2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as a new entrant in the SUV market, had the advantage of not being constrained by a legacy design language. This allowed Genesis to innovate and create a fresh design while still incorporating signature styling cues from its sedan lineup. The GV80 featured a sleek two-box design with a long hood and short front overhang, complemented by a distinctive trapezoidal grille and Quad Lamp LED headlights. The interior was a testament to luxury, with a minimalist dashboard, high-quality materials like real wood and leather, and a 14.5-inch high-definition display, creating an elegant and spacious environment.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport borrowed much of its design from the regular Atlas but with a sportier, coupe-like roofline. This design choice resulted in a mix of rugged SUV features and car-like aesthetics, though some elements, like the fake exhaust tips, were less appealing. The Cross Sport's interior followed VW's minimalist design philosophy, but the materials used felt subpar, with hard plastics and rubbery leather detracting from the overall quality. Despite its large size, the sloping roofline compromised rear headroom, making it less accommodating for taller passengers.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. The V6 models came standard with all-wheel drive, while the four-cylinder models had rear-wheel drive with optional AWD. The GV80's ride was enhanced by an electronically-controlled suspension with road preview on the V6 models, providing a smooth driving experience. Fuel economy for the 2.5T was rated at 21 mpg city/25 mpg highway, while the 3.5T AWD achieved 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its powertrain options with the seven-seat Atlas, featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 producing 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6 engine provided better acceleration from a stop, but midrange power was lacking. The ride quality was less refined, with noticeable bumps and road noise. The Cross Sport's towing capacity was 5,000 pounds for the V6 and 2,000 pounds for the four-cylinder.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 boasted a sophisticated interior with advanced technology and ergonomic design. The center console featured a rotary gear selector and a multimedia controller with dual control capabilities. The second row offered ample space for two adults, with power-adjustable seats and window shades available. A third row was standard on certain V6 models, increasing passenger capacity to seven, though it was not available on other trims.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport provided competitive interior space for a two-row midsize crossover, with generous front and rear legroom. However, the sloping roofline compromised rear headroom. Cargo space was above average, with 40.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 77.8 cubic feet with them folded. The interior included practical storage solutions, such as a large center console and multiple cupholders, but the overall material quality was lacking.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a cutting-edge infotainment system with a 14.5-inch HD screen, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered cloud connectivity, over-the-air updates, and user-configurable profiles. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims. The audio system ranged from a standard 12-speaker setup to a premium 21-speaker Lexicon system.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two infotainment systems: the MIB2 with a 6.5-inch touchscreen on the base trim, and the MIB3 with an 8-inch touchscreen on higher trims. Both systems included USB-C ports and smartphone connectivity. The MIB3 added multiple-device pairing and updated voice recognition. Higher trims featured a 10-inch Digital Cockpit display and a 12-speaker Fender audio system, though the latter's sound quality was underwhelming.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 had not yet been rated by major safety organizations, but it was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, adaptive cruise control with machine learning, and highway-driving assist. The GV80 also offered advanced collision-avoidance systems and remote smart parking assist.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received top scores in IIHS crash tests, though headlight ratings varied by trim. It earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring, with optional adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. Unique to VW were the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System.