2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a traditional SUV aesthetic, characterized by its tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, aligning seamlessly with Volvo's current lineup through signature design elements like the "Thor’s Hammer" LED headlights and a simple oval grille. The gasoline models offered a retro touch with a white contrasting roof option. The XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, subtle "Recharge" badging, and unique alloy wheels, alongside a gloss black roof and mirror caps. It also featured a model-exclusive Sage Green Metallic colour and a charging port in place of the fuel filler. The interior boasted a minimalist design with high-quality materials, including real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery, creating a cohesive and premium feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport adopted a sportier, coupe-like appearance by removing the third row from the standard Atlas, lowering the roofline, and shortening the SUV's length. This resulted in a bold and upscale look, particularly in the Execline trim with 21-inch machined-finish wheels. Despite its stylish exterior, the interior was marred by hard, glossy plastics that detracted from the overall quality impression. The Atlas Cross Sport offered a spacious interior for five passengers, with generous rear legroom and ample storage space, although the cargo area was reduced compared to the seven-passenger model. The Pure Grey exterior paired with a Dark Burgundy over Titan Black interior added to its upscale appearance, though the lack of lining in storage areas could lead to rattles and noise.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 featured a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline options included a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T4 variant delivered 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the T5 offered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, boasting dual electric motors for all-wheel drive, producing a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque. It utilized a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack, with 75 kWh of usable capacity, enabling a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 4.9 seconds. The XC40 emphasized luxury and comfort, with excellent ride quality and one-pedal driving capability, and it had a towing capacity of 900 kilograms.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine choices: a standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and an available 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 276 hp and 266 lb-ft. The V6 engine, paired with VW's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, provided a more satisfying driving experience, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. However, the V6's fuel economy was less efficient, averaging 12.3 L/100 km during testing. The Atlas Cross Sport's suspension struggled with ride quality, feeling harsh at lower speeds and too soft at higher speeds. Despite good grip from the tires, the suspension tuning was inconsistent, and road noise was more intrusive than expected. The Atlas Cross Sport excelled in highway driving, where the ride quality was more agreeable.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered no difference in passenger or cargo space between the Recharge and gasoline models, but it was less spacious compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. Clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the centre console and a bag hook in the glovebox, helped compensate for the lack of space. The Harman Kardon audio system's speakers were moved to the dashboard, allowing for larger door bins. However, second-row occupants lacked phone-charging options.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport provided an exceptionally roomy interior, accommodating five adults comfortably. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. A panoramic sunroof enhanced the sense of space, while rear side-window sunshades protected passengers from sunlight. The cargo area offered ample load-floor real estate, with deep wells for additional storage, although the shorter length and lower roofline reduced cargo space compared to the seven-passenger model.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge introduced the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, featuring Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. The system included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with OTA update capability for software-controlled vehicle functions. Recharge models lacked a start button, allowing drivers to shift out of park with the key fob present. The system also supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came standard with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, featuring a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen with proximity-sensing display. The infotainment system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wireless smartphone charging. However, the user experience was often frustrating, with issues related to touchscreen interaction and voice recognition technology. The Execline trim included a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system, which delivered excellent sound quality.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA for gasoline models. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and rear parking sensors. The Recharge model featured Volvo's latest sensor suite, allowing for future driver aid advancements.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added features like adaptive LED headlights, semi-autonomous Park Assist, and an Area View 360-degree camera system. While Travel Assist provided accurate and sophisticated assistance, it occasionally lacked refinement. The Atlas Cross Sport received favourable crash-test ratings, though not the highest accolades from safety organizations.