2021 Ford Expedition 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 shared with the Atlas Cross Sport model. These changes added 2.4 inches to its length, giving the Atlas a more extroverted appearance compared to its predecessor. The R-Line trim package further enhanced its sporty look with unique bumpers and side skirts. Despite these cosmetic updates, the Atlas retained its MQB platform, which it 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 on higher trims. 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.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Expedition Platinum was a luxurious sight for travelers, offering a plush and roomy interior. The Platinum trim was the pinnacle of the Expedition lineup, featuring a Magnetic gray paint, 4WD, and a Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package. Despite its spaciousness, the Expedition struggled to accommodate all passengers' luggage, highlighting the utility of minivans for such tasks. The Expedition Platinum boasted a bold presence with a chrome grille and 22-inch wheels, but its cargo space was limited compared to the extended-length MAX version. The interior was well-appointed, with leather-lined seats and a design reminiscent of the F-150 pickup truck. However, the use of hard plastics reminded occupants of its utilitarian roots. The Expedition offered a comfortable ride, though the 22-inch wheels transmitted road shock into the cabin.

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 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive as standard and optional 4Motion all-wheel drive. The driving experience with the base engine and AWD was underwhelming, with adequate acceleration but rough shifts. The Atlas's handling was truck-like, and the ride quality was poor, with every road imperfection felt in the cabin. 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 models rated at 22 mpg combined and the VR6 models at 19 mpg combined.

The 2021 Ford Expedition featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, with the Platinum trim receiving a boost to 400 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. The engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive as standard and optional 4WD. The Expedition impressed with its acceleration, even when fully loaded, and the transmission operated smoothly. The ride quality was affected by the Platinum's 22-inch wheels, but the independent suspension kept the vehicle stable. The Expedition offered a towing capacity of up to 9,300 pounds, with Pro Trailer Backup Assist technology for easier trailer maneuvering. The FX4 Off-Road Package added off-road capabilities, but the test vehicle did not include this option. The Expedition averaged 17.1 mpg during testing, with an EPA rating of 19 mpg combined for 4WD models.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas was designed as a family hauler, offering average passenger and cargo space for its segment. It provided 96.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats and 20.6 cubic feet with all seats up. The Atlas excelled in third-row legroom but sacrificed second-row legroom, which was the worst among its competitors. 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 offered a tall driving position, but forward visibility was limited. Parking sensors and optional low-speed automatic braking and active park assist were available.

The 2021 Ford Expedition excelled in comfort and utility, with large, wide seats for all passengers, including adults in the third row. The independent rear suspension ensured comfort in every seating position. The Expedition offered 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 104.6 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Expedition MAX provided even more cargo space, with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 73.3 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 121.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. The cargo floor's high liftover height was a consideration when loading heavy items. The Expedition's interior was well-equipped, with ample storage for odds and ends.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas came with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The base S trim featured a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, while other models had 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 VW’s new MIBIII infotainment system later in the model year, adding multi-phone pairing, improved voice recognition, and a redesigned navigation system. The SE with Technology trim had an 8-inch screen, which was plain and text-heavy. The base audio system was decent, with a 12-speaker Fender audio system available on higher trims. A built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was new for 2021, supporting up to four devices.

The 2021 Ford Expedition featured Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system, which, despite its age, offered a user-friendly interface. The 8-inch touchscreen was small for the segment, and the system was sometimes slow to respond. Sync 3 included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and a navigation system. Amazon Alexa compatibility was also part of Sync 3, with enhanced voice recognition for 2021. The test vehicle had a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. An available dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system offered dual viewing screens, a DVD player, gaming system inputs, and streaming capabilities.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received top "good" ratings in all IIHS crash tests, with 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 model year, including Travel Assist and Emergency Assist.

The 2021 Ford Expedition had a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, with a three-star rollover-resistance rating for RWD models and a four-star rating for 4WD models. Standard safety features included Ford Co-Pilot360, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beam headlights. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, a semi-autonomous parking assistance system, and a 360-degree surround-view camera system. The lane-keeping technology was helpful in narrow lanes, but Ford did not offer a more advanced driving system with lane-centering assistance.