2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2021 Lexus NX

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 changes, the Atlas still rode on the same MQB platform as before. The interior 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 Lexus NX carried over its familial design and styling attributes, featuring sharp design lines that gave it a familiar appearance akin to the smaller Lexus UX and larger Lexus RX. The NX 300 F Sport variant added sportier elements like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels. Inside, the NX F Sport models featured quilted NuLuxe sport seats and an optional Circuit Red interior color scheme. The material fit and finish were excellent, with a gauge cluster that included a 4.2-inch multi-information display. However, the center stack design looked outdated compared to newer models.

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 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 with AWD, while the VR6 models achieved 19 mpg combined with FWD and 18 mpg with AWD.

The 2021 Lexus NX 300 and 300 F Sport were powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds, with a relatively quiet ride except under hard acceleration. The F Sport models featured Active Sound Control to enhance the engine note electronically. The NX offered standard FWD and optional AWD, with the AWD system capable of transferring up to 50 percent of torque to the rear axle. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 25 mpg combined, while the AWD models achieved 24 mpg combined. The NX had a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds and a top speed electronically limited to 124 mph.

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 Atlas featured a tall driving position, ultrasonic parking sensors, and up to 17 cupholders. Controls were logically laid out, and up to five USB ports were available across the first and second rows.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an upscale interior with comfortable front seats and adequate legroom in the second row. The NX offered a 60/40 split-folding rear seat and heated and ventilated seats. Cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second-row seats and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The NX was equipped with a power liftgate with kick sensor technology and optional power-folding rear seats. The interior was quiet, with minimal road and wind noise.

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 featured an 8-inch screen. Higher trim levels offered Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit with 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 capability and improved voice recognition. A 12-speaker Fender audio system was available on SEL and higher trims. The Atlas also featured a built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot.

The 2021 Lexus NX had an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, with a 10.3-inch screen available as part of the Navigation package. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with integrated Google Assistant. The Navigation package added Lexus Enform Destination Assist and HomeLink. Other standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The NX also offered a Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system on the top-tier model and was compatible with the Lexus Enform Remote mobile app.

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 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 Travel Assist and Emergency Assist later in the model year.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. The NX received top "Good" scores in all IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Lexus backed the NX with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.