2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2021 Lexus GX

2021 Lexus GX
2021 Lexus GX
$53,450MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2022 Volkswagen Atlas
2022 Volkswagen Atlas
$34,335MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Lexus GX
$53,450MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Volkswagen Atlas
$34,335MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Lexus GX is 5.3 out of 10, while the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas scores 7.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas is the recommended choice, offering a more modern design, better technology, and a more spacious interior, making it a more well-rounded option for most consumers.

Overview

MSRP

$53,450

MSRP

$34,335

Average price

$44,391

Average price

$30,561

Listings

410

Listings

599
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

5.3 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.0 out of 10
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Premium interior materials
  • Comfortable
Cons
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Poor handling
  • Outdated technology
Pros
  • Comfortable
  • Spacious third row
  • Plenty of cargo space
Cons
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Interior materials feel cheap

2021 Lexus GX Reviews Summary

Most modern SUVs are really car-based crossovers—lifted station wagons, or minivans without the sliding doors. That’s not the case with the 2021 Lexus GX 460.

Like the mythical Loch Ness Monster, the GX is a creature that time forgot. It’s one of the last SUVs with truck-like body-on-frame construction and true off-road capability. That’s because the GX is actually a rebadged Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (a smaller version of the iconic Toyota Land Cruiser not sold in the United States), and is related to the Toyota 4Runner. It’s also genuinely old: the current generation dates back to the 2010 model year, and Lexus has kept it in production with some updates of styling and tech over the years.

That makes the GX a fairly odd proposition on the new-car market. It has the off-road capability, not as a lifestyle statement, but because that’s what was still expected of SUVs when it was launched. The GX sits between the RX and LX in Lexus’ lineup but has little direct competition. Its only real rival is the much newer Land Rover Discovery.

For the 2021 model year, the GX gets some minor updates, including a new Premium Plus Package, and acoustic front side glass. Lexus continues to offer only the GX 460 model, with a single powertrain option, standard four-wheel drive (4WD), and three trim levels: base, Premium, and Luxury. Our test car was the midlevel Premium version.

2022 Volkswagen Atlas Reviews Summary

Until 2018, Volkswagen seemingly ignored the fact that Americans wanted roomy, functional SUVs. But that year, a right-sized Tiguan arrived ready to challenge the leaders in the compact SUV class and the family-sized Atlas went on sale to wage war in the three-row SUV segment. Both addressed criticism that Volkswagen was out of touch by going above and beyond with regard to passenger comfort, cargo space, and utility.

Now, five years later, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas is essentially unchanged following a substantial refresh for the 2021 model year. And though the 2022 Atlas remains a study in contrast, it is easy to understand why people buy it. Sometimes, size does matter.

No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

4.6L 301 hp V8

Engine

2.0L 235 hp I4

Drive Train

AWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

7

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

301 hp @ 5500 rpm

Horsepower

235 hp @ 5400 rpm

MPG City

15

MPG City

21

MPG Highway

19

MPG Highway

25
2021 Lexus GX
2021 Lexus GX
$53,450MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Volkswagen Atlas
2022 Volkswagen Atlas
$34,335MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lexus GX
$53,450MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Volkswagen Atlas
$34,335MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Lexus GX is 5.3 out of 10, while the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas scores 7.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas is the recommended choice, offering a more modern design, better technology, and a more spacious interior, making it a more well-rounded option for most consumers.

Overview
MSRP
$53,450
$34,335
Average price
$44,391
$30,561
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.6
4.8
Expert reviews

5.3 out of 10

Read full review

7.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Premium interior materials
  • Comfortable
Cons
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Poor handling
  • Outdated technology
Pros
  • Comfortable
  • Spacious third row
  • Plenty of cargo space
Cons
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Interior materials feel cheap
Summary

Most modern SUVs are really car-based crossovers—lifted station wagons, or minivans without the sliding doors. That’s not the case with the 2021 Lexus GX 460.

Like the mythical Loch Ness Monster, the GX is a creature that time forgot. It’s one of the last SUVs with truck-like body-on-frame construction and true off-road capability. That’s because the GX is actually a rebadged Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (a smaller version of the iconic Toyota Land Cruiser not sold in the United States), and is related to the Toyota 4Runner. It’s also genuinely old: the current generation dates back to the 2010 model year, and Lexus has kept it in production with some updates of styling and tech over the years.

That makes the GX a fairly odd proposition on the new-car market. It has the off-road capability, not as a lifestyle statement, but because that’s what was still expected of SUVs when it was launched. The GX sits between the RX and LX in Lexus’ lineup but has little direct competition. Its only real rival is the much newer Land Rover Discovery.

