2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2021 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received a notable styling refresh, adding new front and rear bumpers, standard LED headlights and taillights with revamped designs, and a new grille. These updates added 2.4 inches to the length of the vehicle, giving it a more extroverted appearance compared to the conservatively-styled 2020 model. However, the fake chrome exhaust tips were considered somewhat ostentatious. The R-Line trim package enhanced the aesthetics with sportier-looking front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and 21-inch wheels. Despite these changes, the Atlas maintained its MQB platform, a testament to its flexibility across various VW models.

Standard features included 18-inch alloy wheels on S and SE trims, with higher trims getting 20-inch wheels. The optional panoramic sunroof was available starting from the SE with Technology trim. Inside, the Atlas showcased a minimalist design with sensibly laid-out controls, seating seven across three rows. Higher trims offered simulated leather, while the top SEL Premium trim leveled up to real leather upholstery. However, material quality in mid-level trims, like the SE with Technology, felt subpar, with cheap plastics and simulated wood and metal trim that didn’t convince.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse took a different approach to styling by emphasizing trim-level-specific details. The basic exterior design—tall roof, chunky wheel arches, and a big grille—was clean and handsome, appealing to many SUV buyers. Trim variations were marked by distinctive elements: the RS model featured blacked-out trim, the High Country had chrome accents, and the base trim started with 18-inch wheels, progressing to 20-inch wheels on higher levels.

Under its skin, the Traverse shared a platform with the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, and Cadillac XT6, all aiming for more premium feels. Interior styling mirrored the exterior's restrained design with materials in the RS tester being fairly good, albeit not commensurate with its nearly $50,000 price tag. A standout feature was the Dual SkyScape two-panel sunroof, illuminating the first and second rows with natural light.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine choices. The standard was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. The other option was a 3.6-liter VR6 engine with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, available on higher trims. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional 4Motion all-wheel drive (AWD).

Driving the Atlas with the base 2.0-liter engine and AWD felt underwhelming, marked by adequate acceleration and rough shifts. Its handling felt truck-like, and the ride quality was poor, frequently translating road imperfections into noticeable cabin disturbances. AWD models included an Active Control feature with multiple drive modes, but none of these improved on-road handling. The Atlas could tow up to 5,000 pounds with the VR6 engine but only 2,000 with the four-cylinder engine. Fuel economy was not impressive, with the VR6 AWD model rated at 18 mpg combined.

On the other hand, the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse featured a single engine choice—a 3.6-liter V6 producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. On the road, while the Traverse's V6 didn't feel exceptionally powerful off the line, it provided ample muscle for highway merges and overtakes. Its nine-speed automatic performed well overall, though occasional rough shifts were noted.

The Traverse excelled in highway manners, offering a quiet cabin (thanks to active noise cancellation) and a comfortable yet controlled ride. Its handling on twistier roads was less agile compared to rivals like the Subaru Ascent. The AWD system required manual activation and offered different drive modes, contributing to a good off-road and tow/haul experience, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

Three-row crossovers like the Atlas were designed to be family-friendly alternatives to minivans. In this regard, the Atlas offered average passenger and cargo space, with 96.8 cubic feet behind the front seats and 20.6 cubic feet with all seats in use. It boasted better third-row legroom than many competitors, but this came at the expense of second-row legroom, which was the worst in its class. The standard second-row bench seat was also uncomfortable with thin, flat cushions. Nonetheless, the Atlas's ease of access to the third row and straightforward seat folding operation were commendable features. With up to five USB ports and an optional wireless charging pad, the Atlas provided adequate connectivity, while offering numerous cup holders and standard roof rails.

Conversely, the Traverse allowed seating for seven or eight, depending on the second-row configuration. Headroom and legroom in all three rows were above average. Heated front seats were standard on the RS model, with higher trims offering ventilated front seats and heated rear outboard seats. The Traverse's cargo capacity outmatched competitors significantly, at 23.0 cubic feet with all seats up, 57.8 cubic feet with the third row down, and 98.2 cubic feet with both rear rows stowed. Although interior storage was not abundant, the Traverse made up for it with a practical power liftgate and easy-to-use fold-flat mechanisms.

For 2021, the Volkswagen Atlas provided basic tech amenities like Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. While the base S trim featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen, higher trims upgraded to an 8-inch screen. Volkswagen's Digital Cockpit was available on higher trims, replacing analog gauges with a 10.3-inch digital display. Later in the year, the Atlas was set to receive VW’s new MIBIII infotainment system, improving functions like voice recognition and multi-phone pairing. Despite the intuitive layout of buttons and menus, the 8-inch screen appeared plain and text-heavy. A 12-speaker Fender audio system was also available, adding premium audio options.

Meanwhile, the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen along with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Bluetooth. An 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and a Bose 10-speaker system were offered on higher trims. Although competitors featured larger screens, the Traverse's 8-inch display was user-friendly and retained analog controls for ease of use. The analog instrument cluster, supplemented by a small LCD screen, might have seemed dated to some, yet it sufficed in everyday driving situations.

A rearview camera mirror and an HD surround-view camera system further augmented the Traverse’s tech offerings, enhancing visibility and practicality. The vehicle also included multiple USB ports across all rows, although wireless phone charging was reserved for premium trims.

In terms of safety, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas performed well in the IIHS crash tests, securing top "good" ratings but earning a "marginal" rating for child-seat anchors and mixed headlight ratings. The 2020 model received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, a likely indicator for 2021. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with higher trims offering adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and traffic-jam assist. VW planned more advanced aids for later 2021 trims like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist.

Similarly, the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse earned top "Good" scores across crash tests from IIHS and attained a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. However, it received lower ratings for headlights and LATCH ease of use. Unlike many competitors, Chevy offered fewer standard driver-assist features, with key functions like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and others being optional rather than standard.