2021 Mazda CX-5 vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 was a departure from the trend of sharply creased designs, opting instead for a sleek and smooth aesthetic that exuded a sense of motion even when stationary. While it didn't boast the aggressive styling of some competitors, it took Mazda's familiar design language in a more refined direction. The base model featured practical elements like automatic LED headlights and rain-sensing wipers, while higher trims added luxurious touches such as leatherette seats and a power liftgate. The top-tier Signature model elevated the CX-5 to a premium level with Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats and genuine wood trim, rivaling offerings from luxury brands.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport presented a bold and sporty appearance, particularly in the Execline trim with its 21-inch machined-finish wheels. By removing the third row and lowering the roofline, Volkswagen created a coupe-like silhouette that was both stylish and practical. The interior was spacious, accommodating five adults comfortably, and offered a range of colour combinations that enhanced its upscale feel. However, the use of hard plastics in the cabin detracted from the overall impression of quality, and the lack of lining in storage areas led to potential noise issues. Despite these drawbacks, the Atlas Cross Sport's design was undeniably striking.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options, both paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The base engine was a 2.5-litre four-cylinder producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The GT and Signature trims featured a more powerful 250-hp turbocharged 2.5-litre engine with 320 lb-ft of torque, delivering a spirited driving experience. Fuel efficiency varied, with the most economical version achieving 9.7 L/100 km in the city and 7.8 on the highway. The turbocharged engine provided ample power, but the CX-5's stiff suspension could make the ride less comfortable on rough roads.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came with a choice of two engines: a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6-litre V6 producing 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with VW's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system standard. The V6 engine offered better towing capacity and a more satisfying driving experience, though it was less fuel-efficient. The Atlas Cross Sport's suspension struggled to balance comfort and handling, feeling too firm at low speeds and too soft at higher speeds. Despite these issues, the V6 engine performed well on highways, where the ride quality improved.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5's interior was designed with practicality in mind, offering a comfortable seating position and straightforward climate controls. However, rear legroom was limited, and the cargo space was below average for the segment, with 875 litres behind the second row and 1,687 litres with the seats folded. The infotainment controls were not ideally positioned for shorter drivers, and the larger shifter took up valuable space in the centre console.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport excelled in interior space, thanks to its shared dimensions with the larger Atlas model. It provided generous legroom for rear passengers and ample storage options, though the lack of lining in storage areas could lead to noise issues. The cargo area was spacious, with deep wells for additional storage, despite the reduced capacity compared to the seven-passenger Atlas. The interior featured comfortable seating and a range of convenience features, including a panoramic sunroof and dual-zone climate control.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, but the operating system was not user-friendly, and the screen's positioning made it difficult to reach. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the lack of intuitive controls for the infotainment system detracted from the overall experience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport featured a comprehensive infotainment system with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a 12-speaker Fender audio system in the Execline trim. However, the user experience was marred by frustrating interactions with the touchscreen and voice recognition technology, making smartphone integration the preferred option for many users.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 boasted a long list of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. It earned high safety ratings, being named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and receiving a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Additional safety features were available, such as a head-up display and a surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a comprehensive suite of safety features across its trim levels, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Execline trim added advanced features like a semi-autonomous Park Assist system and an Area View 360-degree camera. While the Atlas Cross Sport received favourable crash-test ratings, it did not achieve the highest accolades from the IIHS or NHTSA. Some driver assistance technologies, such as Travel Assist, lacked refinement, but overall, the safety features were effective.