2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

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 shared with the Atlas Cross Sport model. These changes added 6 centimetres to its length, giving the Atlas a more extroverted appearance compared to the previous year's 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 Nissan Kicks received a bolder exterior design, aligning it with other Nissan models like the Armada and Rogue. The Kicks featured a distinctive "double V-motion" grille and thinner, longer headlights. The SR and SR Premium trims boasted LED multi-reflector headlights and fog lights. The rear design included a new bumper and LED taillights, giving the Kicks a proportionate look reminiscent of the Nissan Leaf. The Kicks offered a variety of new paint options and a two-tone paint job, enhancing its upmarket appearance. The interior saw improvements in material quality, drawing inspiration from the 2020 Nissan Sentra, with new seat and door designs and a full centre console armrest in higher trims.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a standard 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 Atlas's driving experience was underwhelming, with adequate acceleration but rough shifts and poor ride quality. The AWD system included various drive modes, but the Atlas lacked a 4WD system with low range, limiting its off-road capabilities. The VR6 models had a towing capacity of 2,267 kilograms, while the four-cylinder models could tow up to 900 kilograms. Fuel efficiency was not impressive, with the four-cylinder engine rated at 10.9 litres per 100 kilometres combined and the VR6 at 12.9 litres per 100 kilometres combined.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came with a single powertrain option: a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine producing 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive. The Kicks offered nimble handling, aided by electric power-assisted steering and a front independent strut stabilizer bar suspension. While the Kicks was low-powered, it had a good power-to-weight ratio, making it suitable for its size. The CVT could get noisy under heavy acceleration, but the Kicks maintained good nature on icy roads. The Kicks featured standard 16-inch steel wheels on the base model, with 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels on higher trims. Fuel efficiency was a highlight, with ratings of 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 6.6 on the highway, and 7.2 combined.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas was designed as a family hauler, offering three rows of seating and a total cargo space of 2,741 litres behind the front seats. It provided more third-row legroom than most competitors, but at the expense of 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. The interior controls were logically laid out, with up to five USB ports and a wireless charging pad available. The Atlas had a tall driving position, but forward visibility was limited. It came with standard ultrasonic parking sensors and available active park assist.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks made efficient use of its small size, with easy-to-reach buttons and knobs throughout the cabin. It offered good small-item storage, easy-access USB ports, and multiple smartphone storage options. The Kicks featured a D-shaped steering wheel, adjustable front seats, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. It had best-in-class front seat legroom, though hip room was limited. The available tonneau cover provided hidden storage in the rear cargo area.

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, offering a 10.3-inch digital display. The Atlas was set to receive the MIBIII infotainment system later in the model year, with improved features. The base audio system was decent, with a 12-speaker Fender audio system available on the Execline trim.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered a range of modern technology features. The base model included a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and more. Higher trims added features like Nissan Intelligent Key, automatic climate control, and a USB-C port. The Kicks SR Premium boasted a class-exclusive Bose Personal Plus sound system with eight speakers, including headrest speakers. It also featured a surround-view monitor for easier parking.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received top ratings in IIHS crash tests, with a "marginal" rating for child-seat anchors and mixed headlight ratings. The NHTSA gave the 2020 model a five-star overall rating. The Atlas came with standard automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with additional driver assistance features available on higher trims. The Execline trim was set to receive more advanced driver aids later in the model year.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, including features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. It had 10 airbags and additional safety features on higher trims. The 2020 model received good marks in IIHS crash tests, and the 2021 model was expected to improve with new headlights. The NHTSA gave the 2021 Kicks a four-star overall rating.