2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport carried over much of the same design elements from the regular Atlas but featured a lower roofline and an aggressively-raked rear hatch. This design gave it a crossover coupe-like appearance, blending SUV ruggedness with car-like features. However, the styling was somewhat controversial, with elements like fake exhaust tips on the rear bumper of the SEL Premium model appearing tacky. The Cross Sport was shorter and lower than the seven-seat Atlas but shared the same wheelbase and MQB platform, which underpinned many of VW’s models.

Inside, the Cross Sport featured VW’s minimalist design, which was visually appealing and functional but let down by subpar materials. Even in the SEL Premium model with leather upholstery and contrast stitching, the interior felt cheap due to the extensive use of hard and shiny plastics. The color scheme was also confusing, with dark colors blending together, making the interior feel less welcoming. The flat-bottom steering wheel seemed out of place for a non-performance model.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, had a design that blended in with most other compact crossovers on the market. Its styling was nearly identical to its competitors, with only minor details like the grille and some chrome accents setting it apart. The CR-V was available in eight colors, but most were shades of gray, black, or white, with only a few vibrant options like Aegean Blue Metallic and Radiant Red Metallic, which were limited to higher trims.

Inside, the CR-V offered a more modern look with angular seat designs and sharp details. The interior was available in black, gray, and ivory cloth or leather, depending on the trim level. Higher trims featured wood panels and more chrome for an upscale appearance. However, vehicles like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson had an edge in terms of distinctive styling, especially at mid-tier trims.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two powertrain options: a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine and an optional 3.6-liter V6 engine. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and featured start-stop systems for improved fuel economy. The turbo-four engine produced 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the V6 delivered 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque.

The V6 engine provided a livelier acceleration experience, especially with all-wheel drive (AWD), but midrange acceleration was less impressive. The transmission was slow to react, though manual shifting via the shift lever helped. Ride quality was poor, with every bump and pothole felt, and the cabin let in significant wind and tire noise. The Cross Sport handled like a truck, with lots of body roll and loose steering. The V6 model had a 5,000-pound towing capacity, while the four-cylinder model was limited to 2,000 pounds. AWD versions featured Active Control with multiple drive modes and 8 inches of ground clearance, but the Jeep Grand Cherokee was a better off-road choice.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was not designed for high-performance driving but offered smooth and steady acceleration with its 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It took about 7.8 seconds to reach 60 mph, which was competitive within its class. The CR-V featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that maintained constant engine revs as the vehicle gained speed, providing a less engaging driving experience compared to competitors with conventional transmissions.

The CR-V came standard with front-wheel drive (FWD), with AWD available as an option. Its unitized body structure and MacPherson strut front suspension with a multi-link rear suspension provided decent handling and ride quality. While not the most exciting to drive, the CR-V offered predictable cornering and smooth highway merging, making it a practical choice for everyday driving.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered competitive interior space for a two-row midsize crossover. Front-seat and rear-seat legroom were near the top of the class, but rear headroom was limited due to the sloping roofline. Cargo space was above average, with 40.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 77.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The second-row seats featured a 60/40 split-fold and 14-degree backrest recline. SE with Technology trim levels added a foot-activated tailgate. The Cross Sport included various storage options, such as cargo nets, cupholders, and a large center console.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in interior space and functionality. It offered 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume, more than the Toyota RAV4, and 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The CR-V provided multiple ways to access the cargo area, with higher trims featuring power and hands-free tailgate options. Roof rails were standard only on the top Touring trim. The CR-V’s interior was designed to fit five people comfortably and carry their gear, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport featured two infotainment systems. The base S trim had the MIB2 system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while higher trims had the MIB3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen. Both systems included USB-C ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. MIB3 added multiple-device pairing and updated voice recognition. Higher trims featured the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, a 10-inch reconfigurable display, and a 12-speaker Fender audio system. However, the MIB3 system was slow to load, and the voice recognition required specific prompts.

The 2021 Honda CR-V’s base LX trim had a 5-inch color screen with Bluetooth connectivity. Other trims featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The audio system varied by trim, with higher trims offering more speakers and a subwoofer. The Touring trim included a satellite navigation system and a wireless phone charger. Charging ports were available throughout the cabin, with higher trims offering more options.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earned top “Good” scores in all IIHS crash tests but had mixed headlight ratings. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and other advanced features. Unique to VW were the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System. New for 2021 were Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, available on higher trims.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing system, which included forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, road departure mitigation, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and auto high-beam headlamps as standard on all trims. Blind spot monitoring was standard from the EX trim upwards. Honda’s approach to making advanced safety features standard across all trims set it apart from many competitors.