2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2021 Honda Passport

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport carried over much of the same design as the regular Atlas but featured a lower roofline and an aggressively-raked rear hatch. This gave it a unique blend of SUV ruggedness and car-like features, though some elements, like the fake exhaust tips on the rear bumper, appeared 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. Standard LED exterior lighting and varying wheel sizes across trims added to its visual appeal, but the interior, despite its minimalist design, was let down by subpar materials and a mix of dark colors that didn’t provide a welcoming feel.

The 2021 Honda Passport, essentially a shortened version of the Pilot, featured two rows of seats instead of three. The similarities between the two SUVs were evident both inside and out, with the Passport sharing the Pilot’s dash layout and the awkward “button shifter” design. Despite these corporate design choices, the Passport boasted a spacious interior with high-quality materials. Trim levels ranged from Sport to Elite, each adding more features like leather upholstery, power moonroof, and advanced tech options. The Passport’s interior was both functional and comfortable, with plenty of headroom and legroom, and a variety of convenience features across trims.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two powertrain options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter VR6 engine with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The VR6 engine provided a livelier acceleration and a pleasant sound but lacked midrange robustness. The ride quality was subpar, with noticeable bumps and potholes, and the handling felt more like a truck with significant body roll and loose steering. The VR6 models had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, while the four-cylinder models could tow up to 2,000 pounds. AWD versions included multiple drive modes and 8 inches of ground clearance, but the Cross Sport wasn’t particularly sporty or refined.

The 2021 Honda Passport came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Passport offered strong acceleration and smooth power management, though the stop-start system could be abrupt. The ride quality was a blend of comfort and refined handling, suitable for commuting and weekend adventures. With 8.1 inches of ground clearance and AWD models featuring Intelligent Traction Management, the Passport was capable of handling various terrains. FWD models could tow up to 3,500 pounds, while AWD models could tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it a versatile choice for different driving needs.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered competitive interior space for a two-row midsize crossover, with ample front-seat and rear-seat legroom. However, the rear headroom was limited due to the sloping roofline. Cargo space was 40.3 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 77.8 cubic feet with them folded, which was above average but still behind the Honda Passport. The interior featured various storage options, including a large center console and a second-row armrest with integrated cupholders. The SE with Technology trim added a foot-activated tailgate for convenience.

The 2021 Honda Passport excelled in cargo space, offering 100.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded and 50.5 cubic feet with the second row in use. An additional 2.5 cubic feet of under-floor storage added to its practicality. The EX-L trim and above included a power liftgate, with hands-free operation available on higher trims. The upright seating position provided excellent visibility, and the center console featured a deep bin and an open cargo tray. Both front and rear seats had deep in-door pockets, and the rear seats offered ample headroom and legroom, making the Passport a comfortable and functional choice.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport featured two infotainment systems: the base MIB2 with a 6.5-inch touchscreen and the new MIB3 with an 8-inch touchscreen on higher trims. Both systems included USB-C ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. The MIB3 system added multiple-device pairing and updated voice recognition but was slow to load and had dated graphics. The Digital Cockpit display on SEL models and above provided a customizable instrument cluster, while the SEL Premium models included a 12-speaker Fender audio system. Despite these features, the infotainment system felt underwhelming and slow.

The 2021 Honda Passport made Android Auto and Apple CarPlay standard across all trims, integrated with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This was a significant advantage over the Pilot, which required higher trims for these features. However, the Passport’s infotainment system had dated graphics, a confusing menu layout, and a volume dial that seemed like an afterthought. Despite these drawbacks, the inclusion of standard smartphone connectivity was a positive move for Honda.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earned top “Good” scores in all IIHS crash tests, with mixed headlight ratings. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and traffic-sign recognition. 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, providing advanced driver assistance.

The 2021 Honda Passport came equipped with advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors. The Passport received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests, with "Acceptable" ratings for headlights and child-seat anchor ease of use. The front crash prevention tech received an "Advanced" rating, making the Passport a safe and reliable choice.