2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L 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-looking front and rear bumpers and side skirts. Despite these updates, the Atlas still rode on the same MQB platform as before, which was shared with other VW models like the Jetta and Golf. The interior of the Atlas took a minimalist approach, with 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.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a new seven-passenger model, distinct from the existing two-row Grand Cherokee. It was an extended-length version of the upcoming redesigned 2022 Grand Cherokee, featuring a third-row seat and more cargo volume. The Grand Cherokee L's styling was instantly recognizable as a Jeep, with its signature seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches. It was available in multiple trim levels, with pricing ranging from $36,995 to $64,235. The Summit trim, which was tested, featured quilted and perforated leather, real wood trim, and a 19-speaker McIntosh premium audio system. However, some interior materials and fittings did not meet the high expectations set by its price.

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 and poor ride quality. The Atlas had an Active Control feature with different drive modes, but it lacked a four-wheel drive (4WD) system with low range, making it less suitable for off-road use. The VR6 models had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, while the four-cylinder models were rated to tow 2,000 pounds. Fuel economy for the four-cylinder models was 22 mpg combined with FWD and 21 mpg combined with AWD, while the VR6 models were rated at 19 mpg combined with FWD and 18 mpg combined with AWD.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive (RWD) or one of three 4WD systems. The V6 engine offered brisk acceleration but was loud when revved. The Grand Cherokee L also had an optional 5.7-liter V8 engine available on higher trims, producing 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. The V6 engine had an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined, while the V8 was rated at 17 mpg combined. The Grand Cherokee L featured a Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension, providing up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance and 24 inches of water fording capability. It also had multiple off-road modes, making it capable of tackling challenging terrain.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas was designed as a family hauler, offering 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 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. Ultrasonic parking sensors were standard, with low-speed automatic braking and active park assist available on higher trims.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered comfort and convenience, especially in the Summit trim, which included heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a four-zone automatic climate control system. The second-row captain's chairs provided plenty of legroom and comfort, with manual side window sunshades. The third row was comfortable for all but the tallest adults, with large side windows for a great view. The Grand Cherokee L had practical storage space, including a storage console between the captain's chairs. Cargo space measured 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.6 cubic feet behind the front seats.

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 VW's new MIBIII infotainment system later in the model year, offering multi-phone pairing, improved voice recognition, and a redesigned navigation system. The SE with Technology trim had an 8-inch screen, but the displays were plain and text-heavy. A 12-speaker Fender audio system was available on higher trims. The Atlas also featured a built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, with service provided by Verizon.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering faster response and an improved user experience. It was available with an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and connected services, including a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Grand Cherokee L also had a natural voice-recognition system with a programmable wake phrase. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh audio system provided excellent sound quality. Additional features included a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, a thermal-imaging night vision system, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received top "good" ratings in all IIHS crash tests, but 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 sophisticated driver aids later in the model year, including Travel Assist and Emergency Assist.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, a hands-on driving-assistance system combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. The system worked well but felt artificial in the driver's hands. The Grand Cherokee L also featured Intersection Collision Assist, which could detect threats at intersections and apply the brakes if necessary. Additional driver aids included Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of the review, but the new model was expected to improve upon the old Grand Cherokee's ratings.