2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2022 Lexus GX

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 mix 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, sharing the same wheelbase and platform. It came with standard LED exterior lighting and various wheel sizes depending on the trim level. The interior had a minimalist design but was let down by subpar materials, with hard and shiny plastics that felt cheap.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition featured a black-on-black aesthetic that eradicated almost all chrome from the exterior, giving it a unique, albeit hard-to-maintain, look. Despite its modern touches, the GX's design felt dated, resembling older models. Inside, the cabin quality was high, with smooth and refined materials typical of Lexus. The GX offered a quiet ride, with the faint roar of the V8 engine being the only notable noise. The Black Line Special Edition included NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner, adding to its luxurious feel.

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 but lacked midrange power. The ride quality was poor, with noticeable bumps and potholes, and the handling was truck-like with significant body roll. The VR6 model had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, while the four-cylinder model could tow 2,000 pounds. AWD versions included multiple drive modes and 8 inches of ground clearance.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 came with a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system. The GX had a base curb weight of 5,126 pounds and a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds. The V8 engine provided a satisfying engine note and plenty of torque, making the GX's 7.8-second run to 60 mph feel more exciting. The GX's Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) improved ride stability and off-road capability. However, the steering was slow and heavy, and the brake pedal was touchy, making smooth driving in traffic challenging.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered competitive interior space for a two-row midsize crossover. Front-seat and rear-seat legroom were near the top of the class, but 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 the seats folded. The interior included various storage options, such as a large center console and a cubbyhole for charge ports.

The 2022 Lexus GX provided an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear visibility. The interior featured comfortable seats and well-placed padding, though some switchgear felt outdated. The Black Line Special Edition included NuLuxe upholstery and black ash wood trim. The rear seats were tricky to access, and the third-row seat was cramped and eliminated cargo space. The GX's tailgate swung open to the side, making loading difficult in tight spaces. Cargo capacity was limited, with 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second row folded.

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, and Android Auto. The MIB3 added multiple-device pairing and updated voice recognition. Higher trims included the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit and a 12-speaker Fender audio system. The Digital Cockpit allowed for customizable displays, but the MIB3 system was slow to load, and the Fender audio system was underwhelming.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 introduced a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, eliminating the need for the outdated Remote Touch Interface. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was available but not included in the test vehicle. The infotainment display offered a dual-screen view, and the voice recognition was quick and accurate. The GX also featured standard Intuitive Parking Assist and optional surround-view and terrain-view cameras.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earned top "Good" scores in all IIHS crash tests, 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 parking assist. 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 Lexus GX lacked crash-test ratings due to its age. Standard safety features included Lexus Safety System+, which offered adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. The GX also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked some modern safety technologies found in competitors, such as lane-keeping assist and semi-autonomous driving systems.