2021 Lexus RX vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2021 Lexus RX showcased the brand's modern design aesthetic with its large grille, angular headlamps, shapely body, and floating roof. Inside, it featured sumptuous seating with perforated leather upholstery, though the center console design was considered bland and dated. The RX was available in five variants, including the performance-focused RX F Sport and the extended-body RXL with a third row of seating. Standard exterior features included 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED lighting, and rear privacy glass, with available upgrades like 20-inch wheels and triple-beam LED headlights. The interior offered a range of amenities from standard NuLuxe-trimmed seats to available semi-aniline leather upholstery and heated second-row seats.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was designed by removing the third row from the standard Atlas, lowering the roofline, and shortening the length for a sportier appearance. The SEL Premium R-Line trim stood out with 21-inch machined-finish wheels, while other trims had less appealing wheel options. The interior was spacious for five adults, with features like 10-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated seats, and a panoramic sunroof. However, the use of hard, glossy plastic in the interior detracted from the overall quality feel. The cargo space was reduced compared to the seven-passenger Atlas, but it still offered ample room for luggage and other items.

The 2021 Lexus RX, RXL, and RX F-Sport were powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX Hybrid and RXL Hybrid models combined a 3.5-liter V6 with three electric motors for a total of 308 horsepower, managed by an electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT). The front-wheel-drive RX 350 was the most fuel-efficient, with an EPA rating of 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The RX Hybrid achieved up to 31 mpg in the city. The RX's suspension and handling were improved for 2020, making it more dynamic, especially with the F Sport Handling package that added adaptive variable suspension and sport seats. The RX could reach 60 mph in 7.7 to 7.9 seconds, depending on the drivetrain.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine, which did not require premium fuel, was more satisfying and had a 5,000-pound towing capacity. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard and VW's 4Motion all-wheel drive available. The V6 felt more energetic in the two-row Cross Sport, though it averaged just 19.2 mpg during testing. The suspension tuning was a mixed bag, with a harsh ride at low speeds and too much compliance at higher speeds. The Cross Sport excelled in highway driving, where the ride quality was more agreeable.

The 2021 Lexus RX was highly functional, seating five in the two-row models and up to seven in the three-row RXL versions. Front and second-row seats were spacious, but the third row was tight. Cargo space in the two-row RX was 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The three-row RXL offered just 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 23 cubic feet behind the second, and 58.5 cubic feet with both rows folded. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its wheelbase and interior dimensions with the larger Atlas, providing ample space for five adults. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated seats, and a panoramic sunroof. Storage space was generous, with roomy door bins, a large glove compartment, and other storage areas, though many were unlined, leading to potential rattles. The cargo area was spacious, with deep wells for additional storage and room for full-size suitcases. The shorter length and lower roofline reduced cargo space compared to the seven-passenger Atlas, but it remained practical for most needs.

The 2021 Lexus RX came standard with dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, voice recognition, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD Radio, a WiFi hotspot, six USB ports, and a nine-speaker sound system. Upgrades included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, navigation, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system. The infotainment system was functional but dated, with a touchpad controller that took up valuable center console space. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not available.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE featured Volkswagen Digital Cockpit with an 8-inch display and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB-C ports. Higher trims had a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit, an 8-inch touchscreen with proximity sensing, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM with 360L, wireless charging, and additional USB ports. The upgraded infotainment system offered access to Car-Net connected services, including remote start, emergency assistance, and a WiFi hotspot. The user experience could be frustrating, but the 12-speaker Fender premium sound system in the SEL Premium R-Line was excellent.

The 2021 Lexus RX earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation and received four out of five stars overall from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, 10 airbags, enhanced vehicle stability control, blind-spot monitoring, and Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and road sign assist. The RX had two complete sets of LATCH connectors for child safety seats.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and an automatic post-collision braking system as standard. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, automatic high-beam headlights, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and IQ Drive, which included Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. The SEL Premium R-Line also featured a semi-autonomous Parking Steering Assistant and an Area View 360-degree camera system. The Atlas Cross Sport received favorable crash-test ratings but did not earn the highest accolades from the IIHS or NHTSA.