2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2021 Audi Q3

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh that included new front and rear bumpers, standard LED headlights and taillights, and a new grille design. These changes extended the Atlas by 2.4 inches, giving it a more extroverted appearance compared to the previous model. The R-Line trim added sportier elements like enhanced bumpers and side skirts. Despite these updates, the Atlas maintained its MQB platform, shared with other VW models like the Jetta and Golf. The interior followed a minimalist approach, with a standard seven-seat configuration and available second-row captain’s chairs. However, the material quality, especially in the mid-level SE with Technology trim, was below average, with cheap-feeling plastics and faux wood and metal trim.

The 2021 Audi Q3 featured a massive corporate grille that complemented its stout, chunky styling, suggesting utility and dynamic handling. Inside, the Q3's cabin echoed a modern aesthetic, with a dash design that highlighted the center touchscreen. While the interior was initially a standout, Volkswagen's recent models had begun to catch up in design. The Q3 offered two trims: Premium and Premium Plus, with standard features like leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The Premium Plus trim added conveniences like remote start and wireless device charging. The Q3's interior remained modern and refined, though not as unique as before.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter VR6 engine with 276 hp and 266 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard and optional 4Motion all-wheel drive. The driving experience with the base engine and AWD was underwhelming, with adequate acceleration but rough shifts. Handling was truck-like, and ride quality was poor, with noticeable impacts from road imperfections. The VR6 models had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, while the four-cylinder models were limited to 2,000 pounds. Fuel economy was unimpressive, with the four-cylinder rated at 22 mpg combined and the VR6 at 19 mpg combined.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro AWD. The S-Line trim offered a more powerful version of the same engine, delivering 228 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Q3's performance was lively, with solid power for passing and engaging driving dynamics. The base engine exhibited some turbo lag, but the Q3's handling was nimble, providing a comfortable ride without compromising on engagement. Audi's Drive Select offered various modes, including Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, and Off-Road, though the latter was best suited for light trails.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas, a three-row crossover, offered 96.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats and 20.6 cubic feet with all seats up. It provided more third-row legroom than most competitors but sacrificed second-row legroom, which was the worst in its class. The second-row bench seat was uncomfortable, with thin cushions. The Atlas featured a tall driving position, but forward visibility was limited. It included up to five USB ports and an optional wireless charging pad, along with 17 cupholders. Parking sensors and low-speed automatic braking were standard, with active park assist available on higher trims.

The 2021 Audi Q3 provided 48 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 23.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats. While the cargo space was subpar for its class, the Q3 excelled in passenger space, offering comfortable front seats with ample storage pockets and impressive rear-seat headroom and legroom. It could seat five, but four passengers could travel comfortably on longer trips.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas featured Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility across all models. The base S trim had a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, while other models received an 8-inch screen. Higher trims offered Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, a 10.3-inch digital display. The Atlas was set to receive the MIBIII infotainment system later in the year, enhancing voice recognition and navigation. The SE with Technology trim had an 8-inch screen, which was plain and text-heavy. A 12-speaker Fender audio system was available on higher trims, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was new for 2021.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Audi’s MMI system, featuring Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. An upgraded 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation was available, along with wireless device charging and a Bang & Olufsen 15-speaker audio system. The Audi Virtual Cockpit replaced the conventional instrument cluster with a customizable digital display.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received top "good" ratings in all IIHS crash tests, except for a "marginal" rating for child-seat anchors and mixed headlight ratings. The 2020 model received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist available on higher trims. Later in the year, the Atlas was set to receive Travel Assist and Emergency Assist on SEL and SEL Premium trims.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came standard with Audi Pre Sense and Pre Sense Front, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Lane-departure warning was also standard. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition. Additional options included a 360-degree camera system, parking sensors, and self-parking assist.