2021 Dodge Durango vs 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport presented a unique blend of SUV ruggedness and car-like features, with its low roofline and aggressively raked rear hatch. This design choice, reminiscent of luxury automakers' "crossover coupes," resulted in a somewhat unconventional appearance. The vehicle's exterior was further characterized by standard LED lighting and a range of wheel options, from 18-inch alloys on the Trendline and Comfortline to optional 21-inch wheels on the Execline. The R-Line package added sportier styling elements, including modified bumpers and side skirts. Inside, the Cross Sport featured VW's minimalist design, which was visually appealing yet marred by subpar materials. Despite leather upholstery and contrast stitching, the interior felt cheap, with an overuse of hard and shiny plastics. The colour scheme, dominated by dark hues, lacked warmth, and the flat-bottom steering wheel seemed out of place for a non-performance model.

In contrast, the 2021 Dodge Durango maintained its muscular stance and athletic styling, aligning with Dodge's family of vehicles. The 2021 model year saw revisions, particularly in the high-performance SRT Hellcat model, which featured a cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, and LED headlamps. The Durango offered a variety of wheel options and a choice of 11 exterior colours and six interior schemes. Inside, the Durango's cabin was updated with a new instrument panel and either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect 5 system. The interior became increasingly premium with higher trims, offering options like leather and suede upholstery. The updates to the dashboard brought a modern appearance, aligning with Dodge's muscle cars. The Durango's diverse range of models catered to various preferences, offering track-ready equipment and unique packaging.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its powertrain options with the seven-seat Atlas, featuring a standard 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine and an optional 3.6-litre V6 engine. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbo-four produced 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the V6 delivered 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. The VR6 engine, despite its lively acceleration from a stop, lacked midrange power, and the transmission was slow to react. The ride quality was subpar, with noticeable bumps and potholes, and the cabin allowed wind and tire noise. The Cross Sport's towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms for the VR6 and 907 kilograms for the four-cylinder models. AWD versions featured Active Control with multiple drive modes and 20.3 centimetres of ground clearance.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered four engine options: a 3.6-litre V6, a 5.7-litre HEMI V8, a 392 HEMI V8, and a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8. The V6 produced up to 295 horsepower, while the 5.7-litre V8 delivered 360 hp. The 392 HEMI V8 offered 475 hp, and the supercharged 6.2-litre V8 in the SRT Hellcat produced 710 hp. The Durango's engines were paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions, and AWD was standard in Canada. The Durango's steering was precise, but the chassis showed its age, with a reactionary suspension. The SRT models featured SRT Performance Pages for track days, and the R/T model offered a Tow N Go Package with a towing capacity of 8,700 pounds. The Durango's V8 engines provided ample power, and the SUV remained stable with a trailer attached.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered competitive interior space for a two-row midsize crossover, with ample front-seat and rear-seat legroom. However, the sloping roofline compromised rear headroom. Cargo space was above average, with 1,141 litres with the rear seats in place and 2,203 litres with them folded. The second-row seats featured a 60/40 split-fold and 14-degree backrest recline. The Cross Sport included various storage solutions, such as cargo nets, cupholders, and a centre console.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler, offering comfortable seating and ample storage space. It could seat up to seven across three rows, with spacious front and second-row seats. The third row was more spacious than many competitors, with easy access. The Durango's cargo space was average for its class, and the SUV's fit and finish had improved significantly. The Durango's midsize packaging made it a versatile family vehicle with an athletic design.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was equipped with two infotainment systems. The base Trendline trim featured the MIB2 system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while other trims received the MIB3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen. Both systems included USB-C ports, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The MIB3 system added multiple-device pairing and updated voice recognition. Execline models featured the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit and a 12-speaker Fender audio system. The Digital Cockpit allowed for customizable displays, while analog controls provided ease of use for basic functions.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on the SXT and GT trims, with higher trims receiving a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect 5 system. The Uconnect 5 system was faster and offered greater personalization, connected services, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with clear graphics and responsive touch controls. The Durango also offered a rear-seat family entertainment system with Blu-ray and DVD players. SRT models received unique appearance features, and the TomTom navigation system provided easy-to-read graphics and quick responses.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earned top "Good" scores in IIHS crash tests, with mixed headlight ratings. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The Cross Sport also featured an Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System. New for 2021, Travel Assist and Emergency Assist were available on Execline models.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's safety features were limited compared to rivals. It came standard with a back-up camera and passive safety features. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The IIHS rated the Durango as Marginal for a small overlap frontal impact, and the NHTSA gave it a five-star side crash-test rating.