2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2020 Lexus RX

Lexus refreshed the RX for the 2020 model year, giving it significant upgrades inside and out. The exterior featured standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and L-shaped taillights, with optional triple-beam LED headlights. The grille was redesigned to resemble other Lexus cars, and two new paint colors were introduced: Moonbeam Beige Metallic and Nori Green Pearl. The rear received a fresh look with dual exhaust, a rear diffuser, and updated reflectors, along with an available hands-free tailgate. Inside, the cabin was well-appointed with various interior colors and material combinations, including wood and satin-brushed aluminum trim. The F Sport appearance package added unique features like a special steering wheel, shift knob, aluminum pedals, and 20-inch wheels. Leather-wrapped surfaces provided a premium feel, though the center stack's design was starting to show its age.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport carried over most of the same sheet metal from the regular Atlas but featured a lower roofline and aggressively-raked rear hatch. This design aimed to blend SUV ruggedness with car-like features, though the fake exhaust tips on the rear bumper of the SEL Premium test vehicle looked tacky. The Cross Sport was shorter and lower than the seven-seat Atlas, sharing the same 117.3-inch wheelbase. It rode on VW’s MQB platform, which underpinned many of the automaker’s models. Standard LED exterior lighting, including headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights, was a highlight. The interior featured VW’s minimalist design, which was functional but let down by subpar materials. Even with leather upholstery and contrast stitching, the interior felt cheap, with hard and shiny plastics that were prone to fingerprint smudges. The flat-bottom steering wheel seemed out of place for a non-performance model.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque on premium 91 octane fuel. The three-row RX 350L had the same engine but was limited to 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. A hybrid version, the RX 450h, combined the V6 with an electric motor to achieve 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, recommended to run on 95 octane or higher gasoline. The RX 450hL, an elongated version, had a combined output of 259 horsepower from the gasoline engine and 165 horsepower from an electric motor. The RX hybrids featured an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive. The RX 350 achieved an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined, while the RX 450h AWD excelled with 30 mpg combined. The RX F Sport models offered adaptive variable suspension and various drive modes, including Sport S+ for a firmer suspension setting.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two powertrain options: a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel, and an optional 3.6-liter VR6 engine with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and start-stop systems for better fuel economy. The VR6 engine provided a livelier acceleration experience, though midrange acceleration felt less robust. The ride quality was among the worst for a modern crossover, with noticeable bumps and potholes, and the cabin let in wind and tire noise. The VR6 models had a 5,000-pound towing capacity, while the four-cylinder models were rated to tow 2,000 pounds. AWD versions featured Active Control with multiple drive modes and 8 inches of ground clearance, though the Jeep Grand Cherokee was a better off-road choice.

The 2020 Lexus RX interior was not as minimalist or stylish as its German luxury SUV competitors but was functional. The two-row RX model comfortably accommodated four adults, while the three-row RX-L's third row was best for small children or pets. The cabin was wide and tall in its two-row configuration, with comfortable front seats and good outward visibility, though the A-pillar impeded the driver's view of curbs and corners. The cargo area was smaller than competitors, with a high load floor compromising space. The RX 350L and 450hL had even less cargo space compared to rivals like the Lincoln Aviator. A hands-free liftgate was available on RX 350 and 450h models and standard on long-wheelbase RX-L versions.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered competitive interior space for a two-row midsize crossover. Front-seat and rear-seat legroom were near the top of the class, while front headroom was above average. However, rear headroom was limited due to the steeply-sloping roofline. Cargo space was above average, with 40.3 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 77.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The second-row seats had a 60/40 split-fold and 14-degree backrest recline. SE with Technology trim levels added a foot-activated tailgate. The Cross Sport featured various storage options, including cargo nets, cupholders, and storage bins, with a decent-sized center console and a second-row armrest with integrated cupholders.

The 2020 Lexus RX's infotainment system was often criticized, but improvements were made for the 2020 model year. The standard 8.0-inch display and available 12.3-inch touchscreen were moved 5.5 inches closer to the driver. Despite these changes, the system remained difficult to navigate. However, standard Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and other integrations helped mitigate these issues. The physical control of the infotainment system improved with a touchscreen and a more responsive touchpad. The RX added two additional USB ports, bringing the total to six. The standard 12-speaker audio system was adequate, with an optional 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system available.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two infotainment systems. The base S trim level had the MIB2 system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while other trims featured the new MIB3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen. Both systems included USB-C ports, pinch-to-zoom screens, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. MIB3 added multiple-device pairing and updated voice recognition. Higher trims included additional USB ports, SiriusXM satellite radio, and the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster. The SEL Premium models had a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system. The MIB3 system was slow to load, and the voice recognition required specific prompts. The Digital Cockpit display allowed for customizable gauge configurations, and analog controls made basic functions easy to manage.

The 2020 Lexus RX came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features under the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams. Additional features included daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign assist, and lane-tracing assist. The RX also offered a three-year subscription to Lexus Enform Safety Connect and a 10-year subscription to Enform Service Connect. The RX received good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though not as high as newer models.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earned top "Good" scores in all IIHS crash tests, with mixed headlight ratings. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating, with five stars for side crash tests and four stars for frontal and rollover crash tests. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and traffic-sign recognition. The Cross Sport also had unique features like the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System. New for 2021 were Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, available on higher trim levels.