2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2020 Honda CR-V

The 2020 Honda CR-V, part of Honda's fifth-generation compact crossover lineup, had a design that was both familiar and enjoyable. Its exterior styling was characterized by soft, curvy lines that gave it a car-like appearance, reminiscent of Honda's sedan lineup. The CR-V's design leaned more towards a station wagon than an SUV, making it a modern family transportation staple. However, the interior told a different story, with a mix of textures and materials that didn't always harmonize. While higher trims featured upscale touches like wood-look trim and leather upholstery, these clashed with the lower-quality plastics, reminding drivers that even the pricier CR-V models were still upgrades of a commodity car rather than true premium products.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received a styling refresh that included new front and rear bumpers, standard LED headlights and taillights, and a new grille shared with the Atlas Cross Sport model. These changes gave the Atlas a more extroverted look compared to its conservatively-styled predecessor. The R-Line trim package added sportier-looking bumpers and side skirts, enhancing its visual appeal. Despite these cosmetic updates, the Atlas retained its MQB platform, which was shared with other VW models like the Jetta and Golf. The interior of the Atlas was minimalist, with a focus on functionality, although the material quality in mid-level trims left something to be desired, with cheap-feeling plastics and simulated wood and metal trim.

The 2020 Honda CR-V featured a simplified lineup with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). This powertrain provided a well-matched driving experience, with the CVT offering a credible imitation of a conventional automatic transmission. The CR-V's road manners were excellent, resembling those of a small sedan, with nimble handling and minimal body roll. Its lightweight design contributed to its impressive fuel economy, with FWD models achieving 30 mpg combined and AWD models managing 29 mpg.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter VR6 engine rated at 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with FWD as standard and optional 4Motion AWD. The driving experience with the base engine and AWD was underwhelming, with rough shifts and truck-like handling. The Atlas's ride quality was poor, with occupants feeling every pavement imperfection. Fuel economy for the four-cylinder models was rated at 22 mpg combined with FWD, while VR6 models achieved 19 mpg combined with FWD.

The 2020 Honda CR-V excelled in interior space and clever storage solutions. Its cabin was roomy, offering good head- and legroom for both the driver and passengers. The cargo compartment was spacious, with a two-position load floor that allowed for flexible storage options. The CR-V's design made it easy to live with, thanks to its ability to accommodate various items and gear.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas, designed as a family hauler, offered average passenger and cargo space for its segment. It provided more third-row legroom than most competitors, but at the expense of second-row legroom, which was the worst among its peers. The second-row bench seat was uncomfortable, with thin cushions. The Atlas featured a tall driving position, but forward visibility was less than optimal. It offered up to 17 cupholders and multiple USB ports, enhancing its practicality for families.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system showed its age, with a 5-inch screen in the base LX trim and a 7-inch touchscreen in higher trims. The system lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available only with the larger screen, and the overall integration felt lacking. However, the CR-V offered plenty of USB ports, with two in the front and two high-powered ports in the backseat.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas came equipped with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The base S trim featured a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher trims received an 8-inch screen. Volkswagen's Digital Cockpit was available on select trims, providing a reconfigurable digital display. The Atlas also introduced a built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, supporting up to four devices. The base audio system was decent, with a 12-speaker Fender audio system available on higher trims.

The 2020 Honda CR-V included the "Honda Sensing" system as standard, offering features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with some caveats for lower trims due to headlight performance.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received top ratings in IIHS crash tests, with mixed headlight ratings. It offered standard automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist available on higher trims. The Atlas was set to receive more advanced driver aids later in the model year.