The Q7 accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and had a towing capacity of just under 3,500 kilograms. The 48-volt mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency, with the Q7 averaging 11.2 L/100 km during testing. The adaptive air suspension and Audi Drive Select offered various driving modes, enhancing the SUV’s agility and comfort on different terrains.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four with 235 horsepower and a 3.6-litre VR6 with 276 horsepower. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Motion all-wheel drive. The Atlas’s driving experience was underwhelming, with rough shifts and poor ride quality. The AWD system included drive modes for different conditions, but the suspension tuning was lacking. The VR6 models had a towing capacity of 2,267 kilograms, while the four-cylinder models were limited to 900 kilograms. Fuel efficiency was unimpressive, with the VR6 models rated at 12.9 L/100 km combined.

The 2020 Audi Q7, while offering three rows of seats, was best suited for five passengers due to the cramped third-row space. With the third row folded, cargo capacity increased from 402 litres to 1,010 litres, and further to 1,970 litres with both rows down. The Q7 provided a comfortable ride for a family of four, with heated and ventilated front seats and ample second-row legroom. However, interior storage was limited, with the centre console and dashboard screen occupying most of the space.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in passenger and cargo space, offering 2,741 litres behind the front seats and 583 litres with all seats up. The third-row legroom was generous, but the second-row legroom was lacking. The Atlas featured a straightforward folding mechanism for the seats and easy third-row access. The interior controls were driver-focused, with up to five USB ports and a wireless charging pad. The Atlas boasted up to 17 cupholders, though forward visibility was limited.

The 2020 Audi Q7 introduced the MMI Touch Response system, combining a 10.1-inch and an 8.6-inch touchscreen for infotainment. The system included voice and handwriting recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Audi Connect services. The Technik trim featured a head-up display and a Bose sound system, though the latter was replaced by a Bang & Olufsen system in 2021. The user interface was intuitive, but dry fingertips occasionally caused unresponsive virtual buttons.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas came with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. Higher trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen and Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit. The Atlas was set to receive the MIBIII infotainment system later in the year, offering improved features. The base audio system was decent, with a 12-speaker Fender system available on the Execline trim. The menus were easy to navigate, but the displays were plain and text-heavy.

The 2020 Audi Q7 was equipped with advanced driving-assistance systems, including Emergency Assist, Turn Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Assist. The HD Matrix LED headlights provided excellent illumination, though rated "poor" by the IIHS for glare. The Q7 received top ratings from the IIHS, except for the headlights, preventing a "Top Safety Pick+" award. The adaptive cruise control and lane assist features were not well-received due to their inconsistent performance.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received "good" ratings in IIHS crash tests, with mixed headlight ratings. The NHTSA awarded the 2020 model a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist available on higher trims. The Atlas was set to receive more advanced driver aids later in the year, including Travel Assist and Emergency Assist.