2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh that included 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, which is shared with other VW models like the Jetta and Golf. The interior of the Atlas was minimalist, with a focus on functionality, though the material quality was below average, with cheap-feeling plastics and faux wood and metal trim.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Odyssey maintained a familiar look with minor updates, such as a new grille, front bumper, and LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation. The Touring trim introduced a new 19-inch wheel design, and the overall modifications aimed to modernize the Odyssey's appearance. The interior featured perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, along with new dashboard ambient lighting for an upscale feel. The Odyssey's interior was designed for comfort and practicality, with improvements in seating material and design, as well as new tri-colour floor mats to better hide dirt.

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 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 adequate acceleration but rough shifts. Handling was truck-like, and the ride quality was poor, with every pavement imperfection felt in the cabin. The Atlas had a towing capacity of 2,267 kilograms with the VR6 engine, while the four-cylinder model could tow up to 900 kilograms. 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 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 horsepower, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The drivetrain provided smooth and effortless power, with variable cylinder management for improved fuel efficiency. The Odyssey's fuel consumption was rated at 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres combined, and it averaged 10.8 L/100 km during testing. While all-wheel drive was unavailable, the Odyssey featured a new electronic brake booster for improved brake pedal feel and response. The ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm but comfortable suspension. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during heavy use, indicating a need for an upgrade.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered average passenger and cargo space for its segment, with 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 interior featured a driver-focused layout with easy-to-reach controls and up to five USB ports. The Atlas had a tall driving position, but forward visibility was limited. It included standard ultrasonic parking sensors and available low-speed automatic braking and active park assist.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey excelled in interior space and storage, with a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout allowed for versatile seating configurations, and the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space was generous, with 929 litres behind the third-row seat, 2,452 litres with the third-row seat tumbled, and a maximum of 3,984 litres. However, removing the second-row seats for maximum cargo volume was cumbersome. The Odyssey's interior featured logical controls and ample storage, though the wireless smartphone charger took up space on the centre console.

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 VW's new 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 Honda Odyssey featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and satellite radio. Higher trims added a navigation system, CabinWatch interior camera, and CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. The Touring trim included an 11-speaker premium audio system, wireless smartphone charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray disc player, and streaming apps, though it was not a touchscreen.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received top "good" ratings 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 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with standard Honda Sensing, which included low-speed follow capability, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey was expected to earn a Top Safety Pick recommendation from the IIHS, and it received top five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance. The Odyssey's ADAS worked accurately, though the adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning system could be smoother.