2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2022 Honda Odyssey

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 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. Standard LED exterior lighting and varying wheel sizes across trims added to its visual appeal, while the R-Line trims offered sportier exterior features.

Inside, the Cross Sport featured VW’s minimalist design, which was visually appealing 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 criticized for being too dark and unwelcoming, and the flat-bottom steering wheel seemed out of place in a non-performance model.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was often recommended for families due to its practical features. The sliding side doors made it easy to load toddlers into rear-facing child seats, and the third-row seat was comfortable enough for adults, making it ideal for carpooling or family trips. The Odyssey also offered significant cargo space, rivaling that of a Chevrolet Suburban when the third-row seat was folded down and the second-row seats were removed.

Despite the minivan stigma, the 2022 Odyssey had a sense of style, especially in the Elite trim with its dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels. The interior was designed with quality materials and a functional layout, featuring a low console and plenty of storage space. The center stack had well-placed controls for stereo and climate functions, and the expansive windshield provided excellent visibility. The Odyssey’s design made it clear that it was a minivan, but it was a well-executed one that prioritized comfort and practicality.

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 better acceleration from a stop but lacked midrange power, and the transmission was slow to react unless manually shifted.

The ride quality of the Cross Sport was subpar, with every bump and pothole making its presence felt. The cabin was noisy, and the handling was truck-like with significant body roll and loose steering. The V6 models had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, while the four-cylinder models were limited to 2,000 pounds. AWD versions featured multiple drive modes and 8 inches of ground clearance, but the Cross Sport was not well-suited for off-road adventures compared to competitors like the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The front-wheel-drive minivan had an EPA fuel economy estimate of 22 mpg in combined driving. While it lacked the hybrid options available in competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Chrysler Pacifica, the Odyssey was more enjoyable to drive. It was quick to merge onto freeways, responsive in corners, and composed on mountain roads.

However, the Odyssey’s brakes were prone to heating up during repeated use, leading to pedal vibration and an audible grumble. This issue was more pronounced when the van was fully loaded. Despite this, the Odyssey remained a delightful vehicle to drive, offering a balance of performance and practicality that was appreciated during daily commutes and family trips.

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 compromised by 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 a 14-degree backrest recline. The SE with Technology trim added a foot-activated tailgate, and the vehicle included various storage solutions like cargo nets, cupholders, and bins.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey provided easy access with wide-opening doors and a lower ride height. The Elite trim featured quality leather, power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system. The interior had numerous storage spaces, including shelving in the door panels and a floor tray between the dashboard and center console. The second-row seats were comfortable and versatile, with the Magic Slide feature allowing for various configurations to accommodate passengers and cargo.

The third-row seat in the Odyssey was spacious and comfortable for adults, with good leg support and foot room. Behind the third-row seat, the Odyssey offered 32.8 cubic feet of cargo space, which could be expanded to 88.8 cubic feet by folding the seat into the floor well. Removing the second-row seats provided a massive 144.9 cubic feet of cargo space, comparable to a Chevrolet Suburban. However, the seats were heavy and challenging to reinstall.

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. The MIB3 system added multiple-device pairing and updated voice recognition. Higher trims also 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 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite was equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring trim added navigation and HondaLink connected services, including WiFi hotspot access. The Odyssey also featured CabinWatch and CabinTalk technology, a rear-seat camera system, and an in-vehicle public address system. The rear-seat entertainment system had a 10.2-inch display and supported CDs, DVDs, and Blu-Ray discs. The Elite trim added an 11-speaker premium audio system and a wireless charging pad. However, the infotainment system was outdated compared to rivals, and the navigation system required specific voice commands.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earned top “Good” scores in all IIHS crash tests, but with 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. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and traffic-sign recognition. The Cross Sport also had unique features like 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 Honda Odyssey came standard with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. It also had automatic high-beam headlights and a rear-seat reminder system. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. The Odyssey earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. However, Honda Sensing lacked refinement, and the blind-spot monitoring system’s warning light was poorly placed.