2021 BMW X7 vs 2021 Volkswagen Atlas

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, which added 2.4 inches to its length. This gave the Atlas a more extroverted appearance compared to its 2020 predecessor, although some elements like the fake chrome exhaust tips were considered less appealing. The R-Line trim package further enhanced its sporty look with unique bumpers and side skirts. Despite these cosmetic changes, the Atlas retained its MQB platform, which is shared with other VW models like the Jetta and Golf. The interior of the Atlas was minimalist, with a focus on functionality over decorative elements. It offered a standard seven-seat configuration with options for second-row captain’s chairs, but the material quality, especially in the mid-level SE with Technology trim, was criticized for feeling cheap.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X7 was noted for its superior interior quality and visual presence. It was considered more prestigious than competitors like the Infiniti QX80 and Lincoln Navigator, and it offered more technological sophistication than the Lexus LX 570. The X7's styling was bold, with a massive grille that suited its large SUV stature. Inside, the X7 shared design elements with the X5, featuring high-quality materials and intuitive controls. The interior was luxurious, with options like premium extended leather and a leather-wrapped dashboard. The X7's design and features positioned it as a top contender in the luxury SUV segment, offering a blend of traditional BMW cues and modern glam.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and an available 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 4Motion all-wheel drive optional. The 4Motion system could switch to rear-wheel drive when needed. However, the driving experience with the base engine and AWD was underwhelming, with rough shifts and poor ride quality. The Atlas had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds with the VR6 engine, but only 2,000 pounds with the four-cylinder. Fuel economy was also a weak point, with the four-cylinder models rated at 22 mpg combined and the VR6 models at 19 mpg combined.

The 2021 BMW X7 xDrive40i featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and BMW’s xDrive AWD system. The X7 also incorporated eBoost mild-hybrid technology, which aimed to improve fuel economy and responsiveness. Despite this, the X7's fuel economy ratings were slightly lower than the previous year, at 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. The X7 excelled in power delivery, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds. However, its handling was affected by excessive body motions, even with the optional Dynamic Handling Package. The X7 offered a smooth and serene ride, with features like Active Comfort Drive and Integral Active Steering enhancing comfort and maneuverability.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas was designed as a family hauler, offering 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 at the expense of second-row legroom, which was the worst in its class. The second-row bench seat was uncomfortable, with thin cushions. The Atlas featured a straightforward folding mechanism for the second and third rows, and access to the third row was relatively easy. The interior controls were logically laid out, with up to five USB ports and an optional wireless charging pad. The Atlas also offered up to 17 cupholders and standard ultrasonic parking sensors.

The 2021 BMW X7 offered a luxurious interior with features like heated and ventilated seats, premium Merino leather upholstery, and a five-zone climate control system. Front-seat comfort was outstanding, and the second-row captain's chairs were exceptionally comfortable. The third-row seat was surprisingly accommodating for adults, although accessing it required some maneuvering of the power seats. The X7 provided 48.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row folded and 90.4 cubic feet with the second row down, which was less than class leaders. The power clamshell tailgate added convenience for loading and unloading cargo.

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

The 2021 BMW X7 featured Live Cockpit Professional digital instrumentation and an iDrive 7.0 infotainment system with navigation, both using a 12.3-inch display. The iDrive system included Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, enhanced SiriusXM 360L, and Connected Package Pro with real-time traffic and parking information. Wireless smartphone charging and a natural voice-recognition system were also included, along with gesture control. The iDrive system was user-friendly, but could be distracting while driving. The test vehicle also had a head-up display, although it was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received top "good" ratings in all IIHS crash tests, but had a "marginal" rating for child-seat anchors and mixed headlight ratings. The NHTSA had not published ratings for the 2021 model, but the 2020 model received a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist available on higher trims. The Atlas was set to receive more advanced driver aids later in the year, including Travel Assist and Emergency Assist.

The 2021 BMW X7 came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, with additional features available in the Driving Assistance Professional Package and Parking Assistance Package. The Driving Assistance Professional Package included features like evasive-steering assist and traffic-jam assist, which worked well in most situations. However, the lane-maintenance technology was sometimes reactive, and the automated lane-changing capability was abrupt. The Parking Assistance Package added semi-automated parking assist and a surround-view camera.