2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2020 Ford Expedition

The 2020 Ford Expedition, last redesigned in 2018, presented a clean and somewhat understated style that some might have considered boring. However, this simplicity was likely to age well, making it a practical choice for those planning to keep their SUV 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 in lower trims was a downside.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received a styling refresh that gave it a more extroverted appearance compared to its predecessor. The new front and rear bumpers, along with standard LED headlights and taillights, contributed to its updated look. The R-Line trim added sportier elements, while the Atlas maintained its practicality with a drag coefficient of 0.34. Despite these cosmetic changes, the Atlas continued to ride on the same MQB platform, offering a minimalist interior design with a focus on functionality. However, the material quality in the mid-level trims was below average, with plastics that felt cheap and unconvincing simulated wood and metal trim.

The 2020 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 375 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 470 pound-feet of torque at 2,250 rpm. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided a smooth and powerful driving experience, with the standard four-wheel-drive system in Canada. The Expedition offered impressive towing capacities of up to 4,173 kilograms, and its independent rear suspension contributed to a comfortable ride and ample interior space. Fuel consumption was rated at 14.1 L/100 km in the city and 10.6 on the highway.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-litre VR6 producing 276 hp and 266 lb-ft. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with standard 4Motion all-wheel drive. The driving experience with the base engine was underwhelming, with rough shifts and a truck-like handling feel. The Atlas's ride quality was poor, with noticeable impacts from road imperfections. Fuel efficiency for the four-cylinder was rated at 10.9 L/100 km combined, while the VR6 models were rated at 12.9 L/100 km combined.

The 2020 Ford Expedition excelled in towing, cargo, and passenger capacity. The King Ranch model featured power running boards for easy access, and its interior offered comfortable seating with heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain’s chairs provided first-class accommodations, and the third-row seat was genuinely comfortable for adults. Cargo space was generous, with 546 litres behind the third row and up to 2,962 litres with the seats folded down.

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. While it provided more third-row legroom than most competitors, second-row legroom was lacking. The interior featured a logical layout of controls, with up to five USB ports and a wireless charging pad. The Atlas also offered a tall driving position, but forward visibility was limited.

The 2020 Ford Expedition came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Sync 3, which was user-friendly but occasionally slow. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, along with FordPass Connect and a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system. The Pro Trailer Backup Assist was a notable feature for those who frequently tow.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered Bluetooth and smartphone compatibility across all models, with an 8-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The Digital Cockpit was available, replacing analog gauges with a digital display. The Atlas was set to receive the MIBIII infotainment system later in the year, enhancing voice recognition and navigation. The base audio system was decent, with a 12-speaker Fender system available on higher trims.

The 2020 Ford Expedition featured Ford Co-Pilot360 as standard, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. It received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA in most tests, with a 4-star rollover rating. The IIHS had not tested it at the time of review.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received "good" ratings in IIHS crash tests, with mixed headlight ratings. It had 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 year.