2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received a styling refresh that included new front and rear bumpers, standard LED headlights and taillights, and a new grille. These changes added 2.4 inches to its length, giving it a more extroverted look compared to the 2020 model. The R-Line trim package added sportier-looking front and rear bumpers and side skirts. Despite these updates, the Atlas still rode on the same MQB platform as before, which is used by most current VW models. The interior of the Atlas took a minimalist approach, with a standard seating configuration of seven seats across three rows. However, the material quality in the mid-level SE with Technology trim was below average, with cheap-feeling plastics and simulated wood and metal trim.

The 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the optional A-Spec Package, was a good-looking SUV with subtle yet effective styling changes that conveyed sportiness. The RDX did not try to look like an off-roader, focusing instead on daily driving and road-tripping. The A-Spec Package added front sport seats with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, and other sporty interior features. The interior delivered a sporty look and feel with quality materials and a thick-rimmed steering wheel. However, the gauge cluster with red markings on a brushed silver background was hard to read, except at night.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter VR6 engine rated at 276 hp and 266 lb-ft. Both engines were coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional 4Motion all-wheel drive (AWD). The driving experience with the base 2.0-liter engine and AWD was underwhelming, with adequate acceleration but rough shifts and poor ride quality. The Atlas had an Active Control feature with different drive modes, but it did not improve on-road handling. The VR6 models could tow up to 5,000 pounds, while the four-cylinder models were rated to tow 2,000 pounds. Fuel economy for the four-cylinder models was 22 mpg combined with FWD and 21 mpg combined with AWD, while the VR6 models were rated at 19 mpg combined with FWD and 18 mpg combined with AWD.

The 2021 Acura RDX came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and front-wheel drive was standard, with the option of the SH-AWD system. The SH-AWD system improved handling, making the RDX fun to drive. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes, which calibrated powertrain character, steering effort, and suspension firmness. The A-Spec models had exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels with performance all-season tires, but the lack of adaptive dampers resulted in too much body motion on rough roads. Despite this, the RDX A-Spec was rewarding to drive with its broad torque curve, predictable handling, and precise steering.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas was designed as a family hauler with three rows of seats. It offered 96.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats and 20.6 cubic feet with all seats up. The Atlas provided more third-row legroom than most competitors, but at the expense of second-row legroom, which was the worst among its competitive set. The second-row bench seat was uncomfortable with thin, flat cushions. The Atlas had a tall driving position, but forward visibility was less than optimal. It featured up to five USB ports, an optional wireless charging pad, and up to 17 cupholders. Ultrasonic parking sensors were standard, with low-speed automatic braking and active park assist available on higher trim levels.

The 2021 Acura RDX offered remarkable passenger and cargo space for a compact SUV. The front seats were comfortable with 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation in the A-Spec trim. However, the rear seats lacked leg support and had too much recline angle, resulting in an uncomfortable seating position. The RDX had a huge tray under the center console panel, but it was not easily accessible while driving. Cargo volume was 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat, with a deep storage well and three separate storage compartments under the cargo floor. Folding the rear seats provided 58.9 cubic feet of cargo space, which was competitive but not class-leading. Acura also quoted a maximum cargo volume of 79.8 cubic feet, but this measurement was based on moving the front seats all the way forward.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas came with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone compatibility. The base S trim level had a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, while other models had an 8-inch screen. Higher trim levels offered Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, a 10.3-inch reconfigurable digital display. The Atlas was set to receive VW’s new MIBIII infotainment system later in the 2021 model year, which added multi-phone pairing capability, improved voice recognition, and a redesigned navigation system. The base six-speaker audio system was decent, with a 12-speaker Fender audio system available on SEL and higher trim levels. A built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was new for 2021, supporting up to four devices with service provided by Verizon.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad on the center console instead of a touchscreen. The TTI mirrored the screen, making it easier to use than the Lexus system, but it still required the driver to look at the screen to confirm actions. The RDX offered physical knobs and buttons for stereo and climate controls, smartphone projection with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and integrated voice-recognition technology. The A-Spec trim included a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, which sounded terrific. The RDX also offered Key by Amazon In-Car Delivery for package placement inside the vehicle.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received the top “good” rating in all IIHS crash tests, but with a “marginal” rating for child-seat anchors and mixed headlight ratings. The NHTSA had not published ratings for the 2021 model, but the 2020 model received a five-star overall rating. Every 2021 Atlas trim level had standard automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist available on higher trim levels. The Atlas was set to receive more sophisticated driver aids later in the model year, including Travel Assist and Emergency Assist on SEL and SEL Premium trim levels.

The 2021 Acura RDX came with AcuraWatch, a collection of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available with the Technology Package. The RDX earned a 2020 “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance crash tests.