2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 showcased a modern evolution of Volvo's design, moving away from the boxy sedans and wagons of the past. It was a testament to the brand's design prowess, proving that a large SUV could be as aesthetically pleasing as a sleek sedan. The R-Design trim added a sporty edge with blacked-out grille treatments, aggressive spoilers, and striking 22-inch rims. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and curving LED taillights were distinctive features that highlighted the vehicle's identity. The interior was a blend of luxury and craftsmanship, with options like wool fabric seats and matte wood trim. The seats were praised for their comfort and support, offering features like power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage. The cabin was filled with high-quality materials, and thoughtful details like the Swedish flag tag and twist-action ignition knob added to the overall sense of refinement.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport adopted a more rugged yet car-like appearance, with a low roofline and aggressively-raked rear hatch. While it shared much of its design with the regular Atlas, the Cross Sport's styling was a mix of SUV toughness and coupe-like features. The interior followed VW's minimalist design philosophy, but was let down by subpar materials, even in the higher SEL Premium trim. The leather upholstery felt rubbery, and the abundance of hard and shiny plastics detracted from the overall feel. The color scheme was dark and uninviting, and the flat-bottom steering wheel seemed out of place in a non-performance model. Despite these drawbacks, the Cross Sport offered a functional layout with ample storage options.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which was deemed insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6 model, with a supercharger added, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing adequate power for highway driving. The Polestar tune further enhanced the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft, but the XC90 was not a performance vehicle. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft, but the added weight negated the performance benefits. Fuel economy was a concern, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city and 26 highway. The XC90 prioritized comfort over sportiness, with a lifeless steering feel and significant body roll.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its powertrain options with the seven-seat Atlas, featuring a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four and an optional 3.6-liter V6 engine. The turbo-four produced 235 hp and 258 lb-ft, while the V6 delivered 276 hp and 266 lb-ft. The V6 provided a lively feel off the line, but midrange acceleration was lacking. The transmission was slow to react, though manual shifting was possible. Ride quality was a weak point, with the Cross Sport handling like a truck and allowing significant wind and tire noise into the cabin. The VR6 models had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, while the four-cylinder models were limited to 2,000 pounds. The Cross Sport's off-road capabilities were limited compared to competitors like the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which was faster and more responsive than previous versions. The system integrated climate controls into the touchscreen, with limited physical buttons. The cabin layout was praised for its organization and comfort, with seven seats standard and an optional integrated booster cushion for children. The XC90 offered generous legroom in the first and second rows, though the third row was tight. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available. Visibility from the driver's seat was excellent.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport boasted competitive interior space for a two-row midsize crossover, with excellent front-seat and rear-seat legroom. However, rear headroom was compromised by 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 second-row seats featured a 60/40 split-fold and 14-degree recline. The Cross Sport included various storage solutions, such as a large center console and a second-row armrest with cupholders.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system that combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The R-Design trim featured a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power, offering an exceptional audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was user-friendly, though onboard apps were slow to load. The digital instrument panel was limited in customization compared to competitors.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two infotainment systems: the MIB2 with a 6.5-inch touchscreen on the base trim, and the MIB3 with an 8-inch touchscreen on higher trims. Both systems included USB-C ports and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. The MIB3 added multiple-device pairing and updated voice recognition. The Digital Cockpit display on SEL models and above provided a reconfigurable 10-inch screen. The Fender audio system on SEL Premium models was underwhelming, and the voice recognition required manual activation.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though its headlight performance limited it to a Top Safety Pick rating. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength materials and innovative systems like whiplash protection.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earned top scores in IIHS crash tests, with mixed headlight ratings. The 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 and lane-keep assist. 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, available on higher trims.