2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC was a testament to timeless design, eschewing the aggressive styling trends of its contemporaries for a more classic aesthetic. Its exterior featured soft curves and rounded edges, complemented by menacing LED headlights that added a touch of modern aggression. The long hood and wide grille gave the GLC a dramatic stance, reminiscent of a raised C-Class or E-Class sedan, emphasizing its car-like characteristics. Inside, the GLC's cabin was an automotive masterpiece, with flowing lines and a minimalist approach that elevated its interior to an art form. The GLC Coupe, while sacrificing some cargo space for style, maintained a sharp look that appealed to those seeking a sportier appearance.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a bold and sporty design, achieved by removing the third row from the standard Atlas and lowering the roofline for a coupe-like appearance. This resulted in a more upscale look, especially in the Execline trim with its 21-inch machined-finish wheels. The interior was exceptionally roomy, accommodating five adults comfortably, with generous rear legroom and a panoramic sunroof enhancing the sense of space. However, the use of hard, glossy plastics in the cabin detracted from the overall impression of quality, and the lack of lining in storage areas led to potential rattles and noises during drives.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 was equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel drive. It offered a range of drive modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, but even in Comfort mode, the engine provided ample power. The AMG GLC 43 and AMG GLC 63 S variants offered more potent powertrains, with the latter boasting a twin-turbo V8 engine producing 503 hp, delivering sports car-like performance.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came with two engine options: a standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and an available 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and VW's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. The V6 engine offered better towing capacity and felt more energetic in the two-row Cross Sport compared to the larger Atlas. However, the ride quality was inconsistent, with the suspension feeling too firm at low speeds and too soft at higher speeds, leading to a less refined driving experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered 1,600 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the GLC Coupe's fastback profile reduced this to 1,400 litres. The interior was well-designed, with ample storage options and decent rear-seat space, although the Coupe's low roofline impacted headroom. The GLC's interior space was well-utilized, making it a practical choice for those prioritizing functionality.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, sharing its wheelbase and track width with the larger Atlas, provided an exceptionally roomy interior for five adults. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats, heated rear seats, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. The cargo area was spacious, with deep wells for additional storage, although the lack of lining in storage areas could lead to noise during drives. Despite its shorter length and lower roofline, the Cross Sport offered ample cargo space for everyday needs.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 10.25-inch centre touchscreen, offering an intuitive user experience with both touch and voice controls. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although switching between the GLC's radio and smartphone apps could be cumbersome. Overall, the infotainment system was well-regarded for its functionality and ease of use.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came standard with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, an 8-inch touchscreen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the user experience was often frustrating, with issues related to touchscreen interaction and voice recognition. The Execline trim featured a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system, which was highly praised for its sound quality. Despite the technological offerings, the infotainment system's usability was a point of contention.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC required the purchase of the Intelligent Drive Package to access advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The parking sensors were overly sensitive, leading to distractions, but could be deactivated if desired.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included a comprehensive suite of safety features across all trims, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a semi-autonomous Park Assist system. While the Travel Assist system was generally accurate, it occasionally lacked refinement, and the Lane Assist technology sometimes misinterpreted road markings. Despite these issues, the Atlas Cross Sport received favourable crash-test ratings.