2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2021 GMC Yukon

Though GMC marketed itself as “professional grade,” it also positioned the 2021 Yukon as “premium grade,” placing it between Chevrolet and Cadillac within the General Motors hierarchy. The revamped 2021 GMC Yukon, available in both standard- and extended-length body styles, as well as SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali trims, certainly showcased this dual nature. The 2021 Yukon started at a price of $50,700, with the AT4 trim tailored specifically for off-road adventures thanks to its improved approach angle, skid plates, and all-terrain tires. However, most buyers gravitated towards the Denali trim, which epitomized the SUV's premium yet rugged essence. Priced at an as-tested $83,720, the Denali Ultimate, adorned in Midnight Blue paint and rolling on 22-inch wheels, was a masterpiece of upscale design, featuring intricate grillework, chrome details, and distinct rear styling that set it apart from the equivalent Chevrolet Tahoe High Country. The unique Denali dashboard, real wood trim, leather-wrapped panels, special stitching, and piping combined to create an undeniably upscale cabin exclusive to the Yukon Denali.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport carried over most of the same design elements from the standard Atlas but introduced a more aggressive, coupe-like look with its low roofline and raked rear hatch. The styling straddled a peculiar line between rugged SUV characteristics and car-like attributes. Although offered with sportier R-Line trims that included unique bumpers, a fake rear diffuser, and side skirts, the overall design was sometimes confusing. Notably, the fake exhaust tips on the SEL Premium model's rear bumper detracted from its appeal. The Cross Sport maintained its connection to the seven-seat Atlas through its MQB platform, with dimensions that shortened it by 5.2 inches and lowered it by 2.2 inches compared to its sibling. Despite the attempts to create a more athletic appearance, the subpar materials inside, including the easily smudged plastics and unremarkable leather upholstery, undermined its minimalist aesthetic.

The 2021 GMC Yukon offered three engine choices. The Denali came equipped with a 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8, whereas other trims featured a 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V8 as standard. A forthcoming 3.0-liter turbo-diesel was also anticipated, though not available for the AT4 due to its design for better off-road performance. With the robust 6.2-liter V8 in the Denali, drivers experienced potent acceleration across various conditions, complemented by a ten-speed automatic transmission. However, fuel efficiency was not a highlight, with real-world figures hovering around 14.4 to 16.2 mpg. GMC enhanced this generation's Yukon with an independent rear suspension and available Four-Corner Air Ride suspension, substantially improving overall ride quality. The Yukon, equipped with an Active Response 4WD system and various drive modes, felt capable albeit not particularly sporty, managing a towing capacity of up to 8,400 pounds and payload maximums of 1,792 pounds for standard lengths.

On the performance front, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a choice between a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine delivering 235 horsepower and a naturally-aspirated 3.6-liter VR6 producing 276 horsepower. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission with start-stop technology. The VR6 in our test vehicle offered smoother acceleration compared to its four-cylinder counterpart, though it often lacked robust midrange power, and the slow-shifting transmission didn't help. Ride quality left much to be desired, exacerbated by noticeable wind and tire noise. Despite having "Sport" in its name, the Cross Sport's handling was far from sporty, plagued by significant body roll and loose steering. Towing capacity reached 5,000 pounds for VR6 models, but was substantially lower for the four-cylinder versions, at just 2,000 pounds.

Thanks to its new independent rear suspension, the 2021 GMC Yukon boasted remarkable improvements in passenger and cargo space. Front-seat dimensions remained similar to the previous model, but the new 12-way power seats, heating, ventilation, and heated steering wheel enhanced comfort. Second-row seats in the Denali slid and folded flat, making room for larger cargo and improving access to the third row. The third-row seating now provided adequate thigh support, making it suitable for adults, which was an upgrade from the previous generation. Cargo space was substantial, with the Yukon Denali offering 25.5 to 122.9 cubic feet and the larger Denali XL ranging from 41.5 to 144.7 cubic feet.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, despite its large footprint, struggled with rear headroom due to its sloping roofline. However, it provided competitive front and rear legroom, making it spacious for most passengers. Cargo capacity was fairly generous, with 40.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 77.8 cubic feet with them folded. The split-folding rear seats and numerous interior storage solutions, such as a large center console and integrated cup holders, added practicality. However, it couldn’t match the Yukon’s expansive cargo volume.

The 2021 GMC Yukon excelled in infotainment and technology offerings. Its standard 10.2-inch touchscreen featured wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. Upgrades included wireless charging, a navigation system, and a 14-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system. The rear-seat media system, though sometimes glitchy, offered dual 12.6-inch touchscreens for streaming content. The 15-inch color head-up display and surround-view cameras enhanced the driving experience. However, the audio system, despite being premium, fell short of expectations, lacking depth and clarity.

In the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, technology was a mixed bag. Lower trims featured the older MIB2 system with a 6.5-inch screen, while higher trims got the MIB3 with an 8-inch touchscreen. Both supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but MIB3 introduced multiple-device pairing and updated voice recognition. The Digital Cockpit provided a modern touch with a reconfigurable display, and the SEL Premium trim added a 12-speaker Fender audio system that, unfortunately, sounded subpar. The infotainment system was slow to load, and voice recognition had limited functionality, which detracted from the user experience.

The 2021 GMC Yukon came equipped with a suite of advanced safety features. Standard on all trims were forward collision warning, daytime pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. Starting from the SLT trim, the Yukon added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Denali trims included adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking. The Yukon’s ADAS features worked seamlessly, providing confidence without being intrusive. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of review, but GMC's robust build implied substantial safety for occupants.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport scored high marks in IIHS crash tests but had mixed results for headlight performance and child-seat anchor ease of use. It received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist were available, although not standard. The Cross Sport offered unique features like the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System. New for 2021 were Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, providing additional driver aids, though their performance was not faultless in real-world conditions.