2021 Ford Expedition vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2021 Ford Expedition Platinum greeted its passengers with a plush and roomy interior, a welcome sight after a tiring flight. However, the SUV struggled to accommodate all the luggage, forcing one passenger to carry a suitcase on her lap. Despite this, the Expedition Platinum's luxurious features, including a detailed chrome grille and 22-inch wheels, made a strong visual impression. The extended-length MAX version would have resolved the cargo issue, offering more space for both passengers and luggage.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport presented a bold and sporty appearance, especially in the SEL Premium R-Line trim with 21-inch wheels. The removal of the third row and a lower roofline gave it a rakish look, but it also reduced cargo space. The interior, though roomy and upscale, suffered from hard, glossy plastics that detracted from the overall quality. Despite these drawbacks, the Atlas Cross Sport's design and color combinations conveyed an upscale appearance.

The 2021 Ford Expedition featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, available in both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD). The engine produced 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, with the Platinum trim boosting these figures to 400 hp and 480 lb-ft. Towing capacity ranged from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds, and the SUV offered Pro Trailer Backup Assist for easier trailer maneuvering. Despite its size, the Expedition impressed with its acceleration and handling, though the ride quality suffered due to the 22-inch wheels.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 producing 276 hp and 266 lb-ft. The V6, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available 4Motion AWD, provided better towing capacity at 5,000 pounds. The V6 felt more energetic in the two-row Cross Sport, but the ride quality was inconsistent, feeling too firm at low speeds and too soft at higher speeds. The SUV averaged 19.2 mpg during testing, slightly less efficient than the larger Atlas.

The 2021 Ford Expedition excelled in comfort and utility, with large, wide seats and an independent rear suspension ensuring a smooth ride. However, the regular-length model struggled with cargo space, offering 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 57.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Expedition MAX provided more room, with up to 121.5 cubic feet of cargo space. Despite its high cargo floor, the Expedition remained a practical choice for families needing ample space.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, sharing its wheelbase and track width with the larger Atlas, offered a spacious interior for five adults. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats, heated rear seats, and a panoramic sunroof, enhancing comfort. Storage was plentiful, though unlined compartments could cause rattling. The cargo area, while reduced compared to the seven-passenger model, still accommodated full-size suitcases and additional bags, making it a practical choice for smaller families.

The 2021 Ford Expedition's Sync 3 infotainment system, though aging, remained user-friendly with an 8-inch touchscreen. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The test vehicle featured a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and wireless smartphone charging. However, the system sometimes lagged in response, and the voice recognition required specific commands for complex tasks.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came standard with Volkswagen Digital Cockpit and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims upgraded to a 10.25-inch digital cockpit and an 8-inch touchscreen with additional features like wireless smartphone charging and SiriusXM. The Car-Net connected services provided remote start, emergency assistance, and a WiFi hotspot. Despite its comprehensive technology, the user experience could be frustrating, making smartphone integration a more reliable option.

The 2021 Ford Expedition, with its substantial curb weight, had a safety advantage. It earned a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, though its rollover-resistance rating was lower. Standard safety features included Ford Co-Pilot360, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system, enhancing safety in various driving conditions.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring as standard. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and IQ Drive, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist. The SEL Premium R-Line trim featured a semi-autonomous parking system and a 360-degree camera. While the safety features were comprehensive, some systems, like Travel Assist, lacked refinement. The Atlas Cross Sport received favorable crash-test ratings but did not achieve the highest accolades.