2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2022 Buick Enclave

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 awkward aesthetic. The vehicle's exterior was further marred by fake exhaust tips on the rear bumper, which appeared tacky. Despite its shorter and lower stature compared to the seven-seat Atlas, the Cross Sport maintained the same wheelbase, riding on VW’s MQB platform. Standard LED lighting and a range of wheel options, from 18-inch to optional 21-inch, were available, with the R-Line package adding sportier styling elements. Inside, the minimalist design was visually appealing but let down by subpar materials, such as rubbery leather and hard plastics. The interior's dark colour scheme and flat-bottom steering wheel did not contribute to a welcoming atmosphere.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Enclave embraced a more conservative yet functional design, reflecting its traditional customer base. Over the years, Buick transitioned from a sedan-heavy lineup to a focus on SUVs, aligning with market trends. The Enclave, a three-row crossover, received a mid-cycle refresh in 2022, featuring exterior enhancements like a new grille and wheel designs. The Avenir trim boasted unique styling elements and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave offered a restyled centre console with push-button gears and upgraded materials. The Avenir trim included standard climate-controlled front seats and heated second-row captain's chairs. The Enclave's interior was spacious, with ample room for passengers in all three rows, and the available split sunroof added to the comfort. The Avenir's Ebony perforated leather seats with unique stitching provided a touch of luxury, although not quite reaching the level of a Cadillac XT6.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two powertrain options: 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 and featured start-stop systems for improved fuel efficiency. The turbo-four engine produced 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the V6 delivered 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine, combined with all-wheel drive, provided lively acceleration from a stop, although midrange acceleration was less impressive. The ride quality was subpar, with noticeable bumps and potholes, and the cabin allowed in wind and tire noise. The Cross Sport's handling was truck-like, with significant body roll and loose steering. The VR6 models had a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms, while the four-cylinder models were rated to tow 907 kilograms. The Cross Sport featured Active Control with multiple drive modes and 20.3 centimetres of ground clearance, but it was not ideal for off-road adventures.

The 2022 Buick Enclave kept things simple with a single powertrain option: a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This engine produced 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, providing responsive acceleration despite the Enclave's weight. The Enclave's ride was smooth and quiet, thanks to Buick's QuietTuning and active noise cancellation technology. The Avenir Technology package further enhanced the ride with a premium suspension and real-time chassis damping. The Enclave handled well on various terrains, from highways to country roads, and absorbed inner-city potholes with ease. The nine-speed automatic transmission performed seamlessly, and the engine produced pleasant sounds at wide-open throttle. The Enclave's all-wheel drive and 19 centimetres of ground clearance made it capable of handling light off-road trails and wintry conditions.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered competitive interior space for a two-row midsize crossover. Front-seat and rear-seat legroom were among the best in its class, while front headroom was above average. However, the sloping roofline compromised rear headroom, making it uncomfortable for taller passengers. Cargo space was above average, with 1,141 litres available 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. Higher trim levels included a foot-activated tailgate. The Cross Sport provided various storage options, including cargo nets, cupholders, and a centre console.

The 2022 Buick Enclave excelled in providing a spacious and comfortable cabin for passengers in all three rows. Ingress and egress were easy, and visibility was excellent. The Enclave featured standard eight-way power driver and six-way power front passenger seats, both heated and with power lumbar control. Tri-zone climate control and rear-seat climate controls were standard, with Premium and Avenir trims offering additional features like second-row heated seats. The Enclave's third row accommodated six-footers comfortably, and the second-row captain's chairs facilitated access to the back. The restyled centre console housed push-button transmission gears and a covered compartment with cupholders. The Enclave offered ample cargo space, with 668 litres behind the third row, 1,634 litres with the third row folded, and 2,758 litres with both rows down. Power-folding third-row seats added convenience.

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 satellite radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. The MIB3 system added multiple-device pairing and updated voice recognition. Execline models featured the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system. The MIB3 system was slow to load, and the Fender audio system lacked quality. The Digital Cockpit display allowed for customizable configurations, and analog controls made basic functions easy to access.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a standard 4.2-inch driver information centre, with Premium and Avenir trims offering an 8-inch reconfigurable version. The Essence trim included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless phone charging. Premium and Avenir trims added navigation. The Enclave's infotainment system supported pairing up to 10 devices, with two smartphones active simultaneously. A built-in Wi-Fi hotspot could handle up to four devices. The Premium and Avenir trims featured a 10-speaker Bose audio system, although it could have used more power. The Enclave included a three-month SiriusXM 360L trial and six USB ports. Notable available features included adaptive cruise control, head-up display, and HD surround vision.

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

The 2022 Buick Enclave made significant updates to its driver-assist and safety tech, with the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package standard on all trims. This package included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-change alert, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and more. Premium trim added enhanced automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera. The NHTSA gave the Enclave a five-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS awarded it "Good" ratings in most crash tests, with an "Acceptable" score in the updated side-impact test.