2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV was designed to blend seamlessly with its non-hybrid counterparts, featuring no gratuitous styling changes or aerodynamic modifications. The charging port was cleverly integrated into the grille, maintaining the SUV's sleek appearance. This approach was appreciated by those who valued design as a key factor in vehicle selection, as it avoided unnecessary details that could detract from the vehicle's appeal. The test vehicle, priced at $93,200 with options, boasted a striking Firenze Red paint, a black roof, and 21-inch aluminum wheels, enhancing its inherent good looks. Inside, the cabin was adorned with quality materials, reflecting the vehicle's premium price tag.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received a styling refresh, featuring new front and rear bumpers, standard LED headlights and taillights, and a new grille design. These changes extended the Atlas by 2.4 inches, giving it a more extroverted look compared to the previous model. The R-Line trim added sportier bumpers and side skirts, while the overall design remained boxy and high-riding. The interior followed a minimalist approach, with a focus on functionality over decorative elements. The Atlas offered a standard seven-seat configuration, with options for second-row captain’s chairs, and a range of trim levels provided different wheel sizes and features.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with a 141-hp electric motor and a 13-kWh battery, producing a total of 398 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. Despite Land Rover's claim of a 31-mile all-electric range, the test vehicle struggled to maintain EV mode, possibly due to factors like climate control usage or hilly terrain. The SUV averaged 41.9 mpg over a 28.4-mile EV range and 25.5 mpg over a 60-mile loop. The Range Rover Sport PHEV offered quick acceleration, adaptive air suspension, and various driving modes, providing a comfortable and athletic driving experience. However, the regenerative brakes were grabby, and the SUV's off-roading capabilities were retained, with a 33.4-inch water fording capability. Recharging the battery proved frustrating, with inconsistent results from a standard outlet.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter VR6 with 276 hp and 266 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard and 4Motion all-wheel drive optional. The driving experience with the base engine and AWD was underwhelming, with rough shifts and poor ride quality. The Atlas featured an Active Control system with different drive modes, but its off-road capabilities were limited. The VR6 models had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, while the four-cylinder models were rated for 2,000 pounds. Fuel economy ratings were unimpressive, with the four-cylinder achieving 22 mpg combined with FWD and the VR6 achieving 19 mpg combined.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV had a higher price tag and limited cargo space due to the battery placement beneath the raised cargo floor, reducing the standard 27.5-cubic-foot space. The SUV comfortably seated five people, with excellent front-seat comfort and a dual-glove-box design for storage. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed a tall riding position and good thigh support, with features like 4-zone automatic climate control and a panoramic glass roof enhancing the experience. However, the optional refrigerated center console bin reduced practical storage space.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas, designed as a family hauler, offered average passenger and cargo space for its segment, with 96.8 cubic feet 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. The second-row bench seat was uncomfortable, with thin cushions. The Atlas featured a straightforward folding mechanism for the second and third rows, and controls were logically laid out. The vehicle offered up to five USB ports, an optional wireless charging pad, and up to 17 cupholders. Forward visibility was less than optimal, but parking sensors and available active park assist helped mitigate this issue.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system was complex and could frustrate drivers, even those comfortable with technology. The system occasionally behaved unexpectedly, and the lack of haptic feedback from the touchscreen added to the challenge. While the technology was necessary to manage the vehicle's complexity, it could lead to occasional confusion.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas came with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The base S trim had a 6.5-inch infotainment screen, while other models featured an 8-inch screen. Higher trims offered Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, replacing analog gauges with a 10.3-inch digital display. The Atlas was set to receive the MIBIII infotainment system later in the model year, with improved features. The SE with Technology test car had an 8-inch screen, which was easy to navigate but plain and text-heavy. 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 Land Rover Range Rover Sport included advanced driver-assistance systems, but the technology could distract drivers. The optional Driver Assist Package's steering-assist system was aggressive, and the lane-keeping assist system was abrupt. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the vehicle's nearly 5,500-pound weight provided a sense of security in collisions.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received top ratings in IIHS crash tests, with mixed headlight ratings. The NHTSA had not published ratings for the 2021 model, but the 2020 model received a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included 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 sophisticated driver aids later in the model year.