2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2021 Volkswagen Atlas

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 bumpers and side skirts. Despite these updates, the Atlas still rode on the same MQB platform, which was also used by other VW models like the Jetta and Golf. The interior of the Atlas was minimalist, with a standard seven-seat configuration and available second-row captain’s chairs. However, the material quality in the mid-level SE with Technology trim was below average, with cheap-feeling plastics and fake wood and metal trim.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had become more accepted since its debut, although the short grille and swept-back headlights were still polarizing. The appearance varied significantly with trim levels, from the basic Latitude with 17-inch wheels to the 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels and painted lower body cladding. The Cherokee offered an optional panoramic sunroof that covered the entire top surface. Its distinctive look helped it stand out in a crowded field of crossover SUVs, bearing a resemblance to the larger Jeep Grand Cherokee from the front.

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 with 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 AWD system could switch to FWD to save fuel but could send power to the rear wheels when needed. The driving experience with the base engine and AWD was underwhelming, with adequate acceleration but rough shifts and poor ride quality. The Atlas had an Offroad mode and eight inches of ground clearance but lacked a 4WD system with low range, making it better suited for pavement. VR6 models could tow up to 5,000 pounds, while four-cylinder models were limited to 2,000 pounds. Fuel economy was unimpressive, with the four-cylinder engine rated at 22 mpg combined with FWD and the VR6 at 19 mpg combined with FWD.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 180 hp, a 3.2-liter V6 with 271 hp, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Cherokee's acceleration was modest, with the V6 and turbo-four engines achieving 0-60 mph times of around 7.2 and 7.4 seconds, respectively. The Cherokee Trailhawk model excelled off-road, thanks to features like Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. The Cherokee was available in FWD to keep prices competitive, but most buyers preferred the AWD versions for better performance and capability.

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 had the worst second-row legroom in its class. The second-row bench seat was uncomfortable, with thin, flat cushions. The interior layout was driver-focused, with controls logically placed and up to five USB ports available. The Atlas had a tall driving position but limited forward visibility. It featured ultrasonic parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, and active park assist on higher trims.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee filled a space between the smaller Renegade and larger Grand Cherokee. It offered 26 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with the seats folded, which was below average for its class. The Cherokee had about 102 cubic feet of passenger volume, making it competitive in that metric. The interior was simple and businesslike, with variations in material quality depending on the trim level. The Latitude trim featured rubberized black plastic, while the Trailhawk had suede seat inserts and contrasting stitching. The Latitude Lux trim offered perforated Nappa leather upholstery for a more upscale appearance.

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 offered Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, a 10.3-inch reconfigurable digital display. The Atlas was set to receive the new MIBIII infotainment system later in the model year, which included multi-phone pairing, improved voice recognition, and a redesigned navigation system. The base six-speaker 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 Jeep Cherokee featured the Uconnect infotainment system, available with a 7-inch touchscreen on lower trims and an 8.4-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though not wirelessly. The Cherokee also offered a 4G WiFi hotspot and integration with Amazon Alexa. Remote start was available, a useful feature in extreme climates. The Uconnect system was praised for its ease of use and quick response times, making it a standout feature in the Cherokee.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received top “good” ratings in all IIHS crash tests, except for 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 Jeep Cherokee did not earn a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS but received top “Good” scores in crashworthiness categories and a G+ score for LATCH ease of use. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating. Standard safety features included lane departure warning, full-speed forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control with stop and go was only available on the Limited and Trailhawk trims.