2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, despite being in its second generation since 2014, continued to impress with its luxurious design and advanced features. The 2018 refresh introduced a dual-screen center console, a hallmark of Land Rover interiors, and the 2021 model retained this sophisticated setup. The vehicle offered a range of trims, from the base SE with leather upholstery and a premium sound system, to the high-end Autobiography and performance-focused SVR models. Each trim level added layers of luxury and performance, with features like quad-zone climate control, panoramic sunroofs, and powerful V8 engines, making the Range Rover Sport a symbol of opulence and capability.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas maintained its appeal with a more straightforward design and practical features. The model carried over from the previous year with minor updates, simplifying its lineup to six trims. The Atlas was known for its spacious interior and comfortable seating, accommodating up to seven passengers with ease. While the exterior design was bold and boxy, the interior focused on functionality, though some materials felt less premium. The Atlas offered a range of standard features, including a digital cockpit and advanced safety systems, making it a practical choice for families seeking a roomy and well-equipped SUV.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered a diverse range of powertrains, catering to different performance needs. The base P360 mild-hybrid powertrain delivered 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque, while the HST model's P400 powertrain increased output to 395 hp and 406 lb-ft. The plug-in hybrid variant, P400e, combined a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine with electric assist, producing 398 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more power, the HSE Dynamic and Autobiography trims featured a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine with 518 hp, while the SVR models boasted 575 hp. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, offering impressive off-road capabilities and a towing capacity of up to 7,716 pounds.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas provided two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 276 hp and 266 lb-ft. The V6, available on higher trims, offered a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offered either FWD or AWD. The Atlas featured driving modes like Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual, with additional Active Control calibrations for AWD models. Despite its size, the Atlas was easy to maneuver, though its ride quality varied depending on road conditions. The V6 engine, while adequate, lacked refinement and power compared to competitors, impacting overall driving satisfaction.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered a maximum of 63.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 31.7 cubic feet with the second row in use. An optional third row increased seating capacity to seven, though it reduced cargo space to 10.8 cubic feet. The first and second rows provided ample headroom and legroom, while the third row was best suited for children. The interior combined space with luxury, offering a comfortable and lavish experience for passengers.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space, providing 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 55.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a generous 96.8 cubic feet with the second row down. The Atlas comfortably seated seven adults, with easy access due to its low step-in height. The interior featured numerous storage areas, though many were unlined, leading to potential noise from items sliding around. The Atlas prioritized comfort and practicality, making it a standout choice for families needing ample space and convenience.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a dual-screen center console, with the lower screen handling climate controls and vehicle settings, and the upper screen dedicated to infotainment. While the system offered a range of functions, it was not always intuitive, and earlier models experienced bugs. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a real volume button for convenience. Despite its learning curve, the system provided a modern and high-tech feel to the interior.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came standard with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, featuring an 8-inch display that expanded to 10.25 inches on higher trims. The Atlas SE had a 6.5-inch touchscreen with basic infotainment features, while other trims offered the MIB3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity, and Car-Net services. The SEL Premium R-Line included a 12-speaker Fender sound system. However, the user experience was hindered by slow loading times and a complex process for simple tasks like tuning the radio. The navigation system also struggled with voice commands, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable for navigation.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came with standard driver assistance features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. Additional features such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were available at an extra cost. The Range Rover Sport offered a range of optional safety technologies, including a surround-view camera and head-up display, enhancing its safety profile.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas boasted an extensive list of safety features, including automatic post-collision braking, Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and the full suite of IQ Drive features, including lane-keeping assistance and Travel Assist. The Atlas also featured advanced lighting systems and a surround-view camera. However, the Lane Assist system occasionally misinterpreted road markings, and crash-test ratings were not class-leading, with the Atlas missing out on a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.