2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2021 Subaru Outback

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh, featuring 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 its 2020 predecessor. 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 followed a minimalist approach, with a standard seven-seat configuration and options for second-row captain’s chairs on higher trims. However, the material quality was criticized for its use of cheap plastics and faux wood and metal trim.

The 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned for the 2020 model year, maintained a familiar and comfortable feel reminiscent of older Subaru models. Its interior was refreshed, especially in trims above the base, which featured a large 11.6-inch portrait display. The quality of materials was notably improved from pre-2015 models, with higher trims offering leather upholstery and contrast stitching. The Outback's exterior was characterized by its high gray cladding and smooth, plain styling. It offered a new brown paint option and standard adaptive LED headlights for 2021. The Outback's design emphasized practicality and off-road capability, with its lifted wagon stance providing a great alternative to typical crossovers or SUVs.

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 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 under low load to save fuel. However, the driving experience with the base engine was underwhelming, with rough shifts and poor ride quality. The Atlas had a towing capacity of up to 2,267 kilograms with the VR6 engine, but only 900 kilograms with the four-cylinder. 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 Subaru Outback's base engine was a 2.5-litre flat-four producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This setup was criticized for being slow and noisy, especially when loaded. The XT trims offered a more powerful 2.4-litre turbocharged flat-four engine with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, providing a significant performance improvement. The Outback's fuel efficiency was slightly better with the base engine, but the turbo XT offered a more balanced performance. The Outback excelled in ride comfort and off-road capability, with its high ground clearance and Subaru's proactive all-wheel-drive system, making it more proficient off-road than many competitors.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas was designed as a family hauler, offering 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 logical layout with easy-to-reach controls and up to five USB ports. The Atlas had a tall driving position, but forward visibility was less than optimal. It offered up to 17 cupholders and standard ultrasonic parking sensors, with additional parking aids available on higher trims.

The 2021 Subaru Outback boasted a ground clearance higher than many trucks, allowing it to tackle rough terrains with ease. It offered 2,144 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 920 litres with them raised. The interior provided ample headroom and legroom, with excellent outward visibility. Storage options were plentiful, and the Outback featured standard roof rails with integrated crossbars for easy installation of roof racks. However, some features like push-button start and rear console climate vents were not standard on lower trims. The large 11.6-inch touchscreen complicated some controls but offered a responsive interface.

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 reconfigurable display. The Atlas was set to receive the MIBIII infotainment system later in the year, enhancing multi-phone pairing and voice recognition. The base audio system was decent, with a 12-speaker Fender audio system available on the Execline trim.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system appeared dated, with graphics reminiscent of older gaming consoles. However, it offered modern tech features like adaptive cruise control and standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The optional navigation system was more modern-looking. Subaru EyeSight was standard, providing adaptive cruise, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. The system relied on cameras, which could be less effective in certain conditions compared to radar-based systems.

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 year.

The 2021 Subaru Outback was a 2020 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+," earning top ratings in all crash tests and for its forward emergency braking. The NHTSA gave the 2021 Outback an overall five-star rating, with four stars for the front passenger in a frontal crash and rollover test. Standard safety features included a driver’s knee airbag, passenger seat-cushion airbag, and Subaru EyeSight driver assist technology.