2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2020 Lexus RX

The 2020 Lexus RX received a significant refresh, enhancing both its interior and exterior. These updates were more than just minor tweaks, as the styling changes allowed the RX to stand out in a competitive market. Despite its age, the RX maintained a stylish edge over its Toyota counterparts. The exterior boasted standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and L-shaped taillights, with optional triple-beam LED headlamps. The grille was redesigned to resemble other Lexus models, and a new paint option, Moonbeam Beige Metallic, was introduced. The rear of the vehicle featured a new shape with dual exhaust, a rear diffuser, and updated reflectors, along with an available hands-free tailgate.

Inside, the RX continued to impress with its well-appointed cabin. Standard features included heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated exterior mirrors. Various interior colour and material combinations were available, with leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel as standard. The F Sport appearance packages added unique features like a distinctive steering wheel, shift knob, and 20-inch wheels. The interior felt premium, with leather-wrapped surfaces and a hardy design suitable for family life. However, the centre stack's dated look was a drawback, as the industry moved towards more modern designs.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport carried over much of the same design from the regular Atlas but featured a lower roofline and aggressively raked rear hatch. This design aimed to mimic the "crossover coupes" offered by luxury automakers, resulting in a mix of SUV ruggedness and car-like features. However, the styling was somewhat awkward, with fake exhaust tips on the rear bumper appearing tacky. The Cross Sport was shorter and lower than the seven-seat Atlas, sharing the same wheelbase. It rode on VW's MQB platform, which underpinned many of the automaker's models.

The Cross Sport's exterior included standard LED lighting, with different wheel sizes depending on the trim level. The R-Line package added sportier styling features. Inside, the Cross Sport featured VW's minimalist design, which was visually appealing and functional. However, the interior materials were subpar, with leather upholstery feeling rubbery and hard plastics dominating the cabin. The colour choices blended together, creating a less welcoming atmosphere. The flat-bottom steering wheel seemed out of place for a non-performance model.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. It delivered 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. The three-row RX 350 L had slightly reduced power at 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with an electric motor, achieving 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. The RX 450h L shared the same setup. The hybrid models featured an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) and multiple electric motors for enhanced performance.

The RX was not a performance-oriented vehicle, taking 7.9 seconds to reach 60 mph. However, it offered a smooth driving experience with standard AWD and adaptive variable suspension on F Sport models. Fuel efficiency was a strong suit, with the RX 350 achieving 10.8 L/100 km combined, while the RX 450h used 7.9 L/100 km combined. The RX offered various drive modes, including Normal, Eco, and Sport, with hybrid models adding EV mode for emissions-free driving.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two powertrain options: a standard 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four and an optional 3.6-litre V6 engine. Both engines came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and start-stop systems for improved fuel efficiency. The turbo-four produced 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the V6 delivered 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine provided lively acceleration, but midrange performance was lacking. The transmission was slow to react, but manual shifting was possible.

The Cross Sport's ride quality was subpar, with noticeable bumps and potholes. The cabin allowed wind and tire noise to enter, and the SUV handled like a truck with significant body roll. The VR6 models had a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms, while the four-cylinder models were limited to 907 kilograms. AWD versions featured Active Control with multiple drive modes and 20.3 centimetres of ground clearance.

The 2020 Lexus RX's interior was not as minimalist or stylish as its German competitors, but it was functional. The two-row RX comfortably accommodated four adults, while the three-row RX-L's third row was best suited for small children or pets. The cabin was spacious in the two-row configuration, with comfortable front seats and good visibility. However, the A-pillar hindered the driver's view of curbs and corners. The cargo area was smaller than rivals, with a high load floor limiting space. The RX 350 L and 450h L had even less cargo space compared to competitors like the Lincoln Aviator.

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 the class, but rear headroom was limited due to the sloping roofline. Cargo space was above average, with 1,141 litres with the rear seats in place and 2,203 litres with them folded. The second-row seats featured a 60/40 split-fold and 14-degree backrest recline. Highline and Execline trims added a foot-activated tailgate. The Cross Sport included various storage solutions, such as cargo nets, cupholders, and a centre console.

The 2020 Lexus RX's infotainment system was often criticized, but improvements were made for the 2020 model. The standard 8.0-inch display and available 12.3-inch touchscreen were moved closer to the driver. Despite this, the system remained difficult to navigate. However, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity provided a workaround. The RX also offered Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and other integrations. The physical controls improved with a touchscreen interface, and the RX featured six USB ports. The standard 12-speaker audio system was adequate, with an optional 15-speaker Mark Levinson system available.

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 touchscreen. Both systems included USB-C ports, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The MIB3 system added multiple-device pairing and updated voice recognition. Execline models had the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit and a 12-speaker Fender audio system. The MIB3 system was slow to load, and the voice recognition required specific prompts. The Digital Cockpit display provided useful information, and analog controls made basic functions easy to access.

The 2020 Lexus RX came with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The 2020 model added features like daytime bicyclist detection and lane-tracing assist. The RX also offered a three-year subscription to Lexus Enform Safety Connect and a 10-year subscription to Enform Service Connect. The RX received good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, although not as high as newer models.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earned top scores in IIHS crash tests, with mixed headlight ratings. The NHTSA gave 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 and lane-keep assist. The Cross Sport also had unique features like the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System. New for 2021, Travel Assist and Emergency Assist were available on Execline models.