2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured a refreshed front fascia with a trapezoidal grille and angled LED headlights, drawing inspiration from the A-Class and CLS-Class. The taillights had square LEDs within the same housing, making the differences subtle unless compared side-by-side with older models. While the GLC wasn't unattractive, it lacked visual excitement from most angles, especially in the mass-market GLC 300 variant. The AMG versions, with their wide tires, vertical-bar grille, and lower stance, added some visual drama. The GLC Coupe’s fastback roof brought a touch of entertainment to the design. Despite its beige paint and 18-inch wheels, the test car often blended into parking lots, which was disappointing given its over $60,000 price tag.

What truly set the GLC apart was its interior, which was among the best in the business. The all-black interior with stained gray ash wood was rich and luxurious, featuring a continuous sweep of wood from the three circular air vents, padded and stitched leather on the seats and doors, and cold metal covers on the stereo speakers. The fit, finish, and overall quality were impeccable. The 2020 model introduced a standard 10.3-inch touchscreen, replacing the older 7- and 8.4-inch displays, and a new touchpad on the console. The steering wheel, identical to the one in the E-Class, had more buttons and felt thicker and softer. A 12.3-inch display could replace the analog gauges, enhancing the modern feel of the interior.

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, giving it a more extroverted look compared to the conservatively-styled 2020 model. 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 as before, showcasing its flexibility.

The Atlas featured 18-inch alloy wheels on S and SE trim levels, with 20-inch wheels standard on SE with Technology and higher models. The R-Line package on the SEL or SEL Premium trim levels included 21-inch wheels. Roof rails were standard, and a panoramic sunroof was available on the SE with Technology model and standard on the SEL and SEL Premium trims. The interior took a minimalist approach, with sensibly laid-out controls and a standard seven-seat configuration. However, the material quality on the mid-level SE with Technology test car was below average, with cheap and tinny plastics and simulated wood and metal trim that were clearly not genuine.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 came with a new turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The 9-speed automatic transmission, available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD), featured major reprogramming, making the GLC 300 feel more responsive. However, the engine still fell short compared to competitors like the BMW X3. The AMG GLC 43, with its twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, offered phenomenal performance. The AMG GLC 63 4Matic Coupe's 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 delivered 469 hp and 479 lb-ft, while the AMG GLC 63 S 4Matic Coupe topped at 503 hp and 516 lb-ft. Despite the impressive performance of the AMG models, the GLC 300's steering and handling were disappointing, with body roll, vague steering, and sloppy suspension control. The GLC 300 4Matic had an EPA rating of 21 mpg city, 28 highway, and 24 combined, while the AMG models had lower fuel economy.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter VR6 engine rated at 276 hp and 266 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional 4Motion all-wheel drive (AWD). The driving experience with the base 2.0-liter engine and AWD was underwhelming, with adequate acceleration but rough shifts and poor ride quality. The Atlas had an Active Control feature with different drive modes, but it didn't improve on-road handling. The VR6 models had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, while the four-cylinder models were rated to tow 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 had lower fuel economy.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured a mix of digital and physical controls, with a steep learning curve for those unfamiliar with modern Mercedes vehicles. The column shifter required an upward tap for Reverse and a downward tap for Drive, while the seat controls were on the doors. The new Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system had a simplified layout with selectable items that glowed when highlighted. The GLC had enough room for four adults, but the back seat was uncomfortable and had a perplexing way to recline. Cargo space was 19 cubic feet behind the seats and 57 cubic feet with them folded, which was less than competitors like the BMW X3.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas, designed as a family hauler, offered 96.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats and 20.6 cubic feet with all seats up. The Atlas had more third-row legroom than most competitors, but at the expense of second-row legroom, which was the worst among its competitive set. The 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 Atlas had a tall driving position, but forward visibility was less than optimal. The interior featured logically laid-out controls, up to five USB ports, an optional wireless charging pad, and up to 17 cupholders.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC's MBUX system had advanced features like augmented reality for navigation and a cloud-based voice assistant. The system could track behavior, suggest destinations, and show Yelp reviews. It also had semi-autonomous driving features, although they were limited in functionality. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with USB-C ports. Wireless device charging was optional. The Off-Road Engineering Package included hill-descent control, additional driving modes, and underbody shields.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas had Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The base S trim level had a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, while other models had an 8-inch screen. The Digital Cockpit, available on higher trims, replaced analog gauges with a 10.3-inch digital display. The Atlas was set to receive VW's new MIBIII infotainment system later in the model year, with 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 Mercedes-Benz GLC was named a 2019 Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, scoring top ratings in all crash tests and for its standard forward emergency braking. The NHTSA gave the GLC its highest 5-star rating in all crash tests. New for 2020 was Exit Warning Assist, which used blind-spot-monitoring radar sensors to detect approaching cyclists or cars. Other features included Pre-Safe Sound and Predictive Brake Priming.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received top "good" ratings in all IIHS crash tests, but a "marginal" rating for child-seat anchors and mixed headlight ratings. The NHTSA gave the 2020 model a five-star overall rating. All 2021 Atlas trim levels had standard automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and traffic-jam assist. Later in the model year, the Atlas was set to receive Travel Assist and Emergency Assist on SEL and SEL Premium trims.