2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2021 Ford Escape

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received a styling refresh that included new front and rear bumpers, standard LED headlights and taillights, and a new grille. These changes added 2.4 inches to its length, giving it a more extroverted look compared to the 2020 model. The R-Line trim package added sportier-looking front and rear bumpers and side skirts. Despite these cosmetic updates, the Atlas still rode on the same MQB platform as before. The interior took a minimalist approach, with a standard seven-seat configuration and available second-row captain’s chairs. However, material quality was below average, with cheap-feeling plastics and unconvincing simulated wood and metal trim.

The 2021 Ford Escape, with its curved snout and sleek roofline, straddled the line between SUV and hatchback. It featured new appearance packages for three of its four trim levels, including the SE Sport Appearance Package, SEL Stealth AWD Package, and Titanium Elite Package. The interior design was less cohesive, with odd choices like an angular instrument cluster. Material quality was also low-rent, and even the top Titanium model didn’t get standard leather upholstery. However, the Escape offered a more car-like look compared to its competitors, making it stand out in its segment.

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 rated at 276 hp and 266 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with standard front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional 4Motion all-wheel drive (AWD). The driving experience with the base 2.0-liter engine and AWD was underwhelming, with adequate acceleration but rough shifts. Handling was truck-like, and the ride quality was poor, especially with 20-inch wheels. The VR6 models could tow up to 5,000 pounds, while the four-cylinder models were limited to 2,000 pounds. Fuel economy was also unimpressive, with the four-cylinder engine rated at 22 mpg combined with FWD and the VR6 at 19 mpg combined with FWD.

The 2021 Ford Escape offered more powertrain options, including a base 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque, and an upgraded 2.0-liter turbo-four with 250 hp and 280 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with FWD standard and AWD optional. The Escape also offered hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, both using a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric assist, producing a total of 200 hp. The plug-in hybrid could drive significant distances on electric power alone. The 2.0-liter engine models could tow up to 3,500 pounds. However, chassis tuning left much to be desired, with sloppy suspension and steering making the Escape feel like a chore to drive.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas, designed as a family hauler, 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 had the worst second-row legroom in its segment. The second-row bench seat was uncomfortable with thin, flat cushions. Controls were logically laid out, and up to five USB ports and an optional wireless charging pad were available. The Atlas also featured up to 17 cupholders and a tall driving position, but forward visibility was less than optimal. Standard ultrasonic parking sensors and available low-speed automatic braking and active park assist helped with parking.

The 2021 Ford Escape compared well against more traditionally-styled compact SUVs in terms of interior space. It offered near top-of-segment first-row and second-row headroom and legroom, with a standard sliding rear seat that could be moved to expand legroom or cargo space. Gasoline models had 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat up, expandable to 37.5 cubic feet by sliding the seat forward. Folding the rear seat yielded 65.4 cubic feet of cargo space. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models had slightly less space due to the battery pack. Most competitors offered more cargo space, but the Escape's sliding rear seat added versatility.

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 got an 8-inch screen. Higher trim levels offered Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, a 10.3-inch reconfigurable digital display. The Atlas was set to receive VW’s new MIBIII infotainment system later in the model year, adding multi-phone pairing, improved voice recognition, and a redesigned navigation system. A 12-speaker Fender audio system was available on SEL and higher trims. A built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, supporting up to four devices, was new for 2021.

The 2021 Ford Escape used Ford’s older Sync 3 infotainment system, with the base S model getting a 4.2-inch touchscreen. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot were standard. Upgrading to the SE trim added an 8-inch touchscreen with pinch-and-zoom capability and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Titanium trim level included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. While Sync 3 was user-friendly, the Escape lacked some standard tech features compared to competitors and missed out on the wireless versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available with Sync 4.

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 hadn’t 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. Later in the model year, the Atlas was set to receive Travel Assist and Emergency Assist on SEL and SEL Premium trims.

The 2021 Ford Escape earned a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the IIHS, with top “Good” scores in all crash tests and for LATCH child-seat anchor ease of use. It received high marks for front-crash prevention tech but had “Acceptable” and “Marginal” ratings for headlights. The NHTSA gave the Escape a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features under Ford Co-Pilot360 included automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The optional Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, park assist, and Evasive Steering Assist.