2021 BMW X7 vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2021 BMW X7 was a standout in the luxury SUV segment, often seen navigating the bustling streets of metropolitan Los Angeles. It was known for its superior interior quality, surpassing that of the Cadillac Escalade, and boasted more prestige than the Infiniti QX80 or Lincoln Navigator. The X7 also offered advanced technological features that outshone the Lexus LX 570 and had a commanding visual presence compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. Despite its impressive attributes, the choice of a luxury SUV often came down to personal preference, and the X7 was no exception.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, on the other hand, was crafted by modifying the standard seven-passenger Atlas model. By removing the third row, lowering the roofline, and shortening the SUV's length, Volkswagen created a bold and sporty appearance. The SEL Premium R-Line trim, with its 21-inch machined-finish wheels, emphasized the Cross Sport's broad-shouldered stance. However, the interior's hard, glossy plastic detracted from the overall impression of quality, and the lack of rubber or fabric-lined storage areas led to additional noise during drives. Despite these drawbacks, the Atlas Cross Sport offered a stylish and cost-effective alternative to its larger sibling.

The 2021 BMW X7 xDrive40i featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and BMW's xDrive AWD system. The X7 also incorporated eBoost mild-hybrid technology, which included a 48-volt starter/generator and a second battery to enhance fuel efficiency and responsiveness. Despite these advancements, the X7's fuel economy ratings were slightly lower than the previous year's model, with 19 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined. The X7 could accelerate to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, offering ample power for most driving scenarios. However, the SUV's self-leveling air suspension struggled to eliminate excessive body motions, affecting the overall driving experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and a 3.6-liter V6 producing 276 horsepower. The V6 engine, paired with VW's 4Motion AWD system, provided a more satisfying driving experience, despite its aging design and occasional lack of refinement. The Atlas Cross Sport's ride quality varied, with the suspension feeling too firm at lower speeds and too soft at higher speeds. The SUV's highway performance was its strong suit, where the V6 engine was most efficient. However, road noise was more intrusive than expected, and the suspension tuning left room for improvement.

The 2021 BMW X7 offered a luxurious interior with features like heated and ventilated front seats, a five-zone climate control system, and premium Merino leather upholstery. The SUV's front seats provided exceptional comfort, while the second-row captain's chairs were equally accommodating. The X7's third-row seat was surprisingly spacious for adults, although accessing it required some maneuvering of the power seats. Cargo space was limited behind the third row, but folding down the seats expanded the capacity to 90.4 cubic feet.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its interior dimensions with the larger Atlas model, providing ample space for five adults. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats, heated rear seats, and a dual-zone climate control system. The panoramic sunroof added to the sense of spaciousness, while the cargo area offered plenty of storage space, despite the reduced capacity compared to the seven-passenger model. However, the lack of lining in storage areas led to potential noise issues during drives.

The 2021 BMW X7 was equipped with Live Cockpit Professional digital instrumentation and an iDrive 7.0 infotainment system, both featuring 12.3-inch displays. The system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L, and Connected Package Pro with real-time traffic data. The X7 also offered wireless smartphone charging, a natural voice-recognition system, and gesture control, although the latter was inconsistent. The head-up display was a useful feature, but visibility was limited when wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came standard with Volkswagen Digital Cockpit and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Higher trims featured a 10.25-inch digital cockpit and an 8-inch touchscreen with additional features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM with 360L, and wireless smartphone charging. The infotainment system offered access to Car-Net connected services, but the user experience could be frustrating. The SEL Premium R-Line trim included a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system, which delivered impressive audio quality.

The 2021 BMW X7 came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, with additional features available in the Driving Assistance Professional Package and Parking Assistance Package. The Driving Assistance Professional Package included Active Driving Assistant Pro, which offered features like evasive-steering assist, traffic-jam assist, and lane-control assist. The X7's advanced driving assistance systems were generally effective, although there were occasional issues with lane-maintenance technology and automated lane-changing.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a range of safety features across its trim levels, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and IQ Drive, which included Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. The Atlas Cross Sport's safety technology was generally accurate, although there were some issues with lane-assist technology and reverse braking sensitivity. The SUV received favorable crash-test ratings, although it did not earn the highest accolades from safety organizations.