2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2021 Volvo XC90

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 length and lower height compared to the larger Atlas, giving it an SUV coupe look. The SEL Premium trim with the R-Line package looked particularly striking with its 21-inch machined-finish wheels and Pure Gray paint, giving it a custom appearance. Inside, the Burgundy and Titan Black two-tone color scheme was eye-catching, though closer inspection revealed hard plastics. However, the design and materials in high-contact areas were well-executed, and the ambient lighting added a nice touch.

The 2021 Volvo XC90, on the other hand, successfully reshaped Volvo’s image with its design. It retained traditional Volvo styling features like a boxy profile and blunt front end but added softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive LED headlights with “Thor’s Hammer” daytime running lights. The Inscription trim level, with extra chrome trim and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the flashiest. The XC90 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models, contributing to its car-based crossover nature. Inside, the XC90 embraced “Swedish minimalism” with thoughtfully arranged, high-quality materials, including matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery. The Orrefors crystal shifter added a high-end touch to the otherwise restrained interior.

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, its 4,103-pound curb weight made the engine feel less powerful. The optional 3.6-liter V6 engine, generating 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, was a better choice for most buyers, offering a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Both engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, 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 offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual, and performed well on smooth pavement, though it was thirsty, averaging 18.7 mpg.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 engine was turbocharged, producing 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The T6 engine was both turbocharged and supercharged, delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric assist, producing 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T5 came standard with front-wheel drive, while the T6 and T8 had all-wheel drive. Despite the impressive power output, the small engine struggled to provide flexibility, and the XC90 often required the gasoline engine to assist even at low speeds. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and offered a quiet cabin. Most models had a 5,000-pound towing capacity, though the base T5 was rated at 4,000 pounds.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, though smaller than the Atlas, offered a spacious interior. The front seats were large, heated, and ventilated, with numerous power adjustments. The second row was equally comfortable, accommodating three kids or smaller adults, with ample legroom and headroom. The dual-zone automatic climate control system struggled in direct sunlight, but storage space was plentiful, with a large center console, door panel bins, and a glove box. The cargo space was generous, with 40.3 cubic feet behind the back seat and 77.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with headroom and legroom in all three rows being average for the segment. The third row was tight for adults, and the seats in both the third and second rows lacked support. The optional power moonroof and upright roof profile gave the interior a spacious feel. The front seats in the Inscription trim were 10-way power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated, with backrest massage, though the steering wheel was not power-adjustable. Storage space was limited, with a shallow center console bin. Cargo space was 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded, making it one of the smaller options in the segment.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered three infotainment systems, with the top-trim test vehicle featuring an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen display, large virtual menu buttons, and two stereo knobs. The system supported two Bluetooth device pairings simultaneously and included robust Car-Net smartphone and smartwatch connected services. 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 prompts.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which was user-friendly and minimalist. It came standard with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was easy to use, though the amount of text and typeface made reading some menus difficult while driving. The wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and the front USB ports were USB-A, while the rear ports were USB-C.

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

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It offered more standard safety features than most competitors, including lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and Pilot Assist. Pilot Assist was one of the best systems of its kind, providing smooth and quick reactions to other vehicles, though it struggled with highway curves.