2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2020 Dodge Durango

The 2020 Dodge Durango carried its styling over from a 2014 update, with its third generation dating back to a complete redesign in 2011. The connections to the Charger muscle sedan were evident, but the Durango was based on a decade-old platform. Its cabin design was straightforward but felt somewhat dated, sharing a platform with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, albeit with a longer wheelbase and overall length. While the Jeep received significant cabin updates, the Durango was in desperate need of a refresh, which was expected for the 2021 model year.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received a styling refresh, including new front and rear bumpers, standard LED headlights and taillights, and a new grille shared with the two-row Atlas Cross Sport model. These changes added 2.4 inches to the length of the Atlas. The 2021 model had a more extroverted look compared to the conservatively-styled 2020 model. The Atlas still rode on the same MQB platform, used by most current VW models. The S and SE trim levels got 18-inch alloy wheels, while higher trims received 20-inch wheels as standard equipment. The minimalist approach to the interior was largely free of decorative trim pieces, with controls sensibly laid out.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered a range of engines. The SXT, GT, and Citadel trims came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, which was also available on the Citadel. The range-topping SRT came with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8, branded the "392," delivering 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD) depending on the trim. The SRT model featured a performance-tuned suspension and Brembo performance brakes, offering a surprisingly car-like handling experience for its size.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options. The standard 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four produced 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. A 3.6-liter VR6, rated at 276 hp and 266 lb-ft, was available on SE with Technology and higher trim levels. Both engines were coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional 4Motion all-wheel drive (AWD). The driving experience with the base 2.0-liter engine and AWD was underwhelming, with adequate acceleration but rough shifts. The Atlas had a truck-like handling and poor ride quality, with every pavement imperfection felt in the cabin. AWD models featured an Active Control system with different drive modes, but it lacked a four-wheel drive (4WD) system with low range.

The 2020 Dodge Durango provided 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 47.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.5 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The Durango had plenty of cabin space, with comfortable front seats and a choice of a three-passenger bench or second-row captain's chairs. The third row was more cramped for adults but suitable for kids. The driver and front passenger had access to multiple cargo bins, bottle- and cupholders, and various trays for gear.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered 96.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats and 20.6 cubic feet with all seats up. The Atlas provided more third-row legroom than most competitors, but at the expense of second-row legroom, which was the worst among its competitive set. The standard second-row bench seat was uncomfortable with thin, flat cushions. Folding and raising the second- and third-row seats was straightforward, and third-row access was easy thanks to a sliding second-row bench. The Atlas had a tall driving position, but forward visibility was less than optimal. It featured up to five USB ports and an optional wireless charging pad, along with up to 17 cupholders.

The 2020 Dodge Durango's SXT and GT trims came with a 7-inch touchscreen, while an 8.4-inch touchscreen was optional on the GT and standard on higher trims. The Uconnect infotainment system stood out with its straightforward menu layout and simple page navigation. The Durango came standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims included navigation, SiriusXM Travel Link, and an Alpine premium audio system, with a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system available.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas featured Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The base S trim had a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, while other models got an 8-inch screen. Higher trims offered Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, replacing analog gauges with a 10.3-inch reconfigurable digital display. The Atlas was set to receive VW’s new MIBIII infotainment system later in the 2021 model year, adding multi-phone pairing capability and improved voice recognition. A 12-speaker Fender audio system was available on higher trims, and a built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot supported up to four devices.

The 2020 Dodge Durango came equipped with front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and trailer sway control. Rear parking sensors were available on the SXT and standard on higher trims. The Technology Group package added adaptive cruise control, forward-collision avoidance, and lane-departure warning. The Durango earned a four-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a score of Moderate in driver’s side small-front overlap testing from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received the top “good” rating in all IIHS crash tests, with a “marginal” rating for child-seat anchors and mixed headlight ratings. The 2020 model received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. Every 2021 Atlas trim level included standard automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a traffic-jam assist feature. Later in the model year, SEL and SEL Premium trims were set to receive Travel Assist and Emergency Assist.