2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2022 Honda Odyssey

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 was shorter and lower than its seven-seat counterpart, maintaining the same wheelbase. Standard LED lighting and various wheel options added to its exterior appeal, while the R-Line package offered sportier styling. Inside, the minimalist design was visually appealing but marred by subpar materials, with leather upholstery and contrast stitching failing to elevate the overall feel. The interior's dark colour scheme and flat-bottom steering wheel further detracted from its appeal.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Odyssey offered a more traditional minivan design with a touch of style. Its kinked sliding doors and hockey-stick character lines added visual interest, while the Touring trim featured dark grey 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The interior boasted quality leather upholstery, supportive seats, and a tri-zone climate control system. The open-concept design provided ample storage space, and the centre stack's intuitive layout made it easy to use. The Odyssey's expansive windshield and small front quarter windows enhanced visibility, creating a sense of openness. Overall, the Odyssey's design prioritized functionality and comfort, making it a practical choice for families.

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 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 midrange performance was less impressive. The ride quality was subpar, with noticeable bumps and potholes, and the handling was more akin to a truck than a sporty SUV. 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 was not well-suited for off-road adventures.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The front-wheel-drive minivan offered a smooth and enjoyable driving experience, with responsive handling and quick acceleration. However, the brakes tended to heat up during downhill driving, leading to pedal vibration and noise. The Odyssey averaged 10.4 litres per 100 kilometres during testing, with a Natural Resources Canada estimate of 10.6 L/100 km in combined driving. While not as fuel-efficient as hybrid competitors, the Odyssey's driving dynamics made it a more engaging choice for those who value performance in a family vehicle.

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 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. The vehicle included various storage solutions, such as cargo nets, cupholders, and a centre console, but the overall interior design was let down by the use of hard and shiny plastics.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey excelled in interior space and versatility. The minivan's low ride height and wide-opening doors made entry and exit easy. The Touring trim featured quality leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and a tri-zone climate control system. Storage options were plentiful, with numerous compartments and a centre console tray. The second-row Magic Slide seats allowed for flexible configurations, enhancing safety and convenience. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the Odyssey offered 929 litres of cargo space behind it. Folding the third-row seat increased cargo capacity to 2,452 litres, and removing the second-row seats provided a massive 3,984 litres of space.

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 higher trims received the MIB3 system with an 8-inch display. 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, but it was slow to load and the Fender audio system was underwhelming. The Digital Cockpit display offered customizable gauge configurations, and analog controls simplified basic functions.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Touring trim came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, satellite radio, Bluetooth, and smartphone connectivity. The Touring trim also included CabinWatch and CabinTalk technologies, a rear entertainment system with a 10.2-inch screen, and an 11-speaker premium audio system. However, the infotainment system was outdated compared to competitors, with a small screen and limited voice recognition capabilities. The Odyssey's technology package was functional but in need of an upgrade to remain competitive.

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, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. Unique to the Cross Sport were the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System. New for 2021 were Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, offering lane centring and automatic stopping capabilities.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey came standard with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Odyssey also featured automatic high-beam headlights and a rear-seat reminder system. The Touring trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. While Honda Sensing was comprehensive, it lacked refinement and could be overly sensitive. The Odyssey earned a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.