2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2021 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh that included new front and rear bumpers, standard LED headlights and taillights with updated designs, and a new grille shared with the Atlas Cross Sport. These changes added 6 centimetres to its length, giving it a more extroverted appearance compared to the 2020 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 maintained a minimalist design, offering a standard seven-seat configuration with options for captain’s chairs in higher trims. However, the material quality was criticized for feeling cheap, with plastics and simulated trim that lacked authenticity.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared much of its sheet metal with the regular Atlas but featured a lower roofline and aggressively raked rear hatch, giving it a distinct crossover coupe aesthetic. It was shorter and lower than the seven-seat Atlas, maintaining the same wheelbase. The Cross Sport also rode on the MQB platform and offered standard LED lighting across all models. The interior followed VW’s minimalist design approach but was let down by subpar materials, with hard plastics and rubbery-feeling leather. The colour scheme was dark and unwelcoming, and the flat-bottom steering wheel seemed out of place for a non-performance model.

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 an optional 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 to save fuel but provided power to the rear wheels when needed. The base engine delivered adequate acceleration, but the ride quality was poor, with noticeable impacts from road imperfections. The VR6 engine allowed for a towing capacity of 2,267 kilograms, while the four-cylinder was limited to 900 kilograms. Fuel efficiency was unimpressive, with the four-cylinder rated at 10.9 litres per 100 kilometres combined and the VR6 at 12.9 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared the same powertrain options as the Atlas, with the turbo-four and VR6 engines. The VR6 provided a livelier driving experience, but midrange acceleration was lacking, and the transmission was slow to react. Ride quality was poor, with significant noise and harshness over bumps. The Cross Sport also had a 2,268-kilogram towing capacity with the VR6, while the four-cylinder was limited to 907 kilograms. Like the Atlas, the Cross Sport featured Active Control with multiple drive modes and 20.3 centimetres of ground clearance, but it was not well-suited for off-road adventures.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas was designed as a family hauler, offering average passenger and cargo space for its segment. It provided 2,741 litres of cargo space behind the front seats and 583 litres with all seats up. The third-row legroom was better than most competitors, but second-row legroom was lacking. The second-row bench seat was uncomfortable, with thin cushions. The Atlas featured a user-friendly layout with controls within easy reach, up to five USB ports, and a wireless charging pad. It also offered up to 17 cupholders and a tall driving position, though forward visibility was limited.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered competitive interior space for a two-row midsize crossover, with ample front-seat and rear-seat legroom. However, rear headroom was compromised by the sloping roofline. Cargo space was above average, with 1,141 litres with the rear seats in place and 2,203 litres with the seats folded. The Cross Sport included standard 60/40 split-folding rear seats and a foot-activated tailgate on higher trims. It also featured various storage solutions, including a large centre console and second-row armrest with cupholders.

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 year, which would add multi-phone pairing and improved voice recognition. The base audio system was decent, with a 12-speaker Fender system available on the Execline trim.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two infotainment systems: the MIB2 with a 6.5-inch screen on the base trim and the MIB3 with an 8-inch screen on higher trims. Both systems included USB-C ports, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The MIB3 added multiple-device pairing and updated voice recognition. The Execline trim featured the Digital Cockpit and a 12-speaker Fender audio system. The MIB3 system was slow to load, and the voice recognition required specific prompts. The Digital Cockpit allowed for customizable displays, and analog controls were well-designed for basic functions.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received top “Good” ratings in all IIHS crash tests, with mixed headlight ratings and a “Marginal” rating for child-seat anchors. 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, including Travel Assist and Emergency Assist on the Execline trim.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport also earned top “Good” scores in IIHS crash tests, with mixed headlight ratings and a “Marginal” rating for child-seat anchors. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The Cross Sport offered unique features like the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System. New for 2021, Travel Assist and Emergency Assist were available on the Execline trim.