For the 2021 model year, the GX gets some minor updates, including a new Premium Plus Package, and acoustic front side glass. Lexus continues to offer only the GX 460 model, with a single powertrain option, standard four-wheel drive (4WD), and three trim levels: base, Premium, and Luxury. Our test car was the midlevel Premium version.

Until 2018, Volkswagen seemingly ignored the fact that Americans wanted roomy, functional SUVs. But that year, a right-sized Tiguan arrived ready to challenge the leaders in the compact SUV class and the family-sized Atlas went on sale to wage war in the three-row SUV segment. Both addressed criticism that Volkswagen was out of touch by going above and beyond with regard to passenger comfort, cargo space, and utility.

Now, five years later, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas is essentially unchanged following a substantial refresh for the 2021 model year. And though the 2022 Atlas remains a study in contrast, it is easy to understand why people buy it. Sometimes, size does matter.

Video
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
4.6L 301 hp V8
2.0L 235 hp I4
Drive Train
AWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
7
7
Horsepower
301 hp @ 5500 rpm
235 hp @ 5400 rpm
MPG City
15
21
MPG Highway
19
25
Look and feel
2021 Lexus GX
7/10
2022 Volkswagen Atlas
7/10

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its rugged and aggressive exterior styling, a testament to its decade-long presence in the market. Despite its age, the GX's design remained coherent, with the massive spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights adding a distinctive touch. However, the interior did not match the modern luxury standards, with wood trim that felt like plastic and an abundance of actual plastic materials. While leather upholstery was standard, the overall interior ambiance felt outdated compared to contemporary luxury SUVs.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a more modern and upscale appearance, especially with the SEL Premium R-Line trim's 21-inch wheels and R-Line design elements. The Atlas's interior was praised for its simplicity and premium flair, although some materials were crafted to a low-cost point, resulting in an abundance of hard, shiny plastics. Despite this, the Atlas provided a spacious and comfortable cabin, with ample room for passengers and a variety of storage options, making it a practical choice for families.

Performance
2021 Lexus GX
6/10
2022 Volkswagen Atlas
5/10

The 2021 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample power for initial acceleration, the GX's hefty 5,130-pound weight made higher-speed maneuvers and braking more challenging. The body-on-frame construction contributed to a less refined ride quality, but the GX excelled in off-road capabilities with its Torsen center differential, low-range 4WD, and various driver aids. It boasted a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds, making it a solid choice for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and a 3.6-liter V6 producing 276 horsepower. The V6, while not the most powerful in its class, provided a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The Atlas featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and offered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. While the V6 engine lacked refinement, the Atlas provided a range of driving modes and an adaptive 4Motion AWD system for improved handling. The Atlas's ride quality was generally comfortable, though larger wheels and low-profile tires could transmit road imperfections to the cabin.

Form and function
2021 Lexus GX
5/10
2022 Volkswagen Atlas
9/10

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics reflected its age, with limited legroom and an awkward steering wheel position. The dashboard design, however, offered excellent outward visibility, and the GX came standard with three rows of seating. While the third row was best suited for children, the GX's cargo space was limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded. The GX's interior was functional but lacked the spaciousness and versatility of more modern SUVs.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space and comfort, accommodating seven passengers with ease. The Atlas offered a low step-in height, making it accessible for all passengers, and provided ample cargo space with up to 96.8 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded. The Atlas's interior was well-equipped with numerous storage areas, though some lacked linings, leading to potential noise from items sliding around. Overall, the Atlas provided a more spacious and practical interior compared to the GX.

Technology
2021 Lexus GX
4/10
2022 Volkswagen Atlas
7/10

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on technology, with a basic infotainment system lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. While it offered Bluetooth and Amazon Alexa connectivity, the system's graphics felt outdated. The GX did include analog controls for ease of use, but the overall tech experience was lacking for a luxury SUV.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came equipped with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit and the MIB3 infotainment system, offering features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and a range of connected services. While the user experience had some quirks, such as slow loading times and complex radio tuning, the Atlas provided a more comprehensive and modern tech package compared to the GX.

Safety
2021 Lexus GX
6/10
2022 Volkswagen Atlas
7/10

The 2021 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist. The GX had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered an extensive list of safety features, including Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and a surround-view camera system. While the Atlas had some issues with its Lane Assist technology, it provided a comprehensive suite of safety features. However, it did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, and its frontal-impact ratings from the NHTSA were not class-leading.

Cost Effectiveness
2021 Lexus GX
4/10
2022 Volkswagen Atlas
7/10
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