2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2020 Ford Expedition

The 2020 Ford Expedition, last redesigned in 2018, presented a clean and somewhat understated style for a full-size SUV. While some might have found its design a bit dull, this simplicity often aged well, appealing to those planning to keep the vehicle for many years. The King Ranch edition stood out with its 22-inch aluminum wheels, mesh grille insert, and LED headlights, all accentuated by a Star White metallic paint. Inside, the Expedition King Ranch featured Del Rio leather in Mesa over Ebony, with King Ranch logos throughout, although the presence of hard plastics was a downside, especially given its price range.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport adopted a more aggressive design with a low roofline and raked rear hatch, reminiscent of luxury crossover coupes. Despite its rugged SUV appearance, the styling was a mix of car-like features, with some elements like fake exhaust tips appearing tacky. The interior followed VW’s minimalist design, but was let down by subpar materials, with hard plastics and rubbery leather detracting from the overall feel. The dark colour scheme didn’t help, making the cabin less inviting.

The 2020 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, it provided a smooth and powerful driving experience, with a towing capacity of up to 4,173 kilograms. The adaptive damping suspension and independent rear suspension contributed to a comfortable ride, although the large wheels sometimes made the ride busy on rough roads. Fuel consumption was rated at 14.1 L/100 km in the city and 10.6 on the highway.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four with 235 horsepower and a 3.6-litre VR6 engine producing 276 horsepower. The VR6 provided a lively acceleration but lacked midrange power, and the eight-speed automatic transmission was slow to react. The ride quality was disappointing, with noticeable bumps and noise, and the handling was more truck-like than sporty. The VR6 model had a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms, while the four-cylinder model could tow 907 kilograms.

The 2020 Ford Expedition excelled in space and comfort, with power running boards for easy access and heated, ventilated front seats. The second-row captain’s chairs and a comfortable third-row seat offered ample room for passengers. Cargo space was generous, with 546 litres behind the third row and up to 2,962 litres with seats folded.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport provided competitive interior space, with excellent front-seat legroom but limited rear headroom due to its sloping roofline. Cargo capacity was 1,141 litres with rear seats up and 2,203 litres with them folded. The interior featured practical storage solutions, but the overall feel was less premium due to material choices.

The 2020 Ford Expedition featured the Sync 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It also offered FordPass Connect, a premium sound system, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist, enhancing its towing capabilities.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came with either the MIB2 or MIB3 infotainment systems, depending on the trim. The MIB3 system included an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Fender audio system. The Digital Cockpit display was a highlight, offering customizable information displays.

The 2020 Ford Expedition came with Ford Co-Pilot360, featuring forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. It received a 5-star safety rating from NHTSA, with a 4-star rollover rating.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earned top scores in IIHS crash tests and a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA. It included standard safety features like forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring, with additional options like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist.