2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was offered in a variety of trims, including S, SE, SEL, and SEL Premium, with optional Technology and R-Line packages. Its styling was a major selling point, featuring a shorter and lower profile than the larger Atlas, giving it an SUV coupe appearance. The SEL Premium trim with the R-Line package was particularly striking, with large 21-inch wheels and a custom look enhanced by Pure Gray paint. Inside, the Atlas Cross Sport had a visually appealing interior with a two-tone color scheme, though closer inspection revealed some hard plastics. Despite this, the design and materials in high-contact areas were well-executed, and ambient lighting added a touch of sophistication.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V's design was more conventional, blending in with other compact crossovers. While it had some distinguishing features like its grille and chrome accents, the CR-V was not typically chosen for its exterior aesthetics. It was available in eight colors, though many were shades of gray, black, or white, with more vibrant options limited to higher trims. The interior offered a modern look with angular seat designs and varied materials depending on the trim. While not the most distinctive in its class, the CR-V's design was functional and practical, focusing on comfort and usability.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, though its 4,103-pound curb weight made the optional 3.6-liter V6 engine more appealing. The V6 delivered 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, providing a more spirited driving experience and a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Both engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and the Atlas offered front-wheel drive with an optional 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. The vehicle's handling was generally good, with effective braking and steering, though it lacked an adaptive damping suspension, leading to some body motion and ride quality issues. Fuel efficiency was rated at 19 mpg combined, with an observed average of 18.7 mpg.

The 2021 Honda CR-V featured a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all trims, with a 0-60 mph time of approximately 7.8 seconds. While not the fastest in its class, the CR-V offered smooth acceleration and predictable handling. It utilized a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which provided a less engaging driving experience compared to competitors with conventional automatic transmissions. The CR-V was available with front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive as an option. Its suspension setup was typical for the class, offering decent handling and ride quality without surprises.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, despite being smaller than the Atlas, offered a spacious interior. The front seats were large, heated, and ventilated, with numerous power adjustments, providing comfort for long drives. The second row was also comfortable, with ample legroom and headroom for adults, and included rear air-conditioning vents and heated seats. The dual-zone climate control system struggled in direct sunlight, but storage space was plentiful, with a large center console and various compartments. The cargo area offered 40.3 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 77.8 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, with 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. Access to the cargo area varied by trim, with manual, power, and hands-free tailgate options. Roof rails were standard only on the top Touring trim. The CR-V's interior was designed to comfortably fit five passengers and their gear, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered three infotainment systems, with the top-trim featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system. It included Car-Net services, WiFi, and various connected features, though it lacked natural voice recognition. Users needed to rely on Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for voice commands.

The 2021 Honda CR-V's base LX trim had a basic 5-inch screen, while other trims featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The audio system varied by trim, with the Touring trim offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were abundant, and the Touring trim included a wireless phone charger. Navigation was available only on the Touring trim.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included a comprehensive suite of safety features, even at the base level, with advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) and an automatic post-collision braking system. The SEL Premium R-Line trim had additional features like road-sign recognition and Traffic Jam Assist. Crash-test results were not available, but the larger Atlas performed well.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It included the Honda Sensing suite of safety features as standard across all trims, offering a range of advanced safety technologies. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind spot monitoring, which was included on higher trims.