2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2020 Ford Edge

The 2020 Ford Edge, introduced initially in 2006, was built on the same platform as the Ford Fusion sedan, offering a car-like ride and ample cabin space. By 2015, the second generation of the Edge had arrived, with a styling update in 2019 that carried over to 2020. This update gave the Edge a crossover version of the Fusion's look, featuring angular headlights and a large trapezoidal grille. Inside, the Edge's layout remained largely unchanged since 2015, with minor updates in 2019. The cabin quality was decent, with soft-touch materials and solid fit-and-finish, though marred by the extensive use of hard plastics. The Edge was available in SE, SEL, Titanium, and ST trims, each offering a range of features from the SYNC 3 infotainment system to a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features under the Ford Co-Pilot360 banner.

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 unique crossover coupe appearance. Despite its stylish exterior, the interior was let down by subpar materials, with hard and shiny plastics dominating the cabin. The Cross Sport offered a minimalist design typical of VW, but the use of multiple dark colours and a flat-bottom steering wheel detracted from the overall feel. The vehicle was available with various wheel sizes and an R-Line package for sportier styling. The interior space was competitive, with ample legroom but limited rear headroom due to the sloping roofline. Cargo space was above average, with a 60/40 split-fold rear seat and a foot-activated tailgate on higher trims.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided solid low-end acceleration, making it suitable for city driving, though it struggled at higher speeds. The Edge's suspension was designed to handle rough roads, offering a refined and engaging driving experience. The sporty Edge ST variant featured a 2.7-litre twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. The ST's performance was enhanced by a Sport mode, which improved throttle response and transmission mapping, and an available ST Performance Brake Package.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two powertrain options: a standard 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 3.6-litre VR6 engine with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The VR6 engine provided lively acceleration from a stop but lacked midrange power. The Cross Sport's ride quality was subpar, with noticeable bumps and potholes, and the cabin was noisy. Despite its "Sport" name, the vehicle handled like a truck, with significant body roll and loose steering. The VR6 models had a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms, while the four-cylinder models were rated for 907 kilograms.

The 2020 Ford Edge excelled in cabin layout, offering a commanding view of the road and ample storage compartments. The second-row seats provided generous head- and legroom, ensuring comfort without needing to adjust the front seats. The Edge offered 1,110 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 2,078 litres with the rear seats folded. This was more than a Jeep Grand Cherokee but slightly less than a Nissan Murano or Honda Passport. The SEL and Titanium trims featured a hands-free foot-activated power rear liftgate.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport boasted competitive interior space, with front-seat and rear-seat legroom near the top of its class. However, rear headroom was limited 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 second-row seats featured a 60/40 split-fold and 14-degree backrest recline. The vehicle included various storage solutions, such as cargo nets, cupholders, and a large centre console.

The 2020 Ford Edge offered the SYNC 3 infotainment system as standard across all trims, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with easy-to-use navigation and integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included two smart-charging USB ports and a rearview camera. A semi-digital instrument panel was available on the SEL and ST trims and standard on the Titanium.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was equipped with two infotainment systems: the MIB2 system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen on the base Trendline trim, and the MIB3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen on higher trims. Both systems included USB-C ports, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. The MIB3 system added multiple-device pairing and updated voice recognition. The Execline trim featured the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front and side-impact airbags, AdvanceTrac traction control, and the Ford Co-Pilot360 safety system. The Co-Pilot360 system included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. The Edge received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earned top "Good" scores in IIHS crash tests, with mixed headlight ratings. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and parking assist. The Cross Sport also featured an Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System.