2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2022 Kia Carnival

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 approach, reminiscent of luxury automakers' "crossover coupes," resulted in a somewhat unconventional aesthetic. The vehicle was shorter and lower than its seven-seat counterpart, maintaining the same wheelbase, and featured standard LED lighting and a variety of wheel options. However, the interior, despite its minimalist design, was marred by subpar materials, with leather upholstery that felt rubbery and an abundance of hard and shiny plastics. The colour scheme, dominated by dark hues, did not create a welcoming atmosphere, and the flat-bottom steering wheel seemed out of place for a non-performance model.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Carnival, entirely new for its model year, boasted distinct design elements across its trims. The Carnival's SUV styling cues, such as simulated skid plates and a floating roof design, contributed to its appealing appearance. The EX trim offered a mirrored grid-pattern grille and 19-inch machined-finish wheels, while the SX trim added black wheels and VIP Lounge Seats. The Carnival's design was sharp and angular, setting it apart from competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. Inside, the Carnival continued the SUV theme with a dashboard and centre console reminiscent of a crossover, lending an upscale feel even in base trim.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two powertrain options: a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6-litre VR6 engine with 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The VR6 engine, in particular, provided a lively acceleration experience, although it lacked midrange power. The ride quality was subpar, with noticeable bumps and potholes, and the vehicle exhibited significant body roll and loose steering. The VR6 model had a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms, while the four-cylinder model could tow 907 kilograms. The Cross Sport featured Active Control with multiple drive modes and 20.3 centimetres of ground clearance, but it was not well-suited for off-road adventures.

The 2022 Kia Carnival was equipped with a new 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, driving the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Carnival's towing capacity was 1,587.5 kilograms. The V6 engine provided smooth and effortless acceleration, and the automatic transmission operated seamlessly. The Carnival offered Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with Smart mode being the most commonly used. However, the transmission occasionally exhibited delayed downshift responses. The Carnival's fuel efficiency was commendable, averaging 10.8 L/100 km during testing. The vehicle felt taut and athletic, with a flat cornering stance, although it could be stiff over uneven surfaces.

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 vehicle featured a 60/40 split-folding second-row seat and a foot-activated tailgate on higher trims. Storage options included cargo nets, cupholders, and a centre console, but the interior design was let down by subpar materials.

The 2022 Kia Carnival excelled in practicality, with eight-passenger seating on most trims. The second-row bench seat offered flexibility, with a sliding middle seat and the option to fold it flat or remove it. The SX trim featured VIP Lounge Seats with power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and Ottoman-style leg rests. The Carnival's third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the rear cargo area provided ample space. The vehicle's smart hands-free power-sliding side doors and liftgate added convenience, although they could be inadvertently activated. The Carnival offered impressive cargo capacity, with 1,139 litres behind the third-row seat and up to 4,110 litres with the second-row seats removed.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was available 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 a 10-inch Digital Cockpit display and a 12-speaker Fender audio system. However, the MIB3 system was slow to load, and the voice recognition required specific prompts. The Digital Cockpit display was a valuable addition, allowing for customizable gauge configurations.

The 2022 Kia Carnival offered a range of technology features, starting with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the LX trim. Higher trims, such as the EX+, featured a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system with HD Radio, SiriusXM, voice recognition, and UVO Link connected services. The Carnival also included a Passenger View camera, wireless smartphone charging, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster on select trims. The SX trim boasted a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Kia provided a comprehensive quick reference guide for the technology, which was generally intuitive to use.

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, blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and parking assist. The Cross Sport also featured an Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System.

The 2022 Kia Carnival offered an extensive list of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure and keeping assistance, and rear parking sensors. The EX trim added front parking sensors, active blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Carnival featured an ultrasonic rear occupant alert system and Safe Exit Assist. The EX+ trim included a surround-view camera system and a Blind View Monitor. The IIHS awarded the Carnival a Top Safety Pick rating, while the NHTSA had not yet rated it.