2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2021 Honda CR-V

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 was reminiscent of the "crossover coupes" from luxury automakers, though the styling was somewhat unconventional. The vehicle was shorter and lower than the seven-seat Atlas, maintaining the same wheelbase, and featured standard LED exterior lighting. The interior, while minimalist and functional, was marred by subpar materials, with leather upholstery that felt rubbery and an overuse of dark colours that created a less welcoming atmosphere.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V's design was more conventional, blending seamlessly with other compact crossovers. While its exterior styling was not particularly distinctive, the CR-V offered a few unique details like its grille and chromed plastic features. The interior was designed for functionality, with a focus on comfort and practicality. The CR-V provided a modern look with angular seats and headrests, and higher trims offered wood panels and chrome for an upscale appearance. Despite its understated design, the CR-V was practical and comfortable for everyday use.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two powertrain options: a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6 engine provided a lively acceleration experience, though it lacked midrange power, and the transmission was slow to react. The ride quality was subpar, with noticeable bumps and noise, and the handling was more akin to a truck than a sporty SUV. The VR6 models had a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms, while the four-cylinder models could tow 907 kilograms.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower. It offered smooth and steady acceleration, with a 0-100 km/h time of about 8 seconds. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided a less engaging driving experience compared to competitors with conventional transmissions. The CR-V came standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option. Its suspension setup provided decent handling and ride quality, making it a reliable choice for everyday driving.

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 available with the rear seats in place and 2,203 litres with them folded. The vehicle featured a variety of storage solutions, including a large centre console and a second-row armrest with integrated cupholders.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in interior space, offering more than 100 litres of additional volume compared to the Toyota RAV4. It provided ample cargo space, with 1,065 litres available with the rear seats folded. The CR-V's tailgate options varied by trim, with the Touring trim offering a hands-free power tailgate. Roof rails were standard on most trims, enhancing the vehicle's practicality for carrying additional gear.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport featured two infotainment systems: the MIB2 with a 6.5-inch touchscreen for the base trim, and the MIB3 with an 8-inch touchscreen for higher trims. Both systems included USB-C ports, Bluetooth, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. The MIB3 system added multiple-device pairing and updated voice recognition. The Execline trim offered a Digital Cockpit display and a 12-speaker Fender audio system, though the latter was underwhelming in sound quality.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came standard with a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Audio systems varied by trim, with the Touring trim featuring a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. The CR-V also provided ample charging options, including USB ports and a wireless phone charger in the Touring trim. Satellite navigation was available on higher trims.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received top "Good" scores in IIHS crash tests, with mixed headlight ratings. It earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Cross Sport also offered unique features like the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System. New for 2021 were Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, available on the Execline trim.

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 system, which included a suite of advanced safety features as standard across all trims. These included a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The only feature not standard on the base trim was blind spot monitoring, which was available on higher trims.