2021 Dodge Durango vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2021 Dodge Durango maintained its muscular and athletic styling, reminiscent of its Charger and Challenger siblings. Despite its third-generation design dating back to 2011, the Durango's exterior received updates for 2021, particularly evident in the SRT Hellcat model. This high-performance variant featured a cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, LED headlamps, and a rear spoiler, enhancing its aggressive look. The Durango offered a variety of wheel options and a choice of 11 exterior colours, allowing for personalization. Inside, the cabin was modernized with a new instrument panel and the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, available on larger touchscreens. The interior materials ranged from cloth to premium leather, with options for contrast stitching and unique seat belt colours, adding a touch of flair.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport presented a bold and sporty appearance by removing the third row from the standard Atlas, lowering the roofline, and shortening the length. This design choice resulted in a coupe-like silhouette, particularly striking in the Execline trim with 21-inch wheels. The interior was spacious, accommodating five adults comfortably, with generous rear legroom. The Atlas Cross Sport offered a range of interior colour combinations, enhancing its upscale feel. However, the use of hard plastics in the cabin detracted from the overall quality impression. Despite this, the Atlas Cross Sport provided ample storage space and a well-designed cargo area, albeit with reduced capacity compared to the seven-passenger model.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered a range of powerful engines, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 producing up to 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The R/T model featured a 5.7-litre V8 with 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, while the SRT 392 boasted a 392 HEMI V8 delivering 475 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The pinnacle of performance was the supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8 in the SRT Hellcat, generating an impressive 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and AWD was standard in Canada. The Durango excelled in towing, with the R/T model offering a Tow N Go Package and a towing capacity of 8,700 pounds. The SRT models included SRT Performance Pages for track enthusiasts, providing detailed performance data.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came with two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder producing 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6-litre V6 with 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. The V6 offered better towing capacity at 5,000 pounds compared to the turbo-four's 2,000 pounds. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and VW's 4Motion AWD system was standard in Canada. The Atlas Cross Sport's V6 felt more energetic in the two-row version, though it lacked refinement. The suspension struggled with ride quality, feeling harsh at low speeds and too soft at higher speeds. Despite this, the Atlas Cross Sport excelled on highways, where the ride was more agreeable.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler, offering seating for up to seven across three rows. The front and second-row seats provided ample space for taller passengers, while the third row was more spacious than many competitors. The Durango's cargo space was average for its class, but its versatile midsize packaging made it a practical choice for families. The SUV's fit and finish had improved over the years, contributing to its appeal.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its wheelbase and interior dimensions with the larger Atlas, resulting in a roomy cabin for five adults. The test vehicle featured power-adjustable front seats, heated rear seats, and a panoramic sunroof, enhancing comfort. Storage space was abundant, though the lack of lining in storage areas led to potential rattling. The cargo area offered ample space, with deep wells for additional storage. Despite its shorter length and lower roofline, the Atlas Cross Sport accommodated luggage and gear with ease.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims, while higher trims received a 10.1-inch screen with the Uconnect 5 system. This system was faster and more customizable than its predecessor, offering features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Durango also offered a rear-seat entertainment system with Blu-ray and DVD capabilities. The TomTom navigation system was user-friendly, though the lack of a head-up display was a drawback.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came standard with a digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though user experience issues were noted. The Execline trim included a 12-speaker Fender audio system, which impressed with its sound quality. However, the overall technology experience was mixed, with some frustrations in user interaction.

The 2021 Dodge Durango lagged behind competitors in safety features, offering only a standard back-up camera. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Durango received mixed safety ratings, with a Marginal score from the IIHS for small overlap frontal impact and a four-star front crash rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a 360-degree camera system. The Atlas Cross Sport's safety technology was generally effective, though some issues with lane assist were noted. Crash-test ratings were favourable, though not top-tier.