2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2021 Volvo XC60

The 2021 Volvo XC60, positioned between the compact XC40 and the larger XC90, was a testament to Volvo's rebirth under Geely Holding Group. Built on the SPA platform, the XC60 shared its architecture with other 60-series and 90-series vehicles, showcasing a near-luxury lineup known for safety and innovation. The XC60's design featured an elegant, tailored crossover look with short overhangs and crisp body details, highlighted by the iconic Thor’s hammer LED headlights. Inside, the XC60 offered a serene, Scandinavian-inspired cabin with a 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen, harmoniously integrated textures, and colours, making it a delightful space for occupants.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport carried over much of the regular Atlas's design but with a lower roofline and aggressively raked rear hatch, giving it a unique blend of SUV ruggedness and car-like features. Despite its minimalist interior design, the Cross Sport was let down by subpar materials, with hard plastics and rubbery-feeling leather detracting from the overall experience. The interior's dark colour scheme and flat-bottom steering wheel added to the lack of a welcoming feel, making it less appealing compared to its competitors.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all featuring a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 model increased output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque with the addition of a supercharger. The T8 models, including the Polestar Engineered variant, combined a turbocharged and supercharged engine with an 87-hp electric motor, delivering up to 415 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered, a plug-in hybrid, offered an electric-only range of up to 31 kilometres and a combined fuel consumption of 9.3 L/100 km. The XC60's AWD system and torque vectoring provided a smooth and agile driving experience, making it an excellent choice for road trips.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its powertrain options with the seven-seat Atlas, featuring a standard 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine producing 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 3.6-litre VR6 engine with 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The VR6 engine provided lively acceleration from a stop, but midrange performance was less impressive. The Cross Sport's ride quality was subpar, with noticeable bumps and potholes, and the cabin allowed significant wind and tire noise. The VR6 model had a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms, while the four-cylinder model was limited to 907 kilograms.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and style, with highly adjustable front seats and a heating system capable of handling harsh winter conditions. The XC60 offered smart storage solutions throughout the cabin, with intuitive controls for passengers. Cargo space was generous, with 613 litres behind the rear seats and up to 1,410 litres with the rear seats folded. The XC60 was rated to tow up to 1,587 kilograms, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport boasted competitive interior space, with ample front-seat and rear-seat legroom. However, the sloping roofline compromised rear headroom. Cargo space was above average, with 1,141 litres behind the rear seats and 2,203 litres with the seats folded. The Cross Sport featured a 60/40 split-fold rear seat and a foot-activated tailgate on higher trims. Storage options included cargo nets, cupholders, and bins, with a large cubbyhole for devices.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured the Sensus infotainment system, with a tablet-style touchpad interface that divided the screen into function quadrants. While intuitive for some, it required a learning curve. The system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with an exceptional Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system available.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two infotainment systems: the MIB2 with a 6.5-inch touchscreen on the base trim, and the MIB3 with an 8-inch touchscreen on higher trims. Both systems included USB-C ports, Bluetooth, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The MIB3 added multiple-device pairing and updated voice recognition. The Execline trim featured a Digital Cockpit display and a 12-speaker Fender audio system, though the latter was underwhelming.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was a testament to Volvo's commitment to safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, collision avoidance, and more. The XC60 also offered Pilot Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system, and a top speed restriction of 180 km/h for safety.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received top scores in IIHS crash tests, with mixed headlight ratings. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Cross Sport also offered unique features like the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System. New for 2021 were Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, available on the Execline trim.