2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2020 Volvo XC90

When examining the 2020 Volvo XC90, one couldn’t help but admire the transformative leap Volvo had taken from its boxy sedans and wagons of the '80s and '90s. The XC90 epitomized an apex in Volvo’s design journey, proving that an SUV could possess a design elegance rivaling that of a low-slung sedan. The R-Design trim, particularly striking, featured blacked-out honeycomb grilles intersecting the iconic Volvo diagonal bar, alongside black accents on the window surrounds and mirrors, adding an edgy touch to its already sophisticated stature. The aggressive chin spoiler, complemented by 22-inch rims, enhanced its bold allure. Signature “Thor's Hammer” LED headlights, now standard, along with tall, curvaceous LED taillights, further marked its distinctive Volvo identity. The Thunder Grey Metallic paint juxtaposed with a beige-leather and aluminum interior created a captivating visual contrast that was both modern and luxurious.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas embraced a more extroverted style with its refreshed front and rear bumpers, new grille, and standard LED headlights and taillights. The alterations extended its length by 2.4 inches, imparting a more substantial presence. The R-Line trim added sportier elements, including unique bumpers and side skirts, though the chrome exhaust tips felt somewhat contrived. The exterior updates, while purely cosmetic, gave the Atlas a more assertive look, albeit the truck-like aesthetics were less refined than Volvo’s sophisticated design. The minimalist interior, however, lacked the luxurious feel of the XC90, with lesser material quality and unconvincing faux wood and metal trims, especially evident in the mid-level SE with Technology model.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered a range of powertrains, all based on a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The entry-level T5 produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque but lacked the required power for a vehicle of this size. The T6 variant, with an added supercharger, boosted performance to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, offering a more appropriate power level. The Polestar upgrade raised these figures to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft, although it did not transform the XC90 into a sporty machine. The T8 plug-in hybrid variant, with 400 hp and 472 lb-ft, offered an electric range of up to 18 miles thanks to its 11.6-kWh battery but added weight negated the advantages of power. Fuel economy for the T6 AWD was 18 mpg in the city, 26 on the highway, and 21 combined, which was underwhelming compared to its six-cylinder competition.

In comparison, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas provided two engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four that generated 235 hp and 258 lb-ft, and a 3.6-liter VR6 with 276 hp and 266 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with optional 4Motion AWD that engaged only when necessary to save on fuel. The Atlas with the base engine and AWD felt underwhelming, delivering adequate acceleration but rough shifts and poor ride quality. The VR6 model’s towing capacity was a decent 5,000 pounds. Fuel economy for the four-cylinder AWD was 21 mpg combined, while the V6 AWD managed 18 mpg combined, which again fell short in comparison to rivals with hybrid powertrains.

In terms of interior space, the 2020 Volvo XC90 was built with a refined touch. Volvo’s Sensus infotainment system was faster and more intuitive compared to previous versions, though climate controls embedded in the touchscreen were less ergonomic. The XC90 offered seating for seven as standard, with an optional integrated booster cushion for second-row seats that was a thoughtful addition for families. The front and second rows promised substantial legroom and comfort, although the third row was cramped, suitable only for small children. The cargo capacity stood at 85.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, providing ample room for storage.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas, on the other hand, offered notable third-row legroom, making it more accommodating for larger families. However, this came at the expense of second-row comfort, which was compromised with thin, flat seat cushions. With all seats up, it provided 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 96.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, slightly more than the XC90. The controls were well placed and intuitive, clearly reflecting Volkswagen’s design philosophy seen in models like the Golf GTI. Additionally, it boasted up to 17 cupholders and five USB ports, enhancing its family-friendly credentials.

In the technology arena, the 2020 Volvo XC90 shined with its standard Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system that masterfully combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The R-Design trim included a remarkable Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 1,400 watts, 19 speakers, including yellow Kevlar cones, offering a pristine audio experience. The 9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen facilitated navigation, although onboard apps were slow to load.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas came equipped with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto across all models. Lower trims had a 6.5-inch infotainment screen, while others featured an 8-inch panel. Higher trims could enjoy VW’s Digital Cockpit, replacing analog gauges with a 10.3-inch digital display. However, the overall interface was plain and text-heavy, making it less user-friendly. A new 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was a notable addition, allowing connectivity for up to four devices, complementing its family-oriented features.

Safety was a strong suit for both vehicles. The 2020 Volvo XC90 achieved top ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, though it fell short of the Top Safety Pick+ due to headlight performance. Standard features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo’s legacy of safety innovations, like the use of high-strength boron steel and advanced airbag systems, underlined their commitment to passenger protection.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas also garnered top “good” ratings from the IIHS but had mixed results in child-seat anchor and headlight evaluations. The 2020 Atlas model received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features for the 2021 model included automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with higher trims offering adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and traffic-jam assist. The expected addition of Travel Assist and Emergency Assist later in 2021 would enhance its safety credentials further.