2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its rugged and aggressive exterior styling, a testament to its decade-long presence in the market. Despite its age, the GX's design remained coherent, with the massive spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights adding a distinctive touch. However, the interior did not match the modern luxury SUV standards, with wood trim that felt like plastic and an abundance of actual plastic materials. The semi-aniline leather was a redeeming feature, but overall, the interior felt dated.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport featured a blend of SUV ruggedness and car-like elements, with a low roofline and raked rear hatch. The styling was a mix of aggressive and sleek, though some elements, like the fake exhaust tips, appeared tacky. The interior followed VW's minimalist design, which was visually appealing but let down by subpar materials. Despite leather upholstery and contrast stitching, the cabin felt cheap, with hard and shiny plastics. The dark colour scheme and flat-bottom steering wheel added to the lack of a welcoming feel.

The 2021 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample power for initial acceleration, the GX's hefty 2,349 kilograms made high-speed maneuvers challenging. The body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen centre differential, a low-range 4WD system, and various off-road modes. It boasted a towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four with 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6-litre VR6 engine producing 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The VR6 provided lively acceleration from a stop, but midrange power was lacking. The ride quality was subpar, with noticeable bumps and noise intrusion. The Cross Sport had a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms with the VR6 engine and featured multiple drive modes for different terrains.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics reflected its age, with limited legroom and an awkward steering wheel position. The dashboard design offered excellent outward visibility, but forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. Storage options were limited, with small cupholders and storage bins. The GX featured three rows of seating, but the third row was cramped and difficult to access. Cargo space was limited, with only 1,833 litres available with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered competitive interior space, with ample front and rear legroom. However, rear headroom was compromised by the sloping roofline. Cargo space was generous, with 1,141 litres with the rear seats up and 2,203 litres with them folded. The interior featured practical storage solutions, including a large centre console and a second-row armrest with cupholders. The foot-activated tailgate added convenience in higher trims.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The infotainment system was outdated, with basic graphics and limited functionality. However, analog controls provided a straightforward interface for essential functions. The 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was a highlight, but overall, the tech offerings were minimal.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two infotainment systems, with the MIB3 system available in higher trims. It featured an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and multiple-device pairing. The Digital Cockpit display replaced analog gauges with a reconfigurable screen. While the MIB3 system was slow to load, the Digital Cockpit added a modern touch. The Fender audio system was underwhelming, but analog controls for basic functions were a plus.

The 2021 Lexus GX came with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including features like pre-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus models. The GX had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

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