2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh, featuring new front and rear bumpers, standard LED headlights and taillights, and a redesigned grille. These changes extended the Atlas by 6 centimetres, giving it a more extroverted appearance compared to the previous model. The R-Line trim added sportier bumpers and side skirts, while the drag coefficient remained at 0.34, typical for a high-riding SUV. Despite the cosmetic updates, the Atlas continued to ride on the MQB platform, shared with other VW models like the Jetta and Golf. The interior maintained a minimalist design, 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 plastics and faux wood and metal trim.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, a smaller sibling to the anticipated Bronco, offered a modern retro design reminiscent of a Land Rover. It featured short front and rear overhangs, tall fender wells, and a tucked-in body for trail driving. The bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, along with minimal Ford branding, emphasized its rugged appeal. Wheel options varied across trims, with the Base model sporting 17-inch wheels and the Outer Banks featuring 18-inch wheels. The interior was rugged yet uncluttered, with a unique HVAC vent design and an 8-inch infotainment screen. The Bronco Sport catered to active lifestyles, with features like a rubberized cargo floor and a variety of seating options.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-litre VR6 with 276 hp and 266 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Motion all-wheel drive. The 4Motion system could switch to front-wheel drive to save fuel but provided power to the rear wheels when needed. Despite the available Offroad mode and 20.3 centimetres of ground clearance, the Atlas was better suited for pavement due to its lack of a 4WD system with low range. The VR6 models could tow up to 2,267 kilograms, while the four-cylinder models were limited to 900 kilograms. Fuel efficiency was unimpressive, 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 Ford Bronco Sport featured two engine choices: a 1.5-litre EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder with 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo four-cylinder with 245 hp and 275 lb-ft. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, thanks to its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and generous ground clearance. It offered a terrain management system with up to seven G.O.A.T. modes, enhancing its off-road capabilities. On-road, the Bronco Sport was a competent commuter, with the 2.0-litre engine providing a more satisfying driving experience.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas, a three-row crossover, offered 2,741 litres of cargo space behind the front seats and 583 litres with all seats up. It provided more third-row legroom than most competitors but sacrificed second-row legroom. The second-row bench seat was uncomfortable, with thin cushions. The Atlas featured a sliding second-row bench for easier third-row access, and controls were logically laid out for the driver. It included up to five USB ports and a wireless charging pad, along with 17 cupholders. The tall driving position was typical for crossovers, but forward visibility was limited. Parking sensors and optional active park assist helped with parking.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active buyers with features like a cargo area designed to hold two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes. It offered over 100 accessories for transporting outdoor gear. The roof could support up to 68 kilograms, and the 2.0-litre engine could tow up to 997 kilograms. The cargo area included a flip-up rear glass, a slide-out work table, and a 400-watt inverter. The front cabin featured ample storage compartments, but outward visibility was a concern for taller drivers. The driving position was not ideal for off-road visibility, but the interior was well-suited for organizing gadgets and tools.

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 multi-phone pairing and improved voice recognition. The base audio system was decent, with a 12-speaker Fender audio system available on the Execline trim.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included FordPass Connect with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The base audio system had six speakers, with a Bang & Olufsen sound system available on higher trims. The terrain management system offered multiple G.O.A.T. modes, and trail control technology provided cruise-control-like assistance for off-roading. Intelligent access with push-button start was standard on most trims, and a 6.5-inch digital instrument panel was available on higher trims.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received a "good" rating in all IIHS crash tests, 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. 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.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and more. AWD and a terrain management system with G.O.A.T. modes were standard on all models. The Bronco Sport received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.