2021 Hyundai Kona vs 2021 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh, featuring new front and rear bumpers, standard LED headlights and taillights, and a redesigned grille. These updates 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, although the fake chrome exhaust tips were considered a bit cheesy. Despite its boxy design, the Atlas maintained a drag coefficient of 0.34. The interior followed a minimalist approach, with a sensible layout and standard seven-seat configuration. However, the material quality was below average, with cheap-feeling plastics and faux wood and metal trim.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Kona presented a funky and playful design, appealing to younger buyers. Its front featured a busy grille and lighting arrangement, while the rear was more subdued. Inside, the Kona balanced uniqueness with simplicity, offering neat seat patterns and a well-organized infotainment system. The interior was intuitive, with physical climate controls and an easy-to-navigate layout. Higher trims offered leather upgrades, enhancing the overall feel without being overly whimsical.

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 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 noticeable impacts from road imperfections. The Atlas had a towing capacity of up to 2,267 kilograms with the VR6, but fuel efficiency was unimpressive, with the four-cylinder rated at 10.9 L/100 km combined.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona featured a base 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 1.6-litre turbocharged engine delivering 195 hp and 195 lb-ft. The base engine came with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the turbo engine had a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The Kona handled confidently, offering agility and engagement despite its modest power. Fuel consumption was efficient, with the base engine and FWD rated at 7.9 L/100 km combined, and the turbo engine with AWD at 8.6 L/100 km.

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 was uncomfortable, with thin cushions. Controls were logically laid out, and the Atlas featured up to five USB ports and a wireless charging pad. It also had 17 cupholders and a tall driving position, though forward visibility was limited.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona provided decent front-seat headroom and legroom, with controls easily accessible. The rear seats offered good headroom but limited legroom. The Kona's cargo space was limited, only surpassing the Mazda CX-3 in its segment. However, small-item storage was generous, with large door pockets and a spacious centre console.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas included Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. Base models 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, offering a 10.3-inch digital display. The infotainment system was easy to navigate but lacked visual appeal. A 12-speaker Fender audio system was available on the Execline trim.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona came with an eight-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and six speakers. Available features included SiriusXM radio, navigation, a Harman Kardon audio system, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with colourful and responsive software. Wireless smartphone connectivity was a significant advantage for Kona buyers.

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 awarded 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 2021 Hyundai Kona earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision avoidance assist, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Optional upgrades included lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors.