2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover

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 design was a major selling point, featuring a shorter and lower profile than the larger Atlas, giving it a sleek SUV coupe appearance. The SEL Premium trim with the R-Line package was particularly striking, with large 21-inch wheels and a custom look in Pure Gray paint. Inside, the Atlas Cross Sport had a visually appealing interior with a two-tone color scheme, though it included some hard plastics. Despite this, the design and materials were well-executed, with ambient lighting adding a touch of elegance.

In contrast, the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved from its rugged origins to a luxurious vehicle with a starting price of $92,000. The HSE Westminster special edition, priced at $106,715, featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine. The Range Rover's design was timeless, with hallmark features like blacked-out pillars and clean lines. Inside, it exuded luxury with an Ivory-color interior and mid-century modern ambiance. However, the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system was less intuitive than newer systems, requiring some adjustment. Despite its age, the Range Rover maintained a strong connection to its heritage, much like a Porsche 911.

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. However, the optional 3.6-liter V6 engine, generating 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, was more popular due to its better performance. The Atlas Cross Sport featured an 8-speed automatic transmission and was primarily front-wheel drive, with an optional 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. The V6 engine provided adequate power, but the vehicle's weight affected its fuel efficiency, averaging 18.7 mpg. The Atlas Cross Sport offered various driving modes, but its suspension could benefit from adaptive damping.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a range of powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It featured a flawless eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case. The Range Rover excelled in off-road capabilities, though it was primarily tested on well-traveled trails. The adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, and the vehicle's power delivery was seamless. However, its steering was slow, and the suspension struggled with the vehicle's weight, resulting in some body roll. The Range Rover averaged 18.5 mpg in testing.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, despite being smaller than the Atlas, offered a spacious interior. The front seats were large, heated, and ventilated, providing comfort for long drives. The second row was equally comfortable, with ample legroom and headroom. However, the dual-zone climate control system struggled in direct sunlight. The Atlas Cross Sport had plenty of storage space, with a large center console and door bins. Cargo space was generous, with 40.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 77.8 cubic feet with them folded down.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier access. The front seats were luxurious, but the second row lacked comfort, with insufficient thigh support and a slouched seating position. Despite this, the rear offered quad-zone climate control and heated seats. Storage space was limited, with small compartments and a refrigerated center console. Cargo space was also restricted, with 25 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.8 cubic feet with them folded. A suspension kneel function aided loading.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered three infotainment systems, with the top-trim model featuring an 8-inch touchscreen display. It supported Bluetooth device pairings, Car-Net connected services, and a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system. However, it lacked natural voice recognition, requiring the use of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for voice commands.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system was not entirely intuitive, requiring setup and practice. The Range Rover included a head-up display, though it was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The Activity Key wristband allowed for keyless access, and the iGuide app served as a digital owner's manual.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included a comprehensive suite of safety features, even on the base trim. It featured an automatic post-collision braking system, road-sign recognition, and Traffic Jam Assist. The ADAS operated smoothly, though lane assistance was not preferred. Crash-test results were not available, but the larger Atlas performed well.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included basic safety features like forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assistance. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond.