2021 Lexus NX vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2021 Lexus NX carried forward the brand's signature design elements, offering a sharp and sculpted exterior that was reminiscent of its siblings, the smaller UX and larger RX. The NX 300 and 300 F Sport gasoline models were available, with the latter focusing on a sportier appearance. The F Sport version featured a distinctive honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch wheels, enhancing its athletic look. Inside, the F Sport boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats and a choice of interior color schemes, including a bold Circuit Red. The interior was well-crafted, with excellent material fit and finish, though the design of the center stack and gauge cluster felt somewhat dated compared to newer competitors.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport presented a bold and sporty appearance, especially in the SEL Premium R-Line trim with its 21-inch machined-finish wheels. By removing the third row and lowering the roofline, Volkswagen created a more rakish and upscale look. The interior was spacious, accommodating five adults comfortably, with generous rear legroom and a host of comfort features like heated and ventilated seats. However, the use of hard, glossy plastics detracted from the overall impression of quality. Despite this, the Atlas Cross Sport offered ample cargo space, with deep wells for additional storage, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. While not designed for sportiness, it provided a capable performance, accelerating from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds. The six-speed automatic transmission was adequate, though not as smooth as newer multi-speed options. The NX offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available, allowing up to 50% of torque to be transferred to the rear axle. Fuel economy was decent, with the FWD model achieving 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The NX also featured an adaptive-suspension system for a smoother ride, though the steering lacked feedback.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and a more powerful 3.6-liter V6 producing 276 horsepower. The V6, paired with VW's 4Motion AWD system, provided a more satisfying driving experience, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. However, the V6's fuel economy was lower, averaging 19.2 mpg during testing. The Atlas Cross Sport's suspension was a mixed bag, feeling too firm at low speeds and too soft at higher speeds, leading to a less refined ride. Despite this, the SUV excelled on highways, where the V6 engine was most efficient.

The 2021 Lexus NX offered a comfortable and upscale interior, with ample room for front passengers and decent legroom for rear-seat occupants. The 60/40 split-folding rear seat added versatility, though cargo space was limited, with just 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The NX was equipped with a power liftgate and optional power-folding rear seats, enhancing convenience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, sharing its wheelbase with the larger Atlas, provided exceptional interior space for five adults. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a dual-zone climate control system. Storage was abundant, with numerous compartments, though many lacked lining, leading to potential rattling. The cargo area was spacious, accommodating full-size suitcases with ease, despite the reduced length and roofline compared to the seven-passenger model.

The 2021 Lexus NX came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, upgradeable to a 10.3-inch display with the Navigation package. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. However, the Lexus infotainment system was criticized for its complexity and reliance on a touchpad. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and a WiFi hotspot. The NX also offered a Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system and compatibility with the Lexus Enform Remote mobile app.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport featured the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, with an 8-inch display in the base SE trim and a 10.25-inch version in higher trims. The infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The SEL Premium R-Line model boasted a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system. While the technology was comprehensive, the user experience was sometimes frustrating, with issues related to touchscreen interaction and voice recognition.

The 2021 Lexus NX was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, offering a suite of safety features such as lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The NX received top "Good" scores from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Lexus Enform Safety Connect provided additional services like emergency assistance and collision notification.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring as standard. Higher trims added features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and IQ Drive, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist. The Atlas Cross Sport received favorable crash-test ratings, though not the highest accolades from safety organizations.