2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

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 updates added 2.4 inches to the vehicle's 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 cosmetic changes, the Atlas retained its MQB platform, which is shared with other VW models like the Jetta and Golf. The interior followed a minimalist design, offering a standard seven-seat configuration with available captain’s chairs. However, the material quality, especially in the mid-level SE with Technology trim, was below average, with cheap-feeling plastics and faux wood and metal trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport featured a more rakish design by removing the third row, lowering the roofline, and shortening the SUV's length. This resulted in a bold and sporty appearance, particularly in the SEL Premium R-Line trim with 21-inch wheels. The interior was spacious for five passengers, with generous rear legroom and a variety of color combinations that conveyed an upscale feel. However, the use of hard, glossy plastics detracted from the overall quality impression. The Atlas Cross Sport offered a slightly lower price than a similarly equipped standard Atlas, making it an attractive option for those seeking style and savings.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter VR6 engine with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard and 4Motion all-wheel drive optional. The driving experience with the base engine and AWD was underwhelming, with adequate acceleration but rough shifts and poor ride quality. The VR6 engine provided a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, while the four-cylinder was limited to 2,000 pounds. Fuel economy ratings were not impressive, with the four-cylinder achieving 22 mpg combined and the VR6 19 mpg combined.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport also offered the same two engine options. The V6 engine, standard in the SEL Premium R-Line trim, felt more energetic in the two-row version despite the vehicle's weight. However, the drivetrain occasionally lacked refinement, and the test vehicle averaged 19.2 mpg. The suspension tuning was criticized for being too firm at low speeds and too soft at higher speeds, resulting in a harsh ride on imperfect roads. The Cross Sport excelled in highway driving, where the ride quality was more agreeable. Off-road capabilities were limited due to the vehicle's ground clearance and tire design.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas was designed as a family hauler with three rows of seating, offering 96.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats and 20.6 cubic feet with all seats up. While it provided more third-row legroom than most competitors, the second-row legroom was lacking, and the bench seat was uncomfortable. The interior featured logically laid-out controls and up to five USB ports, along with an optional wireless charging pad. The Atlas also offered a tall driving position, but forward visibility was less than optimal.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its wheelbase and track width with the larger model, resulting in a roomy interior for five passengers. The test vehicle included 10-way power-adjustable front seats, heated rear seats, and a dual-zone climate control system. The cargo area was spacious, with deep wells for additional storage. Despite the reduced cargo space compared to the seven-passenger model, the Cross Sport could easily accommodate full-size suitcases and other items.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas came with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The base S trim had a 6.5-inch infotainment screen, while higher trims featured an 8-inch screen. The Digital Cockpit was available on higher trims, offering a 10.3-inch digital display. The MIBIII infotainment system was introduced later in the model year, adding multi-phone pairing and improved voice recognition. The SE with Technology trim had an 8-inch screen, but the display was plain and text-heavy. A 12-speaker Fender audio system was available on SEL and higher trims, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was introduced for 2021.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE came standard with Volkswagen Digital Cockpit and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Higher trims featured a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit and an 8-inch touchscreen with additional features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and wireless smartphone charging. The infotainment system offered access to Car-Net connected services, including remote start and a WiFi hotspot. However, the user experience was sometimes frustrating, and pairing a smartphone for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto was recommended. The SEL Premium R-Line trim included a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system, which was highly praised.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received top ratings in IIHS crash tests, except for a "marginal" rating for child-seat anchors and mixed headlight ratings. The NHTSA gave the 2020 model 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 model year.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring as standard. Higher trims added features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and IQ Drive, which included Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. The SEL Premium R-Line trim featured a semi-autonomous Parking Steering Assistant and an Area View 360-degree camera system. While Travel Assist was generally accurate, it occasionally lacked refinement. The Cross Sport received favorable crash-test ratings, though not the highest accolades.