2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered a diverse range of trims, each with distinct styling elements. The base LS and LT models featured unique grille patterns, while the RST trim boasted a sporty, blacked-out look with 22-inch wheels. The Z71 was designed for off-roading, with a rugged front end, red tow hooks, and all-terrain tires. The Premier trim added chrome accents and polished wheels, and the High Country exuded luxury with a chrome bar grille and bright-finish wheels. The Tahoe's design was characterized by its dominant grille and expressive taillights, with larger wheels enhancing its appearance. Prices ranged from $57,048 to $81,448, with the Z71 trim tested at $80,293.

Inside, the Tahoe focused on a 10.2-inch infotainment screen and electronic transmission controls, though the control layout was less intuitive. The interior featured a mix of soft-touch surfaces and hard plastics, with leather seating available from the LT trim upwards. The Z71 trim met quality expectations, offering a comfortable cabin with exposed stitching and innovative features like a power sliding floor console. Seating capacity was limited to eight, with no front bench seat option.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared much of its design with the regular Atlas but featured a lower roofline and raked rear hatch, giving it a crossover coupe aesthetic. However, the styling was a mix of SUV ruggedness and car-like features, with some elements like fake exhaust tips appearing tacky. The Cross Sport was shorter and lower than the seven-seat Atlas, maintaining the same wheelbase and riding on VW’s MQB platform. Standard LED lighting and various wheel options were available, with the R-Line package adding sportier styling.

Inside, the Cross Sport had a minimalist design with subpar materials, even in higher trims with leather upholstery. The interior felt cheap, with hard and shiny plastics prone to smudges. The colour scheme was dark and unwelcoming, and the flat-bottom steering wheel seemed out of place. Despite these drawbacks, the Cross Sport offered competitive interior space, though rear headroom was limited due to the sloping roofline. Cargo space was above average, with practical storage solutions and a foot-activated tailgate on higher trims.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered three engine options. Most trims featured a 5.3-litre V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, while the High Country had a 6.2-litre V8 producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine was available for all trims except the Z71, offering 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, with improved fuel efficiency. The Tahoe used a 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard on base trims and four-wheel drive available or standard on others. The Z71 trim included off-road enhancements like a two-speed transfer case and hill descent control.

The Tahoe's independent rear suspension improved ride quality and interior comfort. Optional Magnetic Ride Control and Air Ride suspension further enhanced the driving experience, making the Tahoe smooth on various terrains. The 5.3-litre V8 and 10-speed transmission provided ample power and a satisfying V8 rumble. Fuel efficiency was improved with Dynamic Fuel Management technology, achieving 13.5 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. Handling was commendable, with suspension upgrades controlling body roll and motion.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared powertrain options with the seven-seat Atlas, featuring a standard 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four and an optional 3.6-litre V6. The turbo-four produced 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the V6 offered 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. Both engines came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and start-stop systems. The V6 engine provided lively acceleration from a stop but lacked midrange power, and the transmission was slow to react.

Ride quality in the Cross Sport was disappointing, with bumps and potholes felt throughout the cabin. Wind and tire noise were prevalent, and the SUV handled like a truck with significant body roll and loose steering. The V6 model had a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms, while the four-cylinder model was limited to 907 kilograms. AWD versions included Active Control with multiple drive modes and 20.3 centimetres of ground clearance, but the Cross Sport was not ideal for off-roading compared to competitors like the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe benefited from an independent rear suspension, improving passenger comfort and cargo space. The test vehicle featured heated power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel, with ventilated seats available on higher trims. The power sliding storage console was a standout feature, offering a large storage tray and locking drawer. Second-row seating options included a bench seat or captain’s chairs, with easy access to the third row. The third-row seat provided improved space, accommodating adults comfortably.

Cargo space was impressive, with 722 litres behind the rear seat, 2,056 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 3,480 litres. These figures surpassed most full-size SUVs, except for longer models like the Chevrolet Suburban and Ford Expedition MAX.

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 class, but rear headroom was limited due to the sloping roofline. Cargo space was above average, with 1,141 litres behind the rear seats and 2,203 litres with them folded. The second-row seats featured a 60/40 split-fold and 14-degree backrest recline, with higher trims adding a foot-activated tailgate.

The Cross Sport included practical storage solutions like cargo nets, cupholders, and storage bins. A large centre console and second-row armrest with integrated cupholders added convenience. However, the interior materials and design left much to be desired, with a lack of premium feel.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe featured a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a new digital platform offering enhanced computing power and cybersecurity. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, and Chevrolet Connected Services. Navigation and Bose premium audio systems were available upgrades. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though some controls were hard to access. The voice-recognition system was impressive, and Bluetooth pairing was quick. The test vehicle included a Rear Seat Media system but lacked the available 15-inch head-up display.

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 a Digital Cockpit display 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 was a highlight, offering customizable configurations.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe included standard safety features like Teen Driver, rear-seat reminder, forward collision alert, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered additional features like lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Tahoe's safety systems worked as expected, though the pedestrian alert could be distracting. A surround-view camera was recommended for maneuvering the large SUV. As of the review, the Tahoe had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received top scores in IIHS crash tests, with mixed headlight ratings. NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included 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, offering advanced driver aids.