2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport presented a unique blend of SUV ruggedness and car-like features, with its low roofline and aggressively-raked rear hatch. Despite its attempt to mimic luxury crossover coupes, the styling was somewhat awkward, particularly with the fake exhaust tips on the rear bumper of the SEL Premium model. The Cross Sport was shorter and lower than the seven-seat Atlas, sharing the same wheelbase and platform. It featured standard LED lighting and varied wheel sizes across trims, with the R-Line adding sportier exterior elements. Inside, the minimalist design was visually appealing but marred by subpar materials, with leather upholstery feeling rubbery and an abundance of hard plastics. The color scheme was dark and uninviting, and the flat-bottom steering wheel seemed out of place for a non-performance vehicle.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, with a design that was unmistakably Range Rover. It managed to scale the big Range Rover's proportions into a sporty package, featuring a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and a distinctive grille. The Velar's design included subtle adjustments like a sloping roof and wide shoulder crease, creating a streamlined yet blocky appearance. Special details like taillight lenses with depth illusions and air ducts reminiscent of Bugatti's NACA ducts added to its allure. The R-Dynamic trim enhanced the look with bronze accents and a more aggressive bumper. Inside, the Velar's cabin was sleek, with high-quality materials and exemplary fit and finish, even in the base trim. The interior featured three sharp screens and a polished black center stack, with upper trims offering additional luxury touches.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four 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 lively acceleration from a stop but lacked midrange power, and the transmission was slow to react. The ride quality was harsh, with noticeable bumps and potholes, and the cabin was noisy. The Cross Sport had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds with the VR6 engine and 2,000 pounds with the four-cylinder. It featured AWD with multiple drive modes and 8 inches of ground clearance, but it wasn't particularly sporty or off-road capable.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a lower center of gravity and lighter weight for improved handling and braking. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The Velar's ride was smooth and controlled, with an optional air suspension providing a plush "magic carpet" ride. The Terrain Response system offered six driving modes, but the Velar's street-focused design limited its off-road capabilities. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system delivered 340 to 395 horsepower, offering high performance and reduced emissions.

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 featured various storage options, including a large center console and a second-row armrest with cupholders.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had a tighter interior, with limited headroom and visibility due to its stylish design. Cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's design included a controversial parking brake control integrated with the transmission button, which was illogical and potentially dangerous. The Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability, and the steering wheel lost touch-sensitive controls for better functionality.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport featured two infotainment systems: the MIB2 with a 6.5-inch touchscreen for the base trim and the MIB3 with an 8-inch touchscreen for higher trims. Both systems included USB-C ports, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, and updated voice recognition. The MIB3 system added multiple-device pairing and a Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster. However, the system was slow to load, and the Fender audio system was underwhelming.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was surprisingly reliable, with a simplified layout and customizable features. It included a voice assistant, air quality monitoring, and advanced navigation features. The instrument panel offered full-width maps and reconfigurable displays, while the optional adaptive cruise control provided steering assist. Standard features included LED headlights, a 12-speaker Meridian stereo, and heated front seats.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received top "Good" scores in IIHS crash tests, with mixed headlight ratings. It earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, with standard safety features like forward-collision warning 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.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked U.S. crash-test ratings but scored well in European NCAP tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.