2021 Hyundai Kona vs 2021 Volkswagen Atlas

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 Hyundai Kona featured a funky design that blended mild and wild styling elements. The front grille was flanked by lighting features, with additional lights above and fog lights below on some trims. The rear design was more subdued, with a standard crossover shape and lighting configuration. The interior managed to pull off a similar attitude without being too whimsical or busy. The seats featured neat patterns and standard cloth upholstery, with higher trims offering leather on the steering wheel and seats. The well-organized interior included an infotainment system touchscreen mounted high on the dash and physical climate controls, making the layout simple and intuitive.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options. The standard 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four produced 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. A 3.6-liter VR6 engine, available on SE with Technology and higher trims, delivered 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional 4Motion all-wheel drive (AWD). The 4Motion system could send power to the rear wheels when needed. However, the driving experience with the base 2.0-liter engine and AWD was underwhelming, with rough shifts and poor ride quality. The VR6 models could tow up to 5,000 pounds, while the four-cylinder models were limited to 2,000 pounds. Fuel economy for the four-cylinder models was 22 mpg combined with FWD and 21 mpg combined with AWD. VR6 models achieved 19 mpg combined with FWD and 18 mpg combined with AWD.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona offered two powertrain options. The base model featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The optional turbocharged 1.6-liter engine delivered 195 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. FWD was standard, with AWD available for an additional $1,400. The Kona handled and drove with confidence, feeling agile and engaging. Fuel economy for the base engine with FWD was 27/33/30 mpg city/highway/combined, while AWD models achieved 25/30/27 mpg. The turbo engine with FWD delivered 28/32/30 mpg, and AWD models achieved 26/29/27 mpg.

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 had the worst second-row legroom in its class. The second-row bench seat was uncomfortable with thin, flat cushions. The interior controls were logically laid out, and up to five USB ports were available across the first and second rows. The Atlas also featured up to 17 cupholders and a tall driving position, but forward visibility was less than optimal. Ultrasonic parking sensors were standard, with additional safety features available on higher trims.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona offered decent headroom and legroom for front-seat passengers, with an optional sunroof that didn't significantly reduce headroom. The front seats were wide and well-padded but lacked support. Back-seat passengers had good headroom but limited legroom. The large rear door openings made loading and unloading children easier, but large rear-facing car seats could cause issues for taller front passengers. The Kona had limited cargo space, only beating out the Mazda CX-3 in its segment. However, the rear seats could fold to expand the cargo area, and small-item storage spaces were generous and conveniently located.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas came with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone compatibility. The base S trim level featured a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, while other models had an 8-inch screen. Higher trims 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 model year, which included 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 higher trims. A built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was also new for 2021.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona was equipped with an eight-inch infotainment system touchscreen, Bluetooth, six speakers, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and USB inputs. Available tech included SiriusXM radio, navigation, wireless device charging, a Harman Kardon audio system, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen system. Hyundai's infotainment software was simple, colorful, and responsive, making it easy to navigate and use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were significant benefits, especially for lower trims, bringing navigation, streaming audio, and voice controls to every model.

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 sophisticated driver aids later in the model year, including Travel Assist and Emergency Assist.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, with "Good" scores in all crash test areas. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a driver attention warning system, and rear occupant alert. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a head-up display, and parking sensors.