2021 Volvo XC60 vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2021 Volvo XC60, a product of the Swedish brand's rebirth under Geely Holding Group, showcased a blend of elegance and innovation. Built on Volvo's SPA platform, the XC60 sat comfortably between the compact XC40 and the larger XC90. Its design featured a sophisticated two-box crossover style with short overhangs and athletic body sides. The front grille proudly displayed Volvo's iron mark logo, complemented by Thor's hammer-shaped LED daytime running lights. Inside, the XC60 offered a serene cabin with clean lines and authentic materials, embodying Scandinavian style. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was a nod to Volvo's early adoption of such technology, and the interior details, like the elegant HVAC vents, elevated the XC60 to near-luxury status.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport presented a bold and sporty appearance by removing the third row from the standard Atlas model, lowering the roofline, and shortening the SUV's length. This resulted in a coupe-like design with a broad-shouldered stance, especially in the Execline trim with 21-inch machined-finish wheels. The interior was spacious, accommodating five adults comfortably, with features like 10-way power-adjustable front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and heated rear seats. However, the use of hard, glossy plastics in the interior detracted from the overall quality impression. Despite this, the Atlas Cross Sport offered a stylish alternative to the standard Atlas, with a slightly lower price point.

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 engine with an electric motor, delivering up to 415 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The XC60's plug-in hybrid capability allowed for up to 31 kilometres of electric-only driving. Fuel consumption ranged from 11.1 L/100 km city to 9.3 L/100 km combined for the T8 PHEV, with premium gasoline recommended.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, and an available 3.6-litre V6 producing 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and VW's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. The V6 engine, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms, provided more power and towing capability than the turbo-four. However, the V6's fuel economy was less efficient at 12.2 L/100 km combined. The Atlas Cross Sport's ride quality varied, with a harsh urban ride and a softer highway experience, highlighting the need for an adaptive damping suspension.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 excelled in comfort and practicality, with highly adjustable front seats and a heating system well-suited for winter conditions. The interior offered smart storage solutions and intuitive controls, while the cargo space provided 613 litres behind the rear seats and up to 1,410 litres with the rear seats folded. The XC60's towing capacity was rated at 1,587 kilograms.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport boasted a spacious interior, accommodating five adults with generous rear legroom. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a dual-zone climate control system. The cargo area offered ample space, though the shorter length and lower roofline reduced overall capacity compared to the seven-passenger Atlas. Despite the lack of lining in storage areas, the Atlas Cross Sport provided practical storage solutions.

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, the system required a learning curve. Smartphone integration included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with an exceptional Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system available.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came standard with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, an 8-inch touchscreen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system offered remote connectivity through Car-Net, but user experience issues with the touchscreen and voice recognition were noted. The Execline trim included a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system, providing excellent sound quality.

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 blind-spot monitoring, collision mitigation, and Volvo's semi-autonomous Pilot Assist system. The XC60's top speed was limited to 180 km/h for safety reasons.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Execline trim added semi-autonomous Park Assist and a 360-degree camera system. While the Atlas Cross Sport received favourable crash-test ratings, it did not achieve the highest accolades from safety organizations.