2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2020 Dodge Durango

The 2020 Dodge Durango retained its styling from a 2014 update, with its third generation dating back to a 2011 redesign. Its design connections to the Charger muscle sedan were evident, though the platform was a decade old. The Durango's cabin design was straightforward but felt dated compared to its Jeep Grand Cherokee counterpart, which had received more significant updates. The Durango was in need of a refresh, which was anticipated for the 2021 model year, promising more aggressive exterior styling and a reworked cabin. The 2020 Durango offered trims like SXT, GT, R/T, Citadel, and SRT, each with varying features from basic amenities to luxury touches and performance enhancements.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared much of its design with the regular Atlas but featured a lower roofline and aggressively raked rear hatch, giving it a crossover coupe-like appearance. Despite its SUV ruggedness, the styling was a mix of car-like features, with some elements like fake exhaust tips appearing tacky. The Cross Sport was shorter and lower than the seven-seat Atlas but shared the same wheelbase. It featured standard LED lighting and various wheel options across trims. The interior had a minimalist design, but subpar materials detracted from its appeal. The cabin felt cheap, with hard plastics and a lack of welcoming colours, while the flat-bottom steering wheel seemed out of place for a non-performance model.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered a range of engines across its trims. The SXT, GT, and Citadel came with a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, also available on the Citadel. The SRT trim boasted a 6.4-litre Hemi V8, delivering 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The V6 provided decent power for family hauling, while the V8 in the R/T offered confident acceleration. The SRT was a performance beast with strong low-end power and car-like handling, enhanced by a performance-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes. The SRT's driving experience was further optimized with Dodge SRT performance pages, offering detailed engine status updates and drive mode customization.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared powertrain options with the seven-seat Atlas, featuring a standard 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four and an optional 3.6-litre VR6 engine. The turbo-four produced 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the VR6 delivered 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The VR6 engine provided livelier acceleration than the four-cylinder Atlas, but midrange acceleration was less robust than expected. The transmission was slow to react, though manual shifting was possible. Ride quality was poor, with noticeable bumps and pothole impacts, and the cabin allowed wind and tire noise. The Cross Sport's handling was truck-like, with significant body roll and loose steering. VR6 models had a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms, while four-cylinder models were rated for 907 kilograms. AWD versions featured Active Control with multiple drive modes and 20.3 centimetres of ground clearance.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered 490 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,351 litres with the rear seats folded, and 2,393 litres with both rows down. This was comparable to competitors like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. The Durango's towing capacity ranged from 2,812 to 3,946 kilograms, depending on configuration. The cabin provided ample space, with comfortable front seats and a choice of second-row bench or captain's chairs. The third row was cramped for adults but accessible via large second-row doors and easy-fold seats. The driver and front passenger had access to multiple storage options, while the second row featured a centre console with cup holders.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered competitive interior space for a two-row midsize crossover. Front-seat and rear-seat legroom were among the best in class, but rear headroom was limited due to the sloping roofline. Cargo space was 1,141 litres with the rear seats in place and 2,203 litres with them folded, slightly behind the Honda Passport. The second-row seats had a 60/40 split-fold and 14-degree recline. Highline and Execline trims added a foot-activated tailgate. The Cross Sport included cargo nets, cupholders, and storage bins, with a large centre console and second-row armrest with integrated cupholders.

The 2020 Dodge Durango featured a 7-inch touchscreen on SXT and GT trims, with an optional 8.4-inch screen standard on higher trims. The Uconnect infotainment system was praised for its straightforward menu layout and simple navigation. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with easy transitions between menus. Higher trims offered navigation, SiriusXM Travel Link, and premium audio systems, including a 19-speaker Harman Kardon option.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two infotainment systems. The base Trendline trim had the MIB2 system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while other trims featured the MIB3 system with an 8-inch screen. Both systems included USB-C ports, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. MIB3 added multiple-device pairing and updated voice recognition. Execline models had a Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and a 12-speaker Fender audio system. The MIB3 system was slow to load, and the Fender audio was underwhelming. The Digital Cockpit allowed for customizable displays, while analog controls provided easy access to basic functions.

The 2020 Dodge Durango came with front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and trailer sway control. Rear parking sensors were standard, with front sensors on higher trims. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision avoidance, and lane-departure warning. The Durango earned a four-star NHTSA rating and a Moderate IIHS score for driver’s side small-front overlap testing. Its crash-prevention technology was rated Superior but was optional.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received top IIHS scores, with mixed headlight ratings. It earned a five-star NHTSA rating, with four stars for frontal and rollover 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 were Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, offering automated lane centring and emergency stopping.