2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Honda CR-V, while functional, did not stand out in terms of exterior design. It shared a similar look with many other compact crossovers, with few distinguishing features apart from its grille and some chromed plastic accents. The colour options were limited, with a predominance of neutral shades, making it challenging to find a CR-V in a more vibrant hue like Radiant Red. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seat designs and a choice of materials that improved with higher trims, but it still faced stiff competition from more stylish rivals like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas presented a more upscale appearance, especially in the Execline trim with its R-Line design elements and 21-inch alloy wheels. The Atlas's interior was praised for its simplicity and premium flair, although some materials felt low-cost, detracting from the overall quality. Despite its bold exterior styling, the Atlas's wheel choices did not always complement its design. The interior, while spacious and comfortable, suffered from hard, shiny plastics that could have benefited from better finishes to enhance the perceived quality.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was not designed for thrilling performance but rather for smooth and steady driving. It featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This setup provided adequate acceleration, reaching 100 km/h in about 8 seconds, but lacked the engagement found in competitors with conventional transmissions. The CR-V offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims, and its suspension setup ensured decent handling and ride quality.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and a 3.6-litre V6. The turbo-four produced 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, but required premium fuel for optimal performance. The V6, standard on the Execline trim, delivered 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms. Despite its power, the V6's performance was considered leisurely, and its fuel efficiency was not impressive. The Atlas featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and 4Motion all-wheel drive, with various driving modes to suit different conditions. However, its ride quality was mixed, with a tendency to feel soft and floaty on uneven surfaces.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, offering ample interior space and cargo capacity. It boasted over 100 litres more interior volume than the Toyota RAV4 and provided 1,065 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded. Depending on the trim, the CR-V offered different tailgate options, including a hands-free power tailgate on higher trims. Roof rails were standard on most trims, enhancing its practicality for carrying additional gear.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space and comfort, accommodating seven passengers with ease. It offered generous head and legroom, even in the third row, and featured a low step-in height for easy access. The Atlas provided numerous storage areas, although many were unlined, leading to unwanted noise. Cargo space was exceptional, with 583 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,741 litres with all rear seats folded. The power liftgate and versatile seating configurations added to its practicality.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came equipped with a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Lower trims had varying audio setups, while the Touring trim featured a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were abundant, with wireless charging available on the Touring trim. However, only the higher trims offered satellite navigation.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas included the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit as standard, with an 8-inch display on lower trims and a 10.25-inch version on higher trims. The Trendline trim had a basic 6.5-inch touchscreen, while other trims featured the MIB3 infotainment system with wireless connectivity options. The Atlas offered Car-Net connected services, a navigation system on higher trims, and a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system on the Execline trim. However, the user experience was hindered by slow loading times and cumbersome controls.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety technologies as standard across all trims, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The only feature not standard on the base trim was blind spot monitoring.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a comprehensive list of safety features, including automatic post-collision braking, Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and advanced lighting systems. However, the Atlas did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, and its Lane Assist technology had some issues with misinterpreting road markings.