2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport retained much of the design from the regular Atlas but featured a lower roofline and a sharply angled rear hatch, giving it a unique blend of SUV ruggedness and car-like aesthetics. However, the styling was somewhat unconventional, with elements like fake exhaust tips on the rear bumper appearing tacky. The Cross Sport was slightly shorter and lower than its seven-seat counterpart, sharing the same wheelbase and platform. It came with standard LED lighting and various wheel options, with the R-Line package adding sportier exterior features. Inside, the minimalist design was visually appealing but marred by subpar materials, such as rubbery leather and hard plastics, which detracted from the overall quality. The interior's dark colour scheme and flat-bottom steering wheel were also points of contention.

Volvo's 2022 XC90 marked a significant departure from the brand's boxy past, embracing a more upscale and luxurious image while maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented reputation. The XC90's design was sleek and athletic, with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches. The "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights added a touch of Swedish heritage. Inside, the XC90 exuded "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury," with natural wood and metal trim, a crystal gear selector, and a commitment to leather-free interiors by 2030. The XC90 offered a choice of Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery, with our test car featuring leather seats that proved comfortable during a hot and humid week. The interior was spacious and airy, enhanced by a panoramic moonroof, and the climate control system performed admirably in challenging weather conditions.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two powertrain options: a standard 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 3.6-litre VR6 engine with 276 hp and 266 lb-ft 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 cabin allowed in wind and tire noise. The Cross Sport's handling was truck-like, with significant body roll and loose steering. Towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms for VR6 models and 907 kilograms for four-cylinder models. AWD versions featured Active Control with multiple drive modes and 20.3 centimetres of ground clearance.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine producing 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, and the Recharge plug-in hybrid with a combined 455 hp and 523 lb-ft. All models featured AWD and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The XC90's driving experience was superb, with minimal body roll and smooth power delivery. The Recharge model provided spirited acceleration, with the electric motor eliminating turbo lag. Fuel efficiency varied, with the Recharge offering an 8.8 L/100 km combined rating in hybrid mode and a 4.0 Le/100 km rating with a 29-kilometre EV range. Charging the battery took about five hours with a Level 2 charger.

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 them folded. The second-row seats featured a 60/40 split-fold and 14-degree backrest recline. Highline and Execline trims added a foot-activated tailgate. The interior included various storage options, such as cargo nets, cupholders, and a large centre console.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was available in six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row. The third row was suitable for children but lacked legroom for adults. Cargo capacity was 357 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,008 litres with it folded, and 1,855 litres with both the second and third rows down. The XC90 could tow up to 2,250 kilograms, depending on the configuration. The interior featured ample storage, comfortable seating, and a spacious cabin, enhanced by a panoramic moonroof. The climate control system performed well in extreme weather conditions, and the AWD system and heated features made it suitable for winter.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two infotainment systems: the MIB2 with a 6.5-inch touchscreen on the base trim and the MIB3 with an 8-inch touchscreen on higher trims. Both systems included USB-C ports, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The MIB3 added multiple-device pairing and updated voice recognition. Execline models featured a 10-inch 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 allowed for customizable configurations, and analog controls made basic functions easy to access.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. The system supported familiar gestures and Bluetooth functionality but was occasionally slow to respond. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with the former performing better in our test. The digital instrument panel was 12.3 inches and offered customization options. The Advanced package included a head-up display, a 360-degree camera system, and an advanced air cleaner. Keyless entry and a Harman-Kardon audio system were standard on R-Design and Inscription models. The XC90 included USB-A and USB-C ports for device charging.

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, lane-keep assist, and parking 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.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's commitment to safety, with features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. The Pilot Assist system combined several features for assisted driving on highways. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.