2021 Chevrolet Tahoe vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered a diverse range of trims, each with distinct styling elements. The base LS and LT models featured different grille patterns, while the RST trim boasted a sporty blacked-out appearance with a slotted grille and 22-inch wheels. The Z71 trim was designed for off-roading, incorporating a rugged front end, red tow hooks, and all-terrain tires. The Premier trim added chrome accents and polished wheels, while the High Country trim exuded luxury with a chrome bar grille and bright-finish 22-inch wheels. The Tahoe's design was characterized by its dominant grille and expressive taillights, with a more subtle overall styling compared to its predecessor. Prices ranged from $57,048 for the base LS to $81,448 for the High Country, with various options available to enhance the vehicle's features and capabilities.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was crafted by modifying the standard Atlas model, removing the third row, and lowering the roofline for a coupe-like appearance. This resulted in a bold and sporty look, particularly in the Execline trim with its 21-inch machined-finish wheels. While the base Comfortline trim's 18-inch wheels appeared small, the Highline's 20-inch wheels were more fitting. The Atlas Cross Sport offered six paint colours, with the test vehicle in Pure Grey paired with a Dark Burgundy and Titan Black interior. Despite its upscale appearance, the interior was marred by hard, glossy plastics, detracting from the overall quality impression. The Execline trim was priced at $56,595, slightly less than the standard Atlas, offering a stylish alternative with some cost savings.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe was equipped with three engine options. The standard engine for most trims was a 5.3-litre V8, delivering 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. The High Country trim featured an exclusive 6.2-litre V8, producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel engine was also available, offering 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, except for the Z71 trim due to its unique front-end design. The Tahoe's 10-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with a 4WD system available on higher trims. The Z71 trim included off-road enhancements like a two-speed transfer case and hill descent control. The Tahoe's towing capacity reached up to 3,810 kilograms, with a payload capacity of 831 kilograms. The independent rear suspension, along with optional Magnetic Ride Control and Air Ride suspension, significantly improved ride quality and handling, making the Tahoe Z71 a smooth performer on various terrains.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine choices. The standard engine was a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder, providing 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. The available 3.6-litre V6 engine delivered 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and VW's 4Motion AWD system, offering multiple driving modes. The V6 engine in the Execline trim felt more energetic, though it lacked refinement and averaged 12.3 L/100 km during testing. The Atlas Cross Sport's suspension struggled with urban ride quality, feeling harsh at low speeds and too soft at higher speeds. Despite good grip from the tires, the suspension tuning was inconsistent, affecting overall performance. Highway driving was more agreeable, but road noise was noticeable.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe benefited from its new independent rear suspension, enhancing 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 offered additional storage options, while the second row provided a choice between a bench seat or captain's chairs. The third-row seat was more spacious, accommodating adults comfortably. The Tahoe's cargo capacity was impressive, with 722 litres behind the rear seat, expanding to 3,480 litres with all seats folded.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its interior dimensions with the larger Atlas model, offering ample space for five adults. The test vehicle included 10-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. A panoramic sunroof added to the spacious feel, while rear side-window sunshades provided comfort for passengers. The cargo area was generous, with additional storage under the load floor, though the shorter length and lower roofline reduced overall cargo space compared to the seven-passenger model.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe featured a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with enhanced computing power and over-the-air update capability. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, and Chevrolet Connected Services. The system was user-friendly, though some controls were hard to access. The test vehicle had a mid-grade Bose audio system and a Rear Seat Media system, though the head-up display was not included.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came with a Volkswagen Digital Cockpit and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth pairing, and wireless charging. The user experience was sometimes frustrating, with issues in touchscreen interaction and voice recognition. The Execline trim featured a 12-speaker Fender audio system, providing excellent sound quality.

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 easier maneuvering.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. All trims in Canada included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and Travel Assist. The Execline trim added Park Assist and a 360-degree camera system. While Travel Assist was generally accurate, it occasionally lacked refinement. The Atlas Cross Sport received favourable crash-test ratings, though not the highest accolades.