2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2020 Lexus GX

The 2020 Lexus GX, despite its age, maintained a rugged charm that appealed to those who valued capability over modern aesthetics. Introduced in 2002 and redesigned in 2010, the GX carried the bold hourglass grille that became a signature of the Lexus lineup. While some found this design overwhelming on other models, it suited the GX well, giving it a distinctive presence. The vehicle's interior, however, showed its age with a decade-old design featuring a chunky center console and large buttons, reminiscent of early 2010s styling. Despite this, the GX's straightforward controls were appreciated by those who preferred simplicity, especially in a rugged SUV.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a more contemporary design, borrowing elements from the regular Atlas but with a lower roofline and aggressively-raked rear hatch. This gave it a unique blend of SUV ruggedness and car-like features, though some styling choices, like the fake exhaust tips, were less appealing. The interior followed VW's minimalist design philosophy, which was visually pleasing but let down by subpar materials. Despite leather upholstery and contrast stitching in higher trims, the cabin felt cheap, with hard plastics and a lack of color contrast contributing to a less welcoming atmosphere.

The 2020 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission to a standard 4-wheel drive system. 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 its self-leveling air suspension offered a smooth ride, capable of handling both city streets and off-road trails with ease. The GX excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its robust 4WD system and various chassis controls, making it a versatile choice for adventurous drivers. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with an average of 16.3 mpg observed during testing.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 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 engine producing 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The VR6 engine provided lively acceleration from a stop, but midrange performance was less robust. The ride quality was disappointing, with noticeable bumps and noise intruding into the cabin. Despite its "Sport" moniker, the Cross Sport handled more like a truck, with significant body roll and loose steering. The VR6 model had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, while the four-cylinder variant could tow up to 2,000 pounds.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs as an option on Premium and Luxury trims, with power-folding third-row seats standard on the Luxury trim. While the captain's chairs provided a convenient access path 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 for quick access to the cargo area.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport boasted a spacious interior, with front-seat and rear-seat legroom among the best in its class. However, rear headroom was compromised by the sloping roofline. Cargo space was generous, with 40.3 cubic feet available with the rear seats up and 77.8 cubic feet with them folded. The second-row seats featured a 60/40 split-fold and a 14-degree backrest recline. The Cross Sport also included various storage solutions, such as cargo nets, cupholders, and a large center console, enhancing its practicality for everyday use.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system was outdated, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, its simplicity was appreciated by those who preferred straightforward controls. The system featured a true touchscreen with large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls, offering a user-friendly experience despite its age.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two infotainment systems: the MIB2 with a 6.5-inch touchscreen on the base trim and the MIB3 with an 8-inch touchscreen on higher trims. Both systems included USB-C ports and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. The MIB3 added multiple-device pairing and updated voice recognition, though it was slow to load and the Fender audio system was underwhelming. The Digital Cockpit display was a highlight, providing a customizable instrument cluster, while analog controls for basic functions were a practical touch.

The 2020 Lexus GX came equipped 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's high driving position and large windows provided excellent visibility, enhancing safety.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received top scores in IIHS crash tests, though headlight ratings varied by trim. It earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist were available on higher trims. Unique to VW 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.