2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

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 detracted from its overall appeal. 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 exterior lighting and a range of wheel options, from 18-inch alloys to optional 21-inch wheels, were available, with the R-Line package adding sportier styling elements. Inside, the minimalist design was visually pleasing but let down by subpar materials, with leather upholstery and contrast stitching failing to elevate the interior's feel. The use of multiple dark colours and a flat-bottom steering wheel added to the interior's lack of warmth and sophistication.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L exuded elegance and maintained its recognizable Jeep identity with features like the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches. The L model, introduced first, seamlessly integrated its extended body to accommodate third-row seating, making the standard Grand Cherokee appear truncated. The vehicle's design was enhanced by modernized lighting, improved paint finish, and panel fit. High-end trims like the Summit and Summit Reserve added black roofs, larger wheels, and chrome accents, elevating the vehicle's visual appeal. The interior was a testament to luxury, with dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, and Palermo leather seating. The tactile quality and style were reminiscent of a Mercedes, offering a premium experience. Even in all-black, the interior provided enough detail and contrast to keep passengers comfortable, with lighter tan leather options adding a touch of luxury.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two powertrain options: a standard 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four and an optional 3.6-litre V6 engine, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbo-four engine, part of the EA888 family, produced 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. The V6, a VR6 with a narrow "V" angle, delivered 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. While the VR6 engine provided a lively acceleration experience, it lacked midrange power, and the transmission was slow to react. The ride quality was subpar, with noticeable bumps and potholes, and the cabin allowed in significant wind and tire noise. The VR6 models had a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms, while the four-cylinder models were limited to 907 kilograms. The Cross Sport's AWD versions featured Active Control with multiple drive modes and 20.3 centimetres of ground clearance, but it lacked the off-road prowess of the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine options: a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 and a 5.7-litre V8, both mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, 4WD was standard, with three different systems available. The V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, felt underpowered for the vehicle's size, with engine noise permeating the cabin. The V8, available on higher trims, offered 357 hp and 390 lb-ft, providing a more satisfying performance. Fuel efficiency for the V6 was rated at 13.0 L/100 km city, 9.4 highway, and 11.3 combined, while the V8 was less efficient. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was a standout feature, offering a stellar ride with optional air suspension and five ride height settings. The vehicle's driving modes, similar to Land Rover's, adjusted various systems for different terrains. The Grand Cherokee L boasted a maximum towing capacity of 3,265 kilograms, making it a strong contender for those needing towing capabilities.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered competitive interior space for a two-row midsize crossover, with front-seat and rear-seat legroom near the top of its class. However, the steeply sloping roofline compromised rear headroom, making it less accommodating 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 trims added a foot-activated tailgate. The vehicle included various storage solutions, such as cargo nets, cupholders, and a large centre console.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its simplicity and sleek interface. Physical switches for climate and stereo controls complemented the touchscreen, providing ease of use. The vehicle offered ample space in all rows, with the third row accommodating average adults comfortably. Second-row captain's chairs were standard, with a 60/40 split bench available. A panoramic roof, large windows, and multiple USB ports enhanced the travel experience. However, the air vents were insufficient, requiring the fan to be on high, which was noisy.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was equipped with two infotainment systems: the MIB2 system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen on the base trim and the MIB3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen on higher trims. 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. The Execline trim featured the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit and a 12-speaker Fender audio system. However, the MIB3 system was slow to load, and the Fender audio system was underwhelming. The Digital Cockpit display offered customizable configurations, and analog controls provided ease of use for basic functions.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered premium features on upper trims, such as massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and a 360-degree camera system. The Active Driving Assist system provided steering assistance on highways. The navigation system integrated with the instrument panel, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto allowed for seamless connectivity. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind spot monitoring. The Summit trims added features like automatic parking and traffic sign recognition. The Summit Reserve trim boasted a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system, while lower trims had simpler stereo options.

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 tests. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. 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 automated lane centring and emergency stopping capabilities.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, trailer sway control, and various driver aids. The vehicle's safety equipment was comprehensive, but official ratings were not yet available.