2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover was a testament to luxury and ruggedness, a combination that had defined the brand since its inception. Originating from the rugged Series I off-roader, the Range Rover was introduced in 1969 as a luxury SUV built on robust 4x4 underpinnings. By 2020, the Range Rover had evolved into a vehicle with multiple variations, including the HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic trims, available in both Standard Wheelbase (SWB) and Long Wheelbase (LWB) configurations. Standard features included leather seating, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof, while higher trims offered additional luxuries like massaging seats and a rear-seat entertainment system.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a blend of SUV ruggedness and car-like features, with a low roofline and aggressively-raked rear hatch. It shared its platform with the seven-seat Atlas but was shorter and lower, giving it a unique stance. The Cross Sport featured standard LED lighting and a range of wheel sizes across its trims, with the R-Line adding sportier styling elements. Inside, the minimalist design was functional but let down by subpar materials, with leather upholstery and contrast stitching failing to elevate the interior's feel. Despite its size, the sloping roofline compromised rear headroom, making it less accommodating for taller passengers.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered a diverse selection of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HSE trim featured a non-hybrid version of the same engine, delivering 395 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. A turbodiesel V6 was also available, rated at 254 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The P525 and Autobiography trims came with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, generating 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, while the SV Autobiography Dynamic's V8 was tuned to 557 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, providing a blend of power and efficiency. The Range Rover's electronic air suspension and automatic load leveling ensured a comfortable ride, while its Terrain Response System offered multiple drive modes for various conditions.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its powertrain options with the seven-seat Atlas, featuring a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 3.6-liter V6 engine with 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with start-stop systems for improved fuel economy. The VR6 engine provided livelier acceleration, but midrange performance was lacking, and the transmission was slow to react. The Cross Sport's ride quality was subpar, with noticeable bumps and potholes, and the cabin allowed wind and tire noise to intrude. Despite its "Sport" moniker, the SUV handled like a truck, with significant body roll and loose steering. The VR6 models had a 5,000-pound towing capacity, while four-cylinder models were rated for 2,000 pounds.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options: LWB and SWB, with standard seating for five. The optional second-row captain’s chairs reduced seating capacity to four but provided exceptional comfort, especially in the LWB version. The SWB model had 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the LWB offered 77.5 cubic feet. Both versions featured a hands-free power liftgate with a unique two-piece configuration, making it easier to load large items. The front row had a convenient center-console compartment, and both front and rear doors provided ample storage.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport boasted a large footprint, offering competitive interior space among two-row midsize crossovers. Front-seat and rear-seat legroom were near the top of the class, but the sloping roofline compromised rear headroom. Cargo space was above average, with 40.3 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 77.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The second-row seats featured a 60/40 split-fold and 14-degree backrest recline. The SE with Technology trim added a foot-activated tailgate. The interior included various storage options, such as a center console and a second-row armrest with integrated cupholders.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system, consisting of two touchscreens. The top screen managed navigation, phone, stereo, and smartphone connectivity, while the lower screen controlled climate settings, seat functions, and Terrain Response settings. The system's integrated dials changed functions based on the selected menu, offering a unique interface. The Range Rover also came with a fully digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two infotainment systems. The base S trim had the MIB2 system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while other trims featured the MIB3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen. Both systems included USB-C ports and smartphone connectivity, with MIB3 adding multiple-device pairing and updated voice recognition. Higher trims included the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, replacing analog gauges with a reconfigurable display, and a 12-speaker Fender audio system. The MIB3 system was slow to load, and the voice recognition required specific prompts. The Digital Cockpit provided a worthwhile tech upgrade, while analog controls made basic functions accessible.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover came with standard safety features such as low-speed automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and front-and-rear parking sensors. Optional features included a 360-degree parking camera, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Range Rover's safety features were comprehensive, but some competitors offered more standard equipment.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received top scores in IIHS crash tests, with mixed headlight ratings. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. Unique to the Cross Sport were the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System. New for 2021 were Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, offering advanced driver aids on higher trims.