2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2021 Honda CR-V

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 updates, the Atlas still rode on the same MQB platform, which was used by most current VW models. The interior of the Atlas took a minimalist approach, with sensibly laid-out controls and a standard seating configuration of seven seats across three rows. However, the material quality in the mid-level SE with Technology trim was below average, with cheap-feeling plastics and simulated wood and metal trim.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, had a design that blended in with other compact crossovers. It featured a few distinguishing details like the grille opening and some chromed plastic features. The CR-V was available in eight colors, but the more vibrant options were limited to higher trims. Inside, the CR-V offered black, gray, and ivory cloth or leather depending on the trim level. The front and rear seats had a more modern look with sharp details. Compared to competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, the CR-V's styling was less distinctive, but it was functional and comfortable for five passengers.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a 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 and poor ride quality. The Atlas had an Active Control feature with different drive modes, but it didn't improve on-road handling. The VR6 models could tow up to 5,000 pounds, while the four-cylinder models were limited to 2,000 pounds. Fuel economy for the four-cylinder models was 22 mpg combined with FWD and 21 mpg with AWD, while the VR6 models were rated at 19 mpg combined with FWD and 18 mpg with AWD.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came with a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all trims. It had a 0-60 mph acceleration time of about 7.8 seconds, which was competitive within its segment. The CR-V featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provided smooth and steady acceleration. It came standard with FWD, with AWD available as an option. The CR-V's suspension setup included a MacPherson strut in the front and a multi-link suspension at the rear, offering decent handling and ride quality. While the CR-V's drivetrain wasn't the most engaging, it was reliable and predictable, making it a solid choice for everyday driving.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas was designed as a family hauler with three rows of seats. It offered 96.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats and 20.6 cubic feet with all seats up. The Atlas 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, flat cushions. The Atlas had a tall driving position, but forward visibility was less than optimal. It featured up to five USB ports, an optional wireless charging pad, and up to 17 cupholders. The controls were logically laid out and within easy reach of the driver.

The 2021 Honda CR-V aimed to fit five people comfortably and carry their gear. It offered 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The CR-V's tailgate options varied by trim, with the Touring trim featuring a hands-free power tailgate. Roof rails were standard only on the top-of-the-line Touring trim. The CR-V's interior was functional and spacious, making it a practical choice for families.

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 had an 8-inch screen. Higher trims featured Volkswagen's Digital Cockpit, a 10.3-inch reconfigurable digital display. The Atlas was set to receive the MIBIII infotainment system later in the model year, which included multi-phone pairing and improved voice recognition. The base audio system had six speakers, with a 12-speaker Fender audio system available on higher trims. A built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was also new for 2021.

The 2021 Honda CR-V's base LX trim had a 5-inch color screen with Bluetooth connectivity. Other trims featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The Special Edition and EX trims had a 180-watt audio system with six speakers, while the EX-L had eight speakers. The Touring trim had a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. From the EX trim onwards, the CR-V included Sirius XM and HD radio. The Touring trim also offered a satellite navigation system and a wireless phone charger.

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 gave the 2020 model 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 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It didn't receive the highest IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating due to lower headlight scores and an "Acceptable" rating for its LATCH system. Honda's approach to safety was to make advanced features standard across all trims. The Honda Sensing system included a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, road departure mitigation, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and auto high-beam headlamps. Blind spot monitoring was standard from the EX trim upwards.