2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2022 Lexus NX

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 the Atlas a more extroverted appearance compared to its 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 of the Atlas was minimalist, with a focus on functionality, although the material quality was below average, with cheap-feeling plastics and faux wood and metal trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX was redesigned with a focus on simplicity and refinement, evident in its new spindle grille and block lettering on the tailgate. The NX was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, offering more passenger and cargo space. The interior featured a minimalist design, with many functions integrated into a large touchscreen, which could be challenging to use at first. The NX 350 F Sport stood out with its unique grille, body-colour fender trim, and sport-bolstered seats. While the NX's interior was comfortable and well-appointed, some controls were not immediately intuitive, and the turn signal felt inexpensive.

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 horsepower and 266 lb-ft 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 none improved on-road handling. The Atlas had a towing capacity of up to 2,267 kilograms with the VR6 engine, but its fuel efficiency was unimpressive, with the four-cylinder model rated at 10.9 litres per 100 kilometres combined.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions: the NX 350h hybrid with 239 horsepower and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid with 302 horsepower. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The NX 350 F Sport added adaptive variable sports suspension and performance dampers, enhancing its driving dynamics. The NX's handling was impressive, with the F Sport providing a more engaging experience. Fuel consumption for the NX 350 was estimated at 9.5 L/100 km combined, with the F Sport consuming slightly more at 10.6 L/100 km.

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 at the expense of 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. It came with standard ultrasonic parking sensors and optional active park assist.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered more interior room, with a 14% increase in cargo space behind the back seat, totalling 643 litres. The interior was comfortable, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada. The NX featured a panoramic glass sunroof and a Thematic Ambient Illumination system with 14 themes. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample space and amenities like rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. The NX's interior was thoughtfully designed, with padded areas for added comfort.

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 higher trims, offering a 10.3-inch reconfigurable display. The Atlas was set to receive VW's new MIBIII infotainment system later in the model year, which would include multi-phone pairing and improved voice recognition.

The 2022 Lexus NX made significant advancements in technology with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system. It featured large touchscreen displays, natural voice recognition, and cloud-based features. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch screen available as an upgrade. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Voice Assistant technology. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system as an option. The NX also offered a digital mirror, a head-up display, and a digital key capability.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received top ratings in IIHS crash tests, but with a "marginal" rating for child-seat anchors and mixed headlight ratings. It had standard 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, including Travel Assist and Emergency Assist.

The 2022 Lexus NX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included features like lane keep assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. New features included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The NX also had a standard blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist. Additional safety features were available in packages, such as rear pedestrian detection and a panoramic view monitoring system.