2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2020 Lexus GX

The 2020 Lexus GX, despite its age, continued to hold its own with a rugged charm. Introduced in 2002 and redesigned in 2010, the GX maintained its second-generation design into 2020, with some modern tweaks like the hourglass grille. This design, while bold, suited the GX better than some other Lexus models. The vehicle's decade-old platform, shared with the Toyota 4Runner, emphasized capability over innovation, appealing to those who valued ruggedness over modernity. Inside, the GX's cabin retained its early 2010s styling, with a chunky center console and large buttons, which some found practical for an SUV meant for adventure. The GX was available in three trims, each offering a range of features, with the base 460 trim being well-equipped and recommended for its value.

In contrast, the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a more modern and stylish appearance. With its SUV coupe look, the Cross Sport was shorter and lower than the larger Atlas, appealing to those who prioritized style over cargo space. The SEL Premium trim with the R-Line package gave the vehicle a custom appearance, enhanced by large 21-inch wheels and a unique color scheme. Inside, the Atlas Cross Sport's interior was spacious and comfortable, with a two-tone color scheme and ambient lighting. However, the use of hard plastics was noticeable, reflecting its base price. Despite this, the design and materials in key areas were well-executed, making the cabin a pleasant place to be.

The 2020 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard 4-wheel drive. While these figures might not impress compared to modern engines, the V8 provided a satisfying swell of power in real-world driving. The GX's steering was light yet direct, and the self-leveling air suspension offered a smooth ride. The GX excelled in off-road conditions, with various 4WD modes and a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 16.3 mpg in combined driving.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. However, the optional 3.6-liter V6 engine, with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, was more suitable for the vehicle's weight. Both engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and the Atlas offered front-wheel drive or the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. The V6 provided adequate power, but the transmission's delayed downshifts were a minor drawback. The Atlas Cross Sport's handling was generally good, with effective braking and steering, but it lacked an adaptive damping suspension. Fuel economy was rated at 19 mpg combined, with an observed average of 18.7 mpg.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs on the Premium and Luxury trims, with power-folding third-row seats standard on the Luxury trim. While the captain's chairs provided easy access to the third row, getting adults into the third row was challenging. The GX's cargo space was limited, with 64.7 cubic feet available with all rear seats folded. The side-opening rear hatch was unique but not particularly advantageous, though the separately opening rear window was a useful feature.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, despite being smaller than the Atlas, offered a spacious interior. The front seats were large, heated, and ventilated, with numerous power adjustments. The second row was comfortable, with ample legroom and headroom, and included rear air-conditioning vents and heated seat cushions. The dual-zone automatic climate control system struggled in direct sunlight, but storage space was plentiful. The rakish roofline limited cargo space, but the Atlas Cross Sport still provided 40.3 cubic feet behind the back seat and 77.8 cubic feet with it folded down.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system showed its age, with a simpler, decade-old layout. It featured a true touchscreen with large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls. However, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which might be a tradeoff for some drivers who preferred simplicity over modern connectivity options.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered three infotainment systems, with the top-trim test vehicle featuring an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen display. The system supported two Bluetooth device pairings and included robust Car-Net connected services. The 12-speaker Fender premium sound system provided excellent audio quality. However, the lack of a natural voice recognition system was a drawback, requiring reliance on Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for voice commands.

The 2020 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, which included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera were also available. The GX offered excellent visibility, with large windows and mirrors enhancing safety.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, even on the base trim. The SEL Premium R-Line test vehicle featured additional systems like road-sign recognition and Traffic Jam Assist. The Lane Assist system and rear cross-traffic alert with automatic emergency braking added to its safety credentials. Crash-test results for the Atlas Cross Sport were not available, but the larger Atlas performed well in safety tests.