2021 Volkswagen Atlas 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 new shape with dual exhaust, a rear diffuser, and updated reflectors, along with an available hands-free tailgate. Inside, the cabin remained 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, among others. Leather-wrapped surfaces provided a premium feel, though the center stack's design was starting to show its age.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received a styling refresh, including new front and rear bumpers, standard LED headlights and taillights, and a new grille shared with the two-row Atlas Cross Sport model. These changes added 2.4 inches to the length of the Atlas. The R-Line trim package added sportier-looking front and rear bumpers and side skirts. Despite the cosmetic changes, the Atlas still rode on the same MQB platform. S and SE trim levels got 18-inch alloy wheels, while higher trims received 20-inch wheels, and the R-Line package on SEL or SEL Premium trims included 21-inch wheels. The interior took a minimalist approach, with a standard seven-seat configuration and available second-row captain’s chairs. Material quality on the mid-level SE with Technology trim was below average, with cheap-feeling plastics and simulated wood and metal trim.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. The three-row RX 350L had slightly lower outputs of 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with an electric motor for 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, while the RX 450hL had 259 horsepower from the gasoline engine and 165 horsepower from an electric motor. The RX achieved 23 mpg combined for the RX 350, 22 mpg combined for the RX 350L and RX 350 AWD, and 21 mpg combined for the RX 350L AWD. The RX 450h AWD achieved 30 mpg combined, and the RX 450hL achieved 29 mpg combined. The RX F Sport models featured adaptive variable suspension, 20-inch wheels, and various drive modes, including Sport S+ for a firmer suspension setting.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 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 or optional 4Motion all-wheel drive. The 4Motion system defaulted to FWD under low load but could send power to the rear wheels when needed. The driving experience with the base 2.0-liter engine and AWD was underwhelming, with rough shifts and poor ride quality. AWD models had an Active Control feature with different drive modes, but it didn’t improve on-road handling. The VR6 models could tow up to 5,000 pounds, while the four-cylinder models were limited to 2,000 pounds. Fuel economy for the four-cylinder models was 22 mpg combined with FWD and 21 mpg combined with AWD, while the VR6 models achieved 19 mpg combined with FWD and 18 mpg combined with AWD.

The 2020 Lexus RX interior wasn’t as minimalist or stylish as its German luxury SUV competition, but it was functional. The two-row RX model comfortably seated 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 decent outward visibility. The cargo area was smaller than competitors, with a high load floor that compromised 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 offered average passenger and cargo space for its segment, with 96.8 cubic feet behind the front seats and 20.6 cubic feet with all seats up. It provided more third-row legroom than most competitors but had the worst second-row legroom in its class. The standard second-row bench seat was uncomfortable with thin, flat cushions. Folding and raising the second- and third-row seats was straightforward, and third-row access was easy thanks to a sliding second-row bench. The interior controls were logically laid out and within easy reach of the driver. The Atlas had up to five USB ports and an optional wireless charging pad. It also featured up to 17 cupholders. Forward visibility was less than optimal, but ultrasonic parking sensors and low-speed automatic braking were available to assist with parking.

The 2020 Lexus RX’s infotainment system was often criticized, but the 2020 model made some improvements. The standard 8.0-inch display and available 12.3-inch touchscreen were moved 5.5 inches closer to the driver. The system was still difficult to navigate, but Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and other integrations helped mitigate issues. The RX had six USB ports and a standard 12-speaker audio system, with an optional 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. A CD player was also standard.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas came with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The base S trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while other models had an 8-inch screen. Higher trims featured Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, a 10.3-inch reconfigurable digital display. The Atlas was set to receive the MIBIII infotainment system later in the model year, which included multi-phone pairing, improved voice recognition, and a redesigned navigation system. The base six-speaker audio system was decent, with an option to center the sound in a specific row. A 12-speaker Fender audio system was available on higher trims. The Atlas also had a built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot.

The 2020 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. The 2020 model added daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign assist, and lane-tracing assist. The RX also had 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.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received top ratings in all IIHS crash tests, except for a “marginal” rating for child-seat anchors and mixed headlight ratings. The NHTSA gave the 2020 model a five-star overall rating. The Atlas had standard 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.