2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

Volkswagen offered the Cross Sport in a variety of trims, including S, SE, SEL, and SEL Premium, with optional Technology and R-Line packages. The Atlas Cross Sport's styling was a major selling point, featuring a shorter length and lower height than the larger Atlas, giving it an SUV coupe look. The SEL Premium trim with the R-Line package looked particularly striking, with 21-inch machined-finish wheels and optional Pure Gray paint. Inside, the Burgundy and Titan Black two-tone color scheme was eye-catching, though closer inspection revealed hard plastics. The design and materials were generally well-executed, with available ambient lighting adding a nice touch.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey had a familiar look with minor tweaks for the new model year, including a new grille, front bumper, and standard LED headlights. The top three trims featured new wheel designs, and a gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretched across the taillights. Buyers could choose from five trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, with base prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820. The test vehicle, a Lunar Silver Metallic Elite trim, included perforated leather upholstery, new dashboard ambient lighting, and handsome 19-inch wheels. The Odyssey Elite aimed to serve as the Acura of minivans with its upscale interior and refined exterior.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine, producing 235 horsepower at 4,500 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque at 1,600 rpm on premium gas. However, the 4,103-pound curb weight made the engine feel less powerful. The optional 3.6-liter V6 engine, generating 276 hp at 6,200 rpm and 266 lb-ft at 2,750 rpm, was more suitable for the vehicle, offering a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Both engines used an 8-speed automatic transmission with a sport mode, and the Atlas was primarily front-wheel drive, with an optional 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. The V6 engine provided adequate power and refinement, though the 8-speed automatic transmission had delayed downshifts in normal mode. The Atlas Cross Sport's handling was generally good, with 8 inches of ground clearance and various driving modes, but it was thirsty, averaging 18.7 mpg in combined driving.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission, producing 280 horsepower. The drivetrain included Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, as well as paddle shifters. The V6 engine and automatic transmission combination provided smooth, effortless power, with variable cylinder management for fuel efficiency. The Odyssey was rated at 22 mpg in combined driving, and it averaged 21.8 mpg during testing. Unlike some competitors, the Odyssey did not offer all-wheel drive, which was a disadvantage in snowy regions. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response, and the Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm but comfortable suspension. However, the brakes struggled under heavy use, particularly during a heatwave.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, though smaller than the Atlas, offered a spacious interior. The test vehicle featured large heated and ventilated leather seats with numerous power adjustments for both the driver and front passenger. The second row was comfortable, with ample legroom and headroom, rear air-conditioning vents, and heated seat cushions. The dual-zone automatic climate control system struggled in direct sunlight, especially with the engine's automatic stop/start system engaged. Storage space was plentiful, with a large center console, door panel bins, and a glove box. The cargo area provided 40.3 cubic feet of space behind the back seat and 77.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat was standard in all but the base LX trim, and the Elite trim included a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, but passengers did not complain. Storage space was excellent, with shelves in the front doors and a wireless smartphone charger on the center console. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout allowed for various seating configurations, and the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space measured 32.8 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, 88.8 cubic feet with the third-row seat tumbled, and 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. However, removing and reinstalling the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered three different infotainment systems, with the top-trim test vehicle featuring an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen display, large virtual menu shortcut buttons, and two stereo knobs. The system included USB-C ports, Bluetooth device pairings, Car-Net smartphone and smartwatch connected services, WiFi, remote engine starting, a car finder, automatic collision notification, SOS emergency calling, and safe teen driving features. The 12-speaker Fender premium sound system provided excellent audio quality. However, the lack of a natural voice recognition system was a drawback, as it struggled with standard prompt tests.

Starting with EX trim, the 2021 Honda Odyssey featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, text-messaging support, basic HondaLink connectivity, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. Touring trim added a navigation system, HondaLink subscription service plans, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system, multi-zone listening options, and wireless smartphone charging. HondaLink Security, Remote, and Concierge subscription plans were available, offering various safety and convenience features. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were notable drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray disc player, wireless headphones, and streaming apps, though the lack of a touchscreen disappointed some users.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included a comprehensive suite of safety features, even at the base trim level. The SEL Premium R-Line test vehicle had all available advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including a road-sign recognition system and Traffic Jam Assist. The ADAS operated smoothly, though the lane assistance feature was not preferred. The Atlas Cross Sport had not yet been crash-tested, but the larger Atlas performed well in safety assessments.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features for 2021, with Honda Sensing now standard on all trims. The system included low-speed follow capability for adaptive cruise control, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new Honda Sensing menu button for easy access to ADAS settings. Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning was available starting with EX trim. The Odyssey's ADAS worked accurately but could be smoother. The Odyssey was expected to maintain its impressive safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with top five-star ratings in most assessments.