2021 Volkswagen Atlas 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 2019, the Edge received a styling update that carried over to 2020, featuring angular headlights and a large trapezoidal grille reminiscent of the Fusion. 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 SiriusXM satellite radio and Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system to more luxurious options like genuine leather upholstery and a powerful engine in the ST variant.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh, featuring new front and rear bumpers, standard LED headlights and taillights, and a new grille. These changes gave the Atlas a more extroverted look compared to its predecessor. The Atlas retained its MQB platform, shared with other VW models, ensuring flexibility across different vehicle sizes. The interior was minimalist, with a standard seven-seat configuration and available second-row captain’s chairs. While the design was functional, material quality was below average, with cheap-feeling plastics and faux wood and metal trim. The Atlas offered various trim levels with different wheel sizes and features, including a panoramic sunroof 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, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup provided solid low-end acceleration, though it struggled at higher speeds. The Edge's suspension was designed to handle rough roads, offering a balance between comfort and engagement. The sporty Edge ST variant featured a 2.7-litre twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, with standard all-wheel drive. The ST offered a more dynamic driving experience, with heavy steering and excellent cornering capabilities, enhanced by a Sport mode and available performance brake package.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a standard 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and an available 3.6-litre VR6 engine producing 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Motion all-wheel drive. The base engine provided adequate acceleration, but the driving experience was underwhelming, with rough shifts and truck-like handling. The Atlas's ride quality was poor, with noticeable impacts from road imperfections. The VR6 engine allowed for a towing capacity of up to 2,267 kilograms, while the four-cylinder engine was limited to 900 kilograms. Fuel efficiency was unimpressive, with the four-cylinder engine rated at 10.9 litres per 100 kilometres combined.

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. Higher trims featured a hands-free foot-activated power rear liftgate.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas, designed as a family hauler, offered average passenger and cargo space for its segment, with 2,741 litres behind the front seats and 583 litres with all seats up. It provided more third-row legroom than most competitors but sacrificed second-row legroom, which was the worst among its peers. The second-row bench seat was uncomfortable, with thin cushions. The Atlas featured a straightforward folding mechanism for the second and third rows, and third-row access was relatively easy. The interior controls were logically laid out, with up to five USB ports and a wireless charging pad available. The Atlas also boasted up to 17 cupholders.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with easy-to-use menus and a helpful home button. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration were standard, allowing users to use their preferred navigation apps. The Edge also included two smart-charging USB ports and a rearview camera, with a semi-digital instrument panel available on higher trims.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility across all models. The base trim featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while higher trims received an 8-inch screen with satellite radio. Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit was available on higher trims, replacing analog gauges with a 10.3-inch digital display. The Atlas was set to receive VW’s new MIBIII infotainment system later in the model year, offering improved features. The base audio system was decent, with a 12-speaker Fender audio system available on the Execline trim.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front and side-impact airbags, AdvanceTrac traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Ford Co-Pilot360 safety system was standard, offering 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 received top ratings in IIHS crash tests, with mixed headlight ratings. The NHTSA had not published ratings for the 2021 model, but the 2020 model received a five-star overall rating. The Atlas included standard 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 model year, including Travel Assist and Emergency Assist on the Execline trim.