2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport presented a unique blend of SUV ruggedness and car-like features, characterized by its low roofline and aggressively-raked rear hatch. This design approach, reminiscent of luxury automakers' "crossover coupes," resulted in a somewhat unconventional aesthetic. The vehicle was shorter and lower than its seven-seat counterpart, maintaining the same wheelbase and riding on VW’s MQB platform. Standard LED lighting and varying wheel sizes across trim levels added to its visual appeal, while the R-Line trims introduced sportier styling elements. Inside, the Cross Sport featured VW’s minimalist design, which was visually pleasing yet marred by subpar materials. The interior, despite leather upholstery and contrast stitching in higher trims, felt cheap due to the extensive use of hard and shiny plastics. The color scheme, dominated by dark hues, lacked warmth, and the flat-bottom steering wheel seemed out of place for a non-performance model.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a new seven-passenger model, distinct from the existing Grand Cherokee. It was an extended version of the upcoming 2022 redesign, featuring a third-row seat and increased cargo volume. The Grand Cherokee L's styling was a strong selling point, resembling a smaller version of the more expensive Wagoneer models. Its design was cohesive, with signature Jeep elements like the seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches. Available in multiple trims, the Grand Cherokee L offered a range of features and pricing. The Summit trim, tested, included luxurious touches like quilted leather and real wood trim, though some materials didn't meet the high price expectations. The interior was a significant improvement over the old model, loaded with technology and offering a refined driving experience.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four and an optional 3.6-liter V6. The turbo-four produced 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the V6 delivered 276 hp and 266 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6, particularly with AWD, provided lively acceleration from a stop, though midrange power was lacking. The ride quality was subpar, with noticeable bumps and noise intrusion, and the handling was truck-like with significant body roll. The VR6 models had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, while the four-cylinder models were limited to 2,000 pounds. AWD versions featured Active Control with multiple drive modes, but the Cross Sport was not ideal for off-road adventures compared to the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered RWD or three 4WD systems, with a maximum tow rating of 6,200 pounds. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, available on higher trims, increased power to 357 hp and 390 lb-ft, with a towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. The V6 provided brisk acceleration but was loud when revved. The eight-speed transmission was smooth, though it sometimes resisted downshifts to improve fuel economy. The Grand Cherokee L featured a Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension, offering various off-road modes and impressive ground clearance. It handled well, with a smooth ride and capable steering, making it suitable for both daily driving and off-road excursions.

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, 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 them folded. The interior included standard 60/40 split-folding rear seats and various storage solutions, such as a center console and cupholders. Higher trims added features like a foot-activated tailgate.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L prioritized comfort, especially in the Summit trim, with heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a four-zone climate control system. The second row featured captain’s chairs with ample legroom, and the third row was surprisingly comfortable for adults. The Grand Cherokee L offered practical storage solutions, though front-seat storage was limited. Cargo space measured 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 46.9 cubic feet with it folded, and 84.6 cubic feet with all rear seats down.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport featured two infotainment systems: the base MIB2 with a 6.5-inch touchscreen and the upgraded MIB3 with an 8-inch screen. Both systems included USB-C ports and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. The MIB3 added multiple-device pairing and updated voice recognition. Higher trims offered a Volkswagen Digital Cockpit and a 12-speaker Fender audio system. The MIB3 system was slow to load, and the audio quality was underwhelming, but the Digital Cockpit provided useful customization options.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L employed the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, available with 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreens. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The natural voice-recognition system worked well, though some search results were unexpected. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh audio system delivered excellent sound quality. Additional features included a digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system. The head-up display was visible to drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received top "Good" scores in 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, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. Unique to the Cross Sport were the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System. New for 2021 were Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, offering advanced driver-assist capabilities.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. The system was effective but felt artificial. Intersection Collision Assist was standard on Summit models, detecting threats at intersections. The Grand Cherokee L offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, including Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review, but improvements over the previous model were expected.