2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE presented a more refined and softened exterior compared to its predecessors, with a notable reduction in drag coefficient from .32 to .29, which Mercedes claimed made it a class leader. The front end underwent the most significant transformation, contributing to its handsome yet unoffensive appearance. Inside, the GLE offered increased headroom and legroom due to a 3.1-inch wheelbase extension, allowing for an optional third row, although this feature was not available in the test model. The interior was luxurious, with options like black leather upholstery and a multi-contour seat with a massage feature, though some features like heated and ventilated seats required additional costs. The tester's Emerald Green Metallic paint, however, revealed an orange-peel effect, which was disappointing for a premium paint option.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport maintained much of the Atlas's design but with a lower roofline and aggressively-raked rear hatch, giving it a crossover coupe-like appearance. However, the styling was a mix of SUV ruggedness and car-like features, with fake exhaust tips on the rear bumper detracting from its overall look. The interior followed VW's minimalist design, which was functional but let down by subpar materials, even in the SEL Premium model. The leather upholstery felt rubbery, and the use of hard and shiny plastics gave the cabin a cheap feel. The color scheme was dark and uninviting, and the flat-bottom steering wheel seemed out of place for a non-performance model.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. While it provided ample power at speed, the engine felt sluggish from a stop, likely due to the vehicle's nearly 5,000-pound weight. The start-stop system was notably inelegant, and the 9-speed automatic transmission, though decent, lacked the smoothness of competitors like the BMW X5. Despite these issues, the GLE 350 offered competitive fuel economy with 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter VR6 engine with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The VR6 engine provided a livelier acceleration experience, but midrange power was lacking, and the transmission was slow to react. The ride quality was poor, with noticeable bumps and potholes, and the cabin allowed in significant wind and tire noise. The Cross Sport's handling was truck-like, with excessive body roll and loose steering. The VR6 model had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, while the four-cylinder model was limited to 2,000 pounds.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE benefited from an extended wheelbase, providing ample space in the second row. Cargo capacity ranged from 33.3 to 39.3 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 79.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. The interior featured dual 12.3-inch screens, setting a new standard for dash design and customizability. The seats were comfortable, with a "Seat Kinetics" system to prevent discomfort on long drives. However, the steering wheel's position often blocked parts of the screen, and the upgraded Burmester stereo caused vibrations through the brake pedal.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered 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 40.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 77.8 cubic feet with them folded. The interior included standard 60/40 split-folding rear seats and various storage options, but the dark color scheme and subpar materials detracted from the overall experience.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the new MBUX infotainment system, which was comprehensive and innovative, though initially daunting. The system included two 12.3-inch screens and a head-up display, offering features like augmented reality navigation. The voice control system, however, was less effective than expected. The driver-assistance tech was improved but still had issues with lane tracking at high speeds.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two infotainment systems: the MIB2 with a 6.5-inch touchscreen for the base trim and the MIB3 with an 8-inch touchscreen for higher trims. The MIB3 system included multiple-device pairing and updated voice recognition, but it was slow to load and the Fender audio system was underwhelming. The Digital Cockpit display was a highlight, providing a reconfigurable screen for the driver, while analog controls made basic functions easy to access.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE lacked current safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS but offered a comprehensive suite of autonomous safety systems. Features like Attention Assist and Seat Kinetics aimed to enhance driver alertness and comfort. However, the lane-keeping system struggled at high speeds, leading to a frustrating experience.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received top "Good" scores in IIHS crash tests, with mixed headlight ratings. NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking, with optional features like adaptive cruise control. Unique to the Cross Sport were the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System. New for 2021 were Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, though both had limitations in real-world use.