2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, moving away from its traditionally conservative styling. While maintaining its recognizable Volvo identity with a boxy profile and blunt front end, the XC90 introduced softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive LED headlights with "Thor's Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, with its optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the most visually striking, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more understated looks, respectively. Inside, the XC90 embraced Swedish minimalism, featuring high-quality materials like matte-finish wood and optional wool upholstery, creating a refined yet understated cabin.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport adopted a more aggressive design with a low roofline and raked rear hatch, reminiscent of luxury crossover coupes. However, the styling was a mix of SUV ruggedness and car-like features, with some elements, like the fake exhaust tips, appearing tacky. The Cross Sport shared its MQB platform with other VW models, offering standard LED lighting and various wheel options. Inside, the minimalist design was marred by subpar materials, with hard plastics and rubbery leather detracting from the overall feel. The interior colour scheme was dark and unwelcoming, and the flat-bottom steering wheel seemed out of place in a non-performance model.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model featured a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 variant added a supercharger, boosting output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric motors, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. While the XC90 provided ample power, the small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors' larger engines. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and offered a quiet cabin. It also had a respectable towing capacity of 2,250 kilograms.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared powertrain options with the seven-seat Atlas, featuring a standard 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four and an optional 3.6-litre VR6 engine. The turbo-four produced 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the VR6 delivered 276 hp and 266 lb-ft. The VR6 provided lively acceleration from a stop but lacked midrange power. The ride quality was subpar, with noticeable bumps and potholes, and the cabin allowed wind and tire noise. The Cross Sport's handling was truck-like, with significant body roll and loose steering. The VR6 model had a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms, while the four-cylinder variant was limited to 907 kilograms.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with average headroom and legroom across all three rows. The third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. A power sunroof and four-zone climate control enhanced the interior's spacious feel. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats with massage, but the steering wheel was not power-adjustable. Cargo space was limited, with 317 litres behind the third row, 965 litres with the rear seats folded, and 1,815 litres with all seats down. A hands-free power tailgate was available.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport boasted competitive interior space for a two-row midsize crossover, with ample front-seat and rear-seat legroom. However, rear headroom was limited due to the sloping roofline. Cargo space was generous, with 1,141 litres behind the rear seats and 2,203 litres with them folded. The second-row seats featured a 60/40 split-fold and 14-degree recline. Highline and Execline trims added a foot-activated tailgate. The interior included various storage options, such as a centre console and second-row armrest with cupholders.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, known for its simplicity and functionality. It included a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. Optional features included a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and a head-up display. The touchscreen was user-friendly, but the text and typeface made reading menus challenging while driving. The wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and only second-row USB-C ports were available.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two infotainment systems. The base Trendline trim had the MIB2 system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while other trims featured the MIB3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen. Both systems included USB-C ports, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The MIB3 added multiple-device pairing and updated voice recognition. Execline models had the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit and a 12-speaker Fender audio system. The MIB3 system was slow to load, and the voice recognition required specific prompts. The Digital Cockpit provided customizable displays, and analog controls simplified basic functions.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top "Good" scores in crash tests and "Superior" front-crash prevention ratings. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered extensive standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earned "Good" scores in IIHS crash tests, with mixed headlight ratings and a "Marginal" child-seat anchor rating. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring, with optional adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. Unique features included the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System. The Execline trim added Travel Assist and Emergency Assist for enhanced driver assistance.