2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport retained much of the same design as the regular Atlas but featured a lower roofline and an aggressively-raked rear hatch. This design choice gave it a crossover coupe-like appearance, blending SUV ruggedness with car-like features. However, the styling was somewhat awkward, 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, sharing the same wheelbase and platform. It came with standard LED exterior lighting and various wheel sizes depending on the trim. The interior followed VW's minimalist design approach, which was visually appealing but marred by subpar materials. Despite leather upholstery and contrast stitching in the SEL Premium model, the interior felt cheap, with an overuse of hard and shiny plastics. The color scheme was dark and uninviting, and the flat-bottom steering wheel seemed out of place for a non-performance model.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 borrowed some styling elements from other Genesis models but maintained a unique appearance. It featured quad LED strips for headlights and taillights, a large shield-shaped grille, and a sloping roofline that gave it a fastback look. The ribbed detailing added a muscular profile, combining SUV bulk with athletic elements. The Sport Prestige model had unique styling features, including big vents on the front fascia, 21-inch wheels with a web pattern, and dark chrome trim. The interior had an elliptical theme inspired by an airplane wing, with most controls housed in a thin elliptical pod. The design was minimal, with a touchscreen atop the dashboard and hidden air vents. The rotary gear selector and infotainment controller added a futuristic touch. Genesis offered a variety of interior color options, and the material quality in the Sport Prestige model was luxurious, featuring Nappa leather upholstery with suede inserts. However, base models had leatherette seats.

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 lively acceleration experience, but midrange acceleration was less impressive. The transmission was slow to react, though manual shifting was possible. The ride quality was poor, with noticeable bumps and potholes, and the cabin allowed wind and tire noise. The Cross Sport had a 5,000-pound towing capacity with the V6 engine and AWD, while the four-cylinder model was rated for 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 2022 Genesis GV70 came with a base 2.5-liter turbo-four engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 generating 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both powertrains included an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The GV70 featured a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control, emphasizing its sporty character. The Sport+ drive mode enhanced throttle response and transmission behavior, but the chassis lacked sharpness compared to competitors like the Acura RDX and BMW X3. The steering was adequate but not precise enough for spirited driving. The GV70 excelled in highway cruising, though the ride was firm with 21-inch wheels. It lacked the solidity expected from a luxury vehicle.

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

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered mid-pack interior space for its segment. It matched the front-seat headroom of the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and the back-seat headroom of the BMW X3. Legroom was adequate, and rear-seat visibility was good. Cargo space was 28.9 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 56.9 cubic feet with them folded. The interior design compromised storage space, with a slim center console and thin door pockets. Genesis included a covered storage cubby with USB ports, and rear-seat passengers had their own climate controls. The Sport Prestige model featured heavily bolstered front seats with heating, ventilation, massage, and posture-assist functions.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was available with two infotainment systems. The base S trim had the MIB2 system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while other trims featured the MIB3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen. Both systems included USB-C ports, pinch-to-zoom screens, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. The MIB3 system added multiple-device pairing and updated voice recognition. Higher trims included the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, a 10-inch reconfigurable display, and a 12-speaker Fender audio system. The MIB3 system was slow to load, and the Fender audio system was underwhelming. The Digital Cockpit display was a valuable feature, and analog controls made basic functions easy to access.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The tile-based layout and crisp graphics were user-friendly. A glass rotary controller with pinch-and-zoom functionality enhanced usability. Higher trims included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 3D effect and a 12-inch head-up display. The GV70 featured a digital-key system, allowing smartphone use in place of a key fob, and a fingerprint scanner for starting the car. Genesis Connected Services included a radar-based rear-seat monitor and remote 360-degree camera activation.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received 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 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, available on higher trims.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. It came standard with lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, blind-spot and forward collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and Highway Driving Assist. The GV70 included eight airbags, including a front-center airbag. Optional features included Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane-change functionality and navigation-based adaptive cruise control. Highway Driving Assist provided smooth control inputs but struggled with curves.