2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover was a testament to luxury and sophistication, having evolved significantly from its rugged origins. Initially designed as a utilitarian vehicle, the Range Rover transformed into a symbol of opulence, offering features like heated, ventilated, and massaging seats wrapped in premium leather. The 2021 model started at $92,000, with the potential to exceed $250,000 when fully equipped with high-end options. Despite its age, the Range Rover maintained a timeless design, with hallmark features such as blacked-out windshield pillars and clean styling. Inside, the cabin exuded luxury with its high-contrast design and mid-century modern ambiance, although the infotainment system was not as advanced as newer models.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a bold and sporty appearance, especially in the SEL Premium R-Line trim with its 21-inch wheels. By removing the third row and lowering the roofline, Volkswagen created a more rakish design while maintaining a roomy interior for five passengers. The Atlas Cross Sport's interior was spacious and comfortable, with a variety of color combinations that conveyed an upscale feel. However, the use of hard, glossy plastics detracted from the overall impression of quality. Despite these shortcomings, the Atlas Cross Sport provided a cost-effective alternative to the standard Atlas, with a starting price of $52,495 for the SEL Premium R-Line trim.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine in the HSE Westminster special edition, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, provided smooth acceleration and a quiet ride. The Range Rover's 4WD system, with a two-speed transfer case and Terrain Response 2 traction control, ensured off-road capability, although the test vehicle was not pushed to its limits. The adaptive air suspension provided a classic wafting sensation, but the SUV's weight and tall center of gravity resulted in some side-to-side wallow on uneven roads. The EPA estimated fuel economy at 20 mpg combined, but the test vehicle averaged 18.5 mpg.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and a 3.6-liter V6 with 276 horsepower. The V6, standard in the SEL Premium R-Line trim, provided more satisfying performance and a 5,000-pound towing capacity. Both engines used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with FWD standard and 4Motion AWD available. The V6 felt more energetic in the two-row Cross Sport, although it lacked refinement and averaged 19.2 mpg during testing. The suspension struggled with urban ride quality, feeling harsh at low speeds and too soft at higher speeds. However, the Cross Sport excelled on the highway, where the ride was more agreeable.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier access, though shorter passengers still found entry challenging. The front seats were decadently comfortable, but the second row lacked thigh support and adjustability, resulting in an uncomfortable seating position. Storage space was limited, with a small refrigerated center console bin and minimal cargo capacity of 25 cubic feet, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet. A button in the cargo area activated the suspension kneel function for easier loading.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its wheelbase and track width with the larger Atlas, resulting in a spacious interior for five adults. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated seating, and a panoramic sunroof. Storage space was abundant, with roomy door bins and a large glove compartment. The cargo area offered ample space, with deep wells for additional storage and the ability to store full-size suitcases with ease.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system, while not entirely intuitive, could be navigated with practice. The system's dual 10-inch touchscreens were distracting while driving, and the head-up display was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The Range Rover also offered a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for additional convenience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came standard with Volkswagen Digital Cockpit and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with upgrades available in higher trims. The upgraded system included an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone connectivity, and access to Car-Net connected services. While the technology checked all the right boxes, the user experience could be frustrating, making smartphone integration a preferable option. The SEL Premium R-Line trim featured a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system, which delivered excellent audio quality.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, which worked well, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond in certain situations.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a range of safety features, with more advanced systems available in higher trims. Standard features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The SEL trim added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and IQ Drive, which included Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. The SEL Premium R-Line trim featured a semi-autonomous parking system and a 360-degree camera. While Travel Assist was generally accurate, it occasionally lacked refinement, and the Lane Assist system sometimes misinterpreted road markings.