2020 Acura MDX vs 2021 Volkswagen Atlas
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Acura MDX was 7.2 out of 10, while the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas scored 6.5 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Acura MDX emerged as a superior choice. Its blend of advanced technology, robust safety features, nimble handling, and luxurious fitment made it a better-rounded option for consumers looking for a reliable and stylish three-row SUV.
Choose the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas if:
Shop Now- You need a spacious third-row with ample legroom for adult passengers.
- You prefer a minimalist, user-friendly interior with plentiful tech amenities.
- You require a vehicle with strong towing capacity, particularly with the VR6 engine.
Choose the 2020 Acura MDX if:
Shop Now- You prioritize a well-rounded, feature-rich family SUV with superior material quality.
- You desire a vehicle with impressive handling, especially in cornering maneuvers.
- You value top safety ratings and a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features.
Overview | |
MSRP$44,500 | MSRP$31,545 |
Average price$29,971 | Average price$28,847 |
Listings1335 | Listings1937 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.2 out of 10 | Expert reviews6.5 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
|
2020 Acura MDX Reviews SummaryThe Acura MDX is the best-selling three-row luxury SUV of all time, with solid performances through three generations of production since 2001. While it may not be an industry leader in any one category, the MDX delivers competitive levels of comfort, convenience, and technology and an attractive overall package that has spawned a loyal repeat audience. | |
2021 Volkswagen Atlas Reviews SummaryIntroduced for the 2018 model year, the Atlas is Volkswagen's latest attempt to win over American buyers. Built in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the VW Atlas competes in the three-row crossover SUV segment against well-established nameplates like the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Highlander. Changes for 2021 are limited to exterior styling tweaks and a reshuffled option list. VW also offers the two-row Atlas Cross Sport. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine3.5L 290 hp V6 | Engine2.0L 235 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity7 |
Horsepower290 hp @ 6200 rpm | Horsepower |
MPG City20 | MPG City21 |
MPG Highway27 | MPG Highway24 |
Engine | |
Engine Name3.5L 290 hp V6 | Engine Name2.0L 235 hp I4 |
Torque267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | Torque |
Horsepower290 hp @ 6200 rpm | Horsepower |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City20 | MPG City21 |
MPG Highway27 | MPG Highway24 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity7 |
Key Features | |
Sunroof/MoonroofStandard | Sunroof/Moonroof |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space15.0 cu ft | Cargo Space20.6 cu ft |
Curb Weight4032 lbs | Curb Weight4248 lbs |
Height67.4 in | Height70.1 in |
Length196.2 in | Length200.7 in |
Width77.7 in | Width78.4 in |
Wheelbase111.0 in | Wheelbase117.3 in |
Maximum Payload1336 lbs | Maximum Payload1080 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity3500 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity2000 lbs |
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Acura MDX was 7.2 out of 10, while the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas scored 6.5 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Acura MDX emerged as a superior choice. Its blend of advanced technology, robust safety features, nimble handling, and luxurious fitment made it a better-rounded option for consumers looking for a reliable and stylish three-row SUV.
Choose the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas if:
Shop Now- You need a spacious third-row with ample legroom for adult passengers.
- You prefer a minimalist, user-friendly interior with plentiful tech amenities.
- You require a vehicle with strong towing capacity, particularly with the VR6 engine.
Choose the 2020 Acura MDX if:
Shop Now- You prioritize a well-rounded, feature-rich family SUV with superior material quality.
- You desire a vehicle with impressive handling, especially in cornering maneuvers.
- You value top safety ratings and a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features.
Overview | ||
MSRP | $44,500 | $31,545 |
Average price | $29,971 | $28,847 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.5 | 4.7 |
Expert reviews | 7.2 out of 10Read full review | 6.5 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | The Acura MDX is the best-selling three-row luxury SUV of all time, with solid performances through three generations of production since 2001. While it may not be an industry leader in any one category, the MDX delivers competitive levels of comfort, convenience, and technology and an attractive overall package that has spawned a loyal repeat audience. | Introduced for the 2018 model year, the Atlas is Volkswagen's latest attempt to win over American buyers. Built in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the VW Atlas competes in the three-row crossover SUV segment against well-established nameplates like the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Highlander. Changes for 2021 are limited to exterior styling tweaks and a reshuffled option list. VW also offers the two-row Atlas Cross Sport. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 3.5L 290 hp V6 | 2.0L 235 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
Horsepower | 290 hp @ 6200 rpm | |
MPG City | 20 | 21 |
MPG Highway | 27 | 24 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 3.5L 290 hp V6 | 2.0L 235 hp I4 |
Torque | 267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | |
Horsepower | 290 hp @ 6200 rpm | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 20 | 21 |
MPG Highway | 27 | 24 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
Key Features | ||
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 15.0 cu ft | 20.6 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4032 lbs | 4248 lbs |
Height | 67.4 in | 70.1 in |
Length | 196.2 in | 200.7 in |
Width | 77.7 in | 78.4 in |
Wheelbase | 111.0 in | 117.3 in |
Maximum Payload | 1336 lbs | 1080 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 3500 lbs | 2000 lbs |
By: CarGurus + AI
This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.