2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as a new entrant in the SUV market, was not constrained by a legacy of design expectations, allowing it to innovate while still aligning with the brand's sedan lineup. Its design was characterized by a long hood, short front overhang, and a distinctive grille with a diamond mesh and Quad Lamp LED headlights, establishing a signature Genesis look. The GV80's exterior was complemented by large aluminum-alloy wheels and a rear design echoing the front's elegance. Inside, the GV80 offered a luxurious experience with a sleek, technology-laden dashboard, featuring a 14.5-inch high-definition display and authentic materials like real wood and leather, creating a sophisticated and spacious environment.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh, gaining a more extroverted appearance with new bumpers, LED lights, and a grille shared with the Atlas Cross Sport. Despite these updates, the Atlas retained its boxy, high-riding utility vehicle form, with a drag coefficient of 0.34. The interior of the Atlas was minimalist, with a focus on functionality over decorative elements. It offered a standard seven-seat configuration with options for second-row captain’s chairs, but the material quality was below average, with plastics that felt cheap and simulated wood and metal trim that lacked authenticity. The Atlas prioritized practicality with features like a panoramic sunroof and roof rails, but its interior design and material choices left room for improvement.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The GV80's ride was enhanced by independent multi-link suspension and, in the 3.5T models, electronically controlled suspension with road preview. The 2.5T engine provided sufficient power for most driving situations, while the 3.5T offered a smoother and stronger performance, aided by active noise cancellation. Fuel consumption for the 2.5T was rated at 11.3 L/100 km city and 9.5 highway, while the 3.5T was rated at 12.9 L/100 km city and 10.4 highway.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas also featured two engine choices: a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-litre VR6 producing 276 hp and 266 lb-ft. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with standard 4Motion all-wheel drive. The Atlas's driving experience with the base engine was underwhelming, with adequate acceleration but rough shifts and poor ride quality. The VR6 engine offered better performance, with a towing capacity of 2,267 kilograms. Fuel efficiency for the four-cylinder was rated at 10.9 L/100 km combined, while the VR6 was rated at 12.9 L/100 km combined. Despite its off-road modes, the Atlas was best suited for pavement due to its lack of a 4WD system with low range.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sophisticated interior with a focus on technology and ergonomics. The centre console and stack housed a rotary gear selector and a circular multimedia controller with dual control capabilities. The HVAC control panel used capacitive touch buttons with intelligent masking to prevent accidental misuse. The GV80's second row was comfortable and roomy, with power rear seats and window shades available. A third row was standard on 3.5T models, increasing passenger capacity to seven, with power-folding seats for added convenience.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas, designed as a family hauler, offered average passenger and cargo space for its segment, with 2,741 litres behind the front seats and 583 litres with all seats up. It provided more third-row legroom than most competitors, but at the expense of second-row legroom. The second-row bench seat was uncomfortable, with thin cushions. The Atlas's controls were logically laid out, with up to five USB ports and a wireless charging pad available. It featured a tall driving position, but forward visibility was limited. The Atlas also offered up to 17 cupholders, catering to family needs.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 boasted a sixth-generation Genesis UX infotainment system with a 14.5-inch HD touchscreen, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered cloud-connected profiles and over-the-air updates, with an NFC digital key function for Android users. The GV80 included five years of complimentary Genesis Connected Services, providing features like remote start and emergency assistance. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims, along with a Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround audio system with 21 speakers.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas came with Bluetooth and smartphone compatibility, with a base 6.5-inch touchscreen and an 8-inch screen on higher trims. The Digital Cockpit was available, replacing analog gauges with a 10.3-inch digital display. The Atlas was set to receive the MIBIII infotainment system later in the model year, offering improved voice recognition and multi-phone pairing. The base audio system was decent, with a 12-speaker Fender audio system available on the Execline trim.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It featured 10 airbags, including a front-centre airbag, and a suite of driver assistance features like blind-spot collision avoidance and forward collision-avoidance assist. The GV80 also offered adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist, along with Remote Smart Parking Assist for automated parking.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received "good" ratings in IIHS crash tests, with mixed headlight ratings. The NHTSA had not published ratings for the 2021 model, but the 2020 model received a five-star overall rating. The Atlas included standard automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist available on higher trims. The Execline trim was set to receive Travel Assist and Emergency Assist later in the model year.