2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2020 Mazda CX-5

Mazda executed the concept of premium exceptionally well with the 2020 CX-5. The automaker's commitment to building better cars was evident through captivating style, compelling substance, and continual product improvement. This model year saw more standard equipment, revised instrumentation, and control markings to enhance the cabin's appearance. Modifications were made to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness, and the turbocharged engine received an increase in torque output. AWD versions gained a new off-road traction assistance feature. Prices ranged from $25,190 to $37,155, with the test vehicle's window sticker at $38,680.

The CX-5's design, rooted in Mazda's "Kodo" styling themes, remained appealing, distinctive, and upscale. The interior, especially in Signature trim, featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood, and a black headliner, giving it a luxurious feel. However, the Caturra Brown leather was almost indistinguishable from the black cabin, reducing the contrast that often makes a vehicle seem premium.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received a styling refresh, including new front and rear bumpers, standard LED headlights and taillights, and a new grille. These changes added 2.4 inches to the Atlas's length. The SUV had a more extroverted look compared to the conservatively-styled 2020 model, although the fake chrome exhaust tips were considered cheesy. The R-Line trim package added sportier-looking bumpers and side skirts. Despite the cosmetic changes, the Atlas still rode on the same MQB platform as before, used by most current VW models.

The Atlas's interior took a minimalist approach, largely free of decorative trim pieces, with sensibly laid-out controls. The standard seating configuration included seven seats across three rows, with second-row captain’s chairs available on higher trims. Cloth seats were standard on the base S trim, while simulated leather was available on SE and SEL models. The top SEL Premium trim level featured real leather upholstery. However, material quality on the mid-level SE with Technology test car was below average, with cheap-feeling plastics and simulated wood and metal trim.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with a Sport mode. FWD was standard, with AWD optional. The Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims featured a turbocharged version of the engine, generating 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular fuel. The turbocharged engine, paired with AWD, provided a healthy amount of power for a compact crossover SUV, despite a 3,825-pound curb weight. The turbocharged engine was less efficient, rated at 24 mpg combined, compared to 26 mpg combined for the naturally-aspirated engine with AWD. The test vehicle averaged 22.1 mpg.

The CX-5 Signature was engaging to drive, thanks to its G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) technology, which used the brakes to stabilize the SUV when cornering. However, the SUV's excessive body motions when hustling down a favorite back road were a drawback. The high center of gravity caused rocking and rolling when pitching the SUV through curves. Despite this, the steering and brakes were up to the task, making the CX-5 Signature a delight in typical driving situations.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options. The standard 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four produced 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. A 3.6-liter VR6, available on higher trims, was rated at 276 hp and 266 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with standard FWD or optional 4Motion AWD. The 4Motion system defaulted to FWD under low load to save fuel but could send power to the rear wheels when needed.

The base 2.0-liter engine with AWD provided an underwhelming driving experience, with adequate acceleration and somewhat rough shifts. Despite its multilink independent rear suspension, handling was truck-like, and the ride quality was poor. AWD models featured an Active Control system with different drive modes, but these did not improve on-road handling. The Atlas had eight inches of ground clearance and an Offroad mode, but it lacked a 4WD system with low range, making it better suited to pavement.

VR6 models could tow up to 5,000 pounds with a factory-installed tow hitch, while four-cylinder models were rated to tow 2,000 pounds. Fuel economy for four-cylinder models was rated at 22 mpg combined with FWD, and 21 mpg combined with AWD. VR6 models were rated at 19 mpg combined with FWD, and 18 mpg combined with AWD.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5's interior was more cramped than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, making it less competitive in terms of practicality and utility. However, Mazda focused on the CX-5's upscale cabin and generous standard equipment to de-emphasize this drawback. The interior reflected style and good taste, with classy-looking gauges and elegant metallic accents. Touring trim added dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and rear air conditioning vents. Grand Touring trim included a power height-adjustable front passenger seat, while Grand Touring Reserve added ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Signature trim featured Nappa leather, genuine wood trim, and more.

The CX-5 Signature's front seats were comfortable, but rear passengers might complain about legroom. Cargo space behind the rear seat measured 30.9 cubic feet, and folding the back seat down increased the maximum cargo volume to 59.6 cubic feet. A power liftgate with a programmable height limit was standard on Grand Touring trim and higher.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas was designed as a family hauler, offering 96.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats and 20.6 cubic feet with all seats up. The Atlas provided more third-row legroom than most competitors, but at the expense of second-row legroom, which was the worst among its competitive set. 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.

Controls were logically laid out and within easy reach of the driver. Up to five USB ports were available across the first and second rows, along with an optional wireless charging pad. The Atlas also featured up to 17 cupholders. The tall driving position provided a commanding view, but forward visibility was less than optimal. Ultrasonic parking sensors were standard, with low-speed automatic braking and active park assist available on higher trims.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 was equipped with a Mazda Connect infotainment system, which conveyed an upscale impression but could be frustrating to use. The Sport trim featured a 7-inch touchscreen display, which responded to touch only when the vehicle was stationary. Bluetooth, HD Radio, text messaging support, integrated internet radio apps, and E911 emergency notification were included. The Touring trim added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Grand Touring trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system. Signature trim included a navigation system, a surround-view camera system, and a SiriusXM data subscription.

Interaction with Mazda Connect was possible through the touchscreen, center console controls, steering wheel controls, or voice-recognition technology. However, none of these solutions was ideal. It was recommended to set up the system according to personal preferences and maximize the use of steering controls.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas featured Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The base S trim had a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, while other models had an 8-inch screen. Higher trims offered Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, replacing analog gauges with a 10.3-inch reconfigurable digital display. The Atlas was set to receive VW’s new MIBIII infotainment system later in the 2021 model year, which would add multi-phone pairing capability, improved voice recognition, and a redesigned navigation system.

The SE with Technology test car had the 8-inch screen without Digital Cockpit. The menus were easy to navigate, but the displays were plain and text-heavy. The base six-speaker audio system sounded decent, with an option to center the sound in a specific row. A 12-speaker Fender audio system was available on higher trims. New for 2021 was a built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, supporting up to four devices, with service provided by Verizon.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with all advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) standard on most models. The i-Activsense package included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane-keep assist. Standard LED headlights and rain-sensing wipers were also included. The CX-5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received the top "good" rating in all IIHS crash tests, but with a "marginal" rating for child-seat anchors and mixed headlight ratings. The standard headlights were rated "marginal," while the headlights on higher trims were rated "good." The 2020 model received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests, and four stars in rollover crash tests.

Every 2021 Atlas trim level included standard automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist were available on higher trims, as was a traffic-jam assist feature. Later in the model year, SEL and SEL Premium trims were set to receive Travel Assist and Emergency Assist.