2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2022 Land Rover Defender

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. These changes added 6 centimetres to its length, giving it a more extroverted appearance compared to the previous model. The R-Line trim package further enhanced its sporty look with unique bumpers and side skirts. Despite these updates, the Atlas maintained its MQB platform, shared with other VW models like the Jetta and Golf. The interior followed a minimalist approach, with a standard seven-seat configuration and available second-row captain’s chairs on higher trims. However, the material quality was below average, with cheap-feeling plastics and faux wood and metal trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Defender retained its distinctive boxy profile, reminiscent of the original version, with a tailgate-mounted spare wheel and flat hood. The modern design incorporated rounded corners and recessed LED headlights, offering a unique personality. The Defender's interior was spacious, with improved headroom and legroom compared to its predecessor. The rugged character was emphasized with bare metal and exposed screws, while high-end models featured a mix of leather and suede upholstery. The Defender's design allowed for off-road capability without compromising on-road comfort, making it a versatile choice for both urban and adventurous settings.

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 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 driving experience with the base engine was underwhelming, with rough shifts and truck-like handling. The Atlas had a towing capacity of up to 2,267 kilograms with the VR6 engine, but its fuel efficiency was unimpressive, with ratings of 10.9 litres per 100 kilometres for the four-cylinder and 12.9 litres for the VR6.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender introduced a new V8 engine producing 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, capable of accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds. It joined the existing 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 296 hp and a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six mild-hybrid powertrain with 395 hp. All engines were mated to a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case. The Defender excelled in off-road conditions, with features like a 4WD system with low range and up to 29 centimetres of ground clearance. It also offered a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms, surpassing many luxury SUVs.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas was designed as a family hauler, offering three rows of seating and a total cargo space of 2,741 litres with the seats folded. It provided more third-row legroom than most competitors but sacrificed second-row legroom. The interior featured logically laid-out controls and up to five USB ports, along with a wireless charging pad. The Atlas had a tall driving position, but forward visibility was limited. Parking aids like ultrasonic sensors and active park assist were available on higher trims.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered versatile seating configurations, with the two-door Defender 90 providing 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats. The four-door Defender 110 was available in two-row and three-row configurations, with cargo space ranging from 160 litres to 1,875 litres, depending on the seat arrangement. The interior emphasized functionality, with easy-to-reach controls and a large centre-console storage bin. Optional features included a basket-style roof rack and cargo boxes for additional storage.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas came with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The base model featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while higher trims had an 8-inch screen with satellite radio. The Digital Cockpit was available on select trims, offering a 10.3-inch digital display. The infotainment system was user-friendly but lacked visual appeal. A 12-speaker Fender audio system was optional on the Execline trim.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender featured the Pivi Pro infotainment system with a 10-inch central touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster was standard on most trims, with an optional 11.4-inch touchscreen. The interface was visually appealing, though the screen required a firm touch. A surround-view camera system was standard, with optional features like a 14-speaker Meridian audio system and head-up display.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received top ratings in IIHS crash tests, except for a "marginal" rating for child-seat anchors and mixed headlight ratings. 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 model year.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender included standard driver-assist features like lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was optional. Safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available, which is common for luxury vehicles.