2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2021 Nissan Armada

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport presented a unique blend of SUV ruggedness and car-like features, with a low roofline and aggressively raked rear hatch. This design choice, reminiscent of luxury crossover coupes, resulted in a somewhat awkward aesthetic. The vehicle was shorter and lower than its seven-seat counterpart, maintaining the same wheelbase. Standard LED lighting and various wheel options were available, with the R-Line package adding sportier styling elements. Inside, the minimalist design was visually appealing but marred by subpar materials, such as rubbery leather and hard plastics. The interior's dark colour scheme and flat-bottom steering wheel contributed to a less welcoming atmosphere.

The 2021 Nissan Armada underwent a significant facelift, aligning its design with Nissan's new signature look. The SUV featured a redesigned grille, fenders, bumpers, and LED lighting, maintaining its traditional robust styling. Standard features included body-colour over fenders, roof rails, and a power sliding sunroof. The Armada offered 20- or 22-inch wheels, with a full-size spare tire included. Despite the updates, the interior remained dated, with modern tech features contrasting with older design elements. The quilted leather seating in the Platinum trim was comfortable, but other design choices detracted from the overall aesthetic.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-litre VR6 engine delivering 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The VR6 engine provided lively acceleration from a stop but lacked midrange power. The ride quality was subpar, with noticeable bumps and potholes, and the cabin allowed wind and tire noise. The VR6 model had a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms, while the four-cylinder model could tow 907 kilograms. The Cross Sport featured multiple drive modes and 20.3 centimetres of ground clearance, but it lacked the off-road capabilities of competitors like the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The 2021 Nissan Armada was equipped with a 5.6-litre V8 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. The Armada's 4WD system and off-road capabilities were notable, with a skid plate, double-wishbone suspension, and 23.4 centimetres of ground clearance. The SUV's fuel efficiency was less impressive, with high consumption figures. The Armada's handling improved with each revision, but its size made maneuvering challenging. The SUV had a best-in-class towing capacity of 3,856 kilograms, with standard trailer sway control and a trailer brake controller.

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, rear headroom was limited due to the sloping roofline. Cargo space was above average, with 1,141 litres behind the rear seats and 2,203 litres with the seats folded. The second-row seats featured a 60/40 split-fold and 14-degree recline. The vehicle included various storage options, such as a centre console and a cubbyhole for charge ports.

The 2021 Nissan Armada provided practicality and functionality for families, with standard running boards and in-cabin handles for easy access. The SUV's broad interior featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen, but some controls were difficult to reach. The front seats were power-adjustable, and the Platinum trim offered second-row captain's chairs. The third-row seating was less comfortable for adults. Cargo space was limited, with 1,413 litres behind the second row and 2,692 litres with all seats folded. The high load floor made loading challenging, and small-item storage was limited, except for the centre console storage bin.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two infotainment systems: the MIB2 with a 6.5-inch touchscreen and the MIB3 with an 8-inch touchscreen. Both systems included USB-C ports, Bluetooth, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The MIB3 added multiple-device pairing and updated voice recognition. The Execline trim featured a Digital Cockpit display and a 12-speaker Fender audio system. The MIB3 system was slow to load, and the voice recognition required specific prompts. The Digital Cockpit display provided useful information, and analog controls made basic functions easy to access.

The 2021 Nissan Armada featured a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, the largest in its class, with standard navigation, a 13-speaker Bose stereo, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The SUV included a WiFi hotspot, USB ports, and a wireless charging pad. The Platinum trim offered a rearview camera mirror and a rear-seat entertainment system. The analog tachometer and speedometer were functional, but the steering wheel lacked sophistication. The infotainment system was responsive, and the camera system provided clear views.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received 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, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The Cross Sport's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System were unique safety features. New for 2021, Travel Assist and Emergency Assist were available on the Execline trim.

The 2021 Nissan Armada had not been fully rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it received a three-star rollover rating. The SUV came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane departure warning. Additional safety features included adaptive cruise control and rear door alert. The Armada lacked advanced driving assist technologies like Nissan ProPilot Assist.