2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar presented a balanced design, sitting between the sleek Evoque and the boxy Range Rover. Its low roof and steeply-raked windshield gave it a unique profile, distinct from the traditional upright Range Rover. The Velar maintained an intimidating presence with its broad front end, while its short overhangs improved off-road capabilities. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition added sportier elements like larger air intakes and quad exhaust tips, enhancing its aggressive look. Inside, the Velar offered a luxurious experience with high-quality leather and metal trim, creating a cockpit-like feel that was more suited to urban environments.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh, featuring new front and rear bumpers, LED headlights and taillights, and a new grille. These changes extended the Atlas by 2.4 inches, giving it a more extroverted appearance. The R-Line trim added sportier bumpers and side skirts, while the overall design remained boxy and high-riding. The Atlas' interior followed a minimalist approach, with a focus on functionality over decoration. It offered a standard seven-seat configuration, with options for second-row captain’s chairs. However, material quality was below average, with cheap-feeling plastics and simulated trim.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar introduced a significant performance upgrade with the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, featuring a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine producing 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This engine allowed the Velar to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, with a top speed of 177 mph. Despite these impressive figures, the Velar's performance was not class-leading, as competitors like the BMW X3 M Competition and Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S were quicker. The Velar's aluminum platform provided a solid and refined driving experience, but its size made it less agile on tight roads. The rest of the Velar's powertrain lineup included a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four and a 3.0-liter supercharged V6, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. Off-road capabilities were supported by Land Rover's Terrain Response system, although the Velar lacked a low-range transfer case.

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 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with standard front-wheel drive and optional 4Motion all-wheel drive. The Atlas' driving experience was underwhelming, with adequate acceleration and rough shifts. Handling was truck-like, and ride quality was poor, with noticeable impacts from road imperfections. The Atlas' AWD system included an Active Control feature with different drive modes, but it lacked a low-range 4WD system. Towing capacity was 5,000 pounds for VR6 models and 2,000 pounds for four-cylinder models. Fuel economy was unimpressive, with the four-cylinder engine achieving 22 mpg combined with FWD and the VR6 achieving 19 mpg combined.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar occupied a unique position in terms of size, being larger than small luxury SUVs but smaller than midsize counterparts. Despite its size, the Velar did not offer more interior space, with competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLC and BMW X3 providing more legroom and headroom. Cargo space was competitive, with 15.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 48.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's avant-garde styling contributed to a claustrophobic interior feel, with limited visibility due to the chopped roof and tall hood. Towing capacity was respectable, with the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition and V6 models rated at 5,511 pounds.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas was designed as a family hauler, offering 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. The standard second-row bench seat was uncomfortable, with thin cushions. Folding and raising the seats was straightforward, and third-row access was easy thanks to a sliding second-row bench. The Atlas' controls were logically laid out, with up to five USB ports and an optional wireless charging pad. It offered a tall driving position, but forward visibility was limited. Safety features included ultrasonic parking sensors and available low-speed automatic braking and active park assist.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, with dual 10.0-inch touchscreens, a WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The upper screen handled smartphone, navigation, and media functions, while the lower screen managed vehicle settings and climate control. The system received praise for its graphics and layout but was criticized for slow responses. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and capacitive steering-wheel controls.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility across all models. The base S trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen, 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 base audio system was decent, with an available 12-speaker Fender system on higher trims. A 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was new for 2021, supporting up to four devices.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and front and rear parking aids. Adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were available as part of an option package. Land Rover's driver-assist offerings were less sophisticated than competitors, with only lane-keep assist available.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received top ratings in 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. 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 advanced driver aids later in the model year, including Travel Assist and Emergency Assist.