2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2021 Subaru Outback

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. These updates 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 changes, 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, particularly in the mid-level SE with Technology trim, was criticized for feeling cheap and lacking authenticity in its simulated wood and metal trim.

The 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned for the 2020 model year, maintained a familiar and comfortable feel reminiscent of older Subaru models. Its interior was refreshed, especially in trims above the base, which featured a large 11.6-inch portrait display. The Outback's quality was evident in its substantial window switches and surface materials, with higher trims offering a luxury-like impression. The Onyx Edition XT introduced a unique interior with water-resistant StarTex upholstery and lime green stitching. Externally, the Outback's styling was smooth and plain, with high gray cladding for protection. It offered adaptive LED headlights as standard and introduced a new paint option. The Outback's design remained consistent, emphasizing its identity as a lifted wagon, making it a practical alternative to typical crossovers and SUVs.

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 an optional 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 standard and 4Motion all-wheel drive optional. The 4Motion system could switch to rear-wheel drive when needed. The base engine's performance was underwhelming, with rough shifts and poor ride quality, while the VR6 offered a better towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Fuel economy was not impressive, with the four-cylinder engine rated at 22 mpg combined with FWD and the VR6 at 19 mpg combined.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a 2.5-liter flat-four engine with 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. This engine struggled with the Outback's weight, resulting in slow and noisy performance. The XT trims offered a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, providing a significant improvement in performance. The Outback's handling was designed for comfort, with a focus on long-distance cruising. Its AWD system was proactive, always driving all four wheels and offering X-Mode for tougher conditions. The Outback's fuel economy was competitive, with the base engine rated at 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, while the turbo XT was slightly lower.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas was designed as a family hauler, offering 96.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded and 20.6 cubic feet with all seats up. It provided more third-row legroom than most competitors but sacrificed second-row comfort. The interior layout was driver-focused, with controls within easy reach. The Atlas featured up to five USB ports and an optional wireless charging pad. It also offered 17 cupholders, though visibility was less than optimal. Parking aids like ultrasonic sensors and active park assist were available on higher trims.

The 2021 Subaru Outback boasted 76 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. Its interior was spacious, with ample headroom and legroom, and excellent outward visibility. Storage options were plentiful, with large map pockets and bottle holders. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were only available on higher trims. The Outback's standout feature was its standard roof rails with integrated crossbars, offering convenience and cost savings. The 11.6-inch touchscreen complicated climate controls but was generally responsive and easy to use.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas came with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The base S trim had a 6.5-inch infotainment screen, while higher trims featured an 8-inch screen. The Digital Cockpit was available on select trims, offering a 10.3-inch digital display. The Atlas was set to receive the MIBIII infotainment system later in the year, enhancing voice recognition and navigation. The base audio system was decent, with a 12-speaker Fender system available on higher trims. A built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was new for 2021, supporting up to four devices.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system appeared dated, with graphics reminiscent of older gaming consoles. However, it offered modern tech like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Subaru EyeSight was also standard, providing adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. The system relied on cameras, which could be less effective in certain conditions compared to radar-based systems.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received top "good" ratings in IIHS crash tests, with a "marginal" rating for child-seat anchors and mixed headlight ratings. The NHTSA had not rated 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 year.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a stronger chassis and standard airbags, with additional driver assists available on higher trims. It was a 2020 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+," earning top ratings in crash tests and for its forward emergency braking. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 Outback an overall five-star rating, with four stars for the front passenger in a frontal crash and rollover test.