2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh, featuring new front and rear bumpers, standard LED headlights and taillights, and a new grille design. These changes added 6 centimetres to its length, giving the Atlas a more extroverted appearance compared to the previous model. The R-Line trim package further enhanced its sporty look with unique bumpers and side skirts. Despite these cosmetic updates, the Atlas retained its MQB platform, shared with other VW models like the Jetta and Golf. The interior followed a minimalist approach, with a standard seven-seat configuration and available second-row captain’s chairs on higher trims. However, the material quality was below average, with cheap-feeling plastics and faux wood and metal trim.

The 2021 Acura RDX, particularly in the A-Spec trim, boasted a sporty yet subtle design, avoiding excessive blacked-out trim or off-road styling cues. It was positioned as a daily driver rather than an off-road vehicle. The A-Spec trim sat in the middle of the RDX's hierarchy, with a starting price of $50,305. The interior featured sport seats with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, and red ambient lighting, creating a sporty atmosphere. However, the gauge cluster's red markings on a brushed silver background were difficult to read. The RDX's interior was praised for its quality materials and unique design, although the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system received mixed reviews.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a standard 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-litre VR6 engine with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Motion all-wheel drive. The driving experience with the base engine was underwhelming, with rough shifts and truck-like handling. The Atlas had a towing capacity of 2,267 kilograms with the VR6 engine, but only 900 kilograms with the four-cylinder engine. Fuel efficiency was not impressive, with the four-cylinder rated at 10.9 litres per 100 kilometres combined and the VR6 at 12.9 litres per 100 kilometres combined.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It came with a 10-speed automatic transmission and the SH-AWD system, which improved handling by delivering up to 70% of engine output to the rear wheels. The RDX offered various driving modes, including Sport and Sport+, which enhanced powertrain response and engine sound. The A-Spec trim had exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels with performance all-season tires, contributing to its sporty handling. However, the lack of adaptive dampers resulted in noticeable body motion on uneven roads. Despite this, the RDX was praised for its predictable handling, precise steering, and fade-resistant brakes.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas was designed as a family hauler, offering three rows of seating and a total cargo space of 2,741 litres behind the front seats. It provided more third-row legroom than most competitors but sacrificed second-row legroom, which was the worst in its class. The second-row bench seat was uncomfortable, with thin cushions. The Atlas featured a driver-focused layout with easy-to-reach controls and up to five USB ports. It also offered 17 cupholders, although forward visibility was less than optimal. Parking sensors and active park assist were available on higher trims.

The 2021 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, offered remarkable passenger and cargo space. The front seats were comfortable, with 12-way power adjustment and heating as standard. The A-Spec trim added Alcantara and leather seats, along with ventilation. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised due to a low and flat cushion, resulting in a lack of leg support. The RDX had a cargo volume of 835 litres behind the rear seat, with additional storage compartments under the cargo floor. Folding the rear seats increased cargo capacity to 1,668 litres, with a maximum value of 2,260 litres when measured with the front seats moved forward.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas came with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The base trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while higher trims featured an 8-inch screen with satellite radio. The Digital Cockpit was available on higher trims, replacing analog gauges with a 10.3-inch digital display. The Atlas was set to receive the MIBIII infotainment system later in the model year, offering improved features like multi-phone pairing and enhanced voice recognition. The base audio system was decent, with a 12-speaker Fender audio system available on the Execline trim.

The 2021 Acura RDX introduced the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad on the centre console instead of a touchscreen. While it improved upon Lexus's approach, it still required a learning curve and could be distracting. The RDX included standard satellite radio, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi tethering, with an available navigation system. The A-Spec trim featured a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, delivering excellent sound quality. Acura's approach to limiting driver distraction included physical knobs and buttons for stereo and climate controls, smartphone projection, and integrated voice-recognition technology.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received top ratings in IIHS crash tests, except for a "marginal" rating for child-seat anchors and mixed headlight ratings. The NHTSA gave the 2020 model a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist available on higher trims. The Atlas was set to receive more advanced driver aids later in the model year, including Travel Assist and Emergency Assist.

The 2021 Acura RDX came with a suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available on higher trims. The RDX earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, although it received four-star ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.