2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2022 Acura MDX
Overview | |
MSRP$31,545 | MSRP$48,000 |
Listings1349 | Listings649 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews6.5 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
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2021 Volkswagen Atlas Reviews SummaryIntroduced for the 2018 model year, the Atlas is Volkswagen's latest attempt to win over American buyers. Built in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the VW Atlas competes in the three-row crossover SUV segment against well-established nameplates like the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Highlander. Changes for 2021 are limited to exterior styling tweaks and a reshuffled option list. VW also offers the two-row Atlas Cross Sport. | |
2022 Acura MDX Reviews SummarySkipping the 2021 model year, the Acura MDX leaps ahead into 2022, riding on a new platform with a new exterior design, new interior look, refreshed platform, and a more assertive attitude. Now entering its fourth generation of production since its introduction as a 2001 model, the MDX rewards its loyal audience with improvements across the board—while retaining its essential nature. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 235 hp I4 | Engine3.5L 290 hp V6 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity7 |
Horsepower | Horsepower290 hp @ 6200 rpm |
MPG City21 | MPG City19 |
MPG Highway24 | MPG Highway26 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 235 hp I4 | Engine Name3.5L 290 hp V6 |
Torque | Torque267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm |
Horsepower | Horsepower290 hp @ 6200 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City21 | MPG City19 |
MPG Highway24 | MPG Highway26 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity7 |
Key Features | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Sunroof/MoonroofStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space20.6 cu ft | Cargo Space16.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight4248 lbs | Curb Weight4271 lbs |
Height70.1 in | Height67.1 in |
Length200.7 in | Length198.4 in |
Width78.4 in | Width78.7 in |
Wheelbase117.3 in | Wheelbase113.8 in |
Maximum Payload1080 lbs | Maximum Payload1173 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity2000 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity3500 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $31,545 | $48,000 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 6.5 out of 10Read full review | 8.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | Introduced for the 2018 model year, the Atlas is Volkswagen's latest attempt to win over American buyers. Built in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the VW Atlas competes in the three-row crossover SUV segment against well-established nameplates like the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Highlander. Changes for 2021 are limited to exterior styling tweaks and a reshuffled option list. VW also offers the two-row Atlas Cross Sport. | Skipping the 2021 model year, the Acura MDX leaps ahead into 2022, riding on a new platform with a new exterior design, new interior look, refreshed platform, and a more assertive attitude. Now entering its fourth generation of production since its introduction as a 2001 model, the MDX rewards its loyal audience with improvements across the board—while retaining its essential nature. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 235 hp I4 | 3.5L 290 hp V6 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
Horsepower | 290 hp @ 6200 rpm | |
MPG City | 21 | 19 |
MPG Highway | 24 | 26 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 235 hp I4 | 3.5L 290 hp V6 |
Torque | 267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | |
Horsepower | 290 hp @ 6200 rpm | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 21 | 19 |
MPG Highway | 24 | 26 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
Key Features | ||
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 20.6 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4248 lbs | 4271 lbs |
Height | 70.1 in | 67.1 in |
Length | 200.7 in | 198.4 in |
Width | 78.4 in | 78.7 in |
Wheelbase | 117.3 in | 113.8 in |
Maximum Payload | 1080 lbs | 1173 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 2000 lbs | 3500 lbs |
Look and feel
According to CarGurus experts, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas scores 6 out of 10 for look and feel, while the 2022 Acura MDX impresses with an 8 out of 10 rating.
The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas features a more extroverted look with a styling refresh, including new front and rear bumpers, standard LED headlights, and a new grille. On the other hand, the 2022 Acura MDX sports a modern and assertive design, with attention to detail in every aspect.
Performance
When it comes to performance, CarGurus rates the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas a 6 out of 10 and the 2022 Acura MDX an 8 out of 10.
The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offers two engine options, providing adequate power but lacking in terms of refinement and handling. Meanwhile, the 2022 Acura MDX comes with a powerful V6 engine and advanced handling capabilities, making it a standout performer in its class.
Form and function
In terms of cargo capacity, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas provides average space for a three-row SUV, with 96.8 cubic feet of cargo space. The 2022 Acura MDX, on the other hand, offers flexible seating arrangements and ample cargo space ranging from 16.3 to 95 cubic feet, making it a versatile option for hauling both passengers and cargo.
Technology
Both the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas and the 2022 Acura MDX offer advanced technology features. The 2021 Atlas comes with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility and a Wi-Fi hotspot, while the 2022 MDX boasts a premium audio system, wireless device charging, and over-the-air software updates.
Safety
Safety is a top priority for both vehicles. The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received top ratings in crash tests with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), while the 2022 Acura MDX is engineered with a focus on collision protection and pedestrian safety, featuring advanced safety systems and driver assistance technologies.
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas is 6.5 out of 10, while the 2022 Acura MDX scores 8 out of 10. In conclusion, while both the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas and the 2022 Acura MDX offer their own set of strengths, the 2022 Acura MDX emerges as the overall winner in terms of performance, technology, safety, and luxury, making it the top choice in this comparison.
Choose the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas if:
- You prioritize affordability in a three-row SUV.
- You prefer a distinct design with updated styling.
- You are looking for a vehicle with a variety of trim levels to choose from.
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Choose the 2022 Acura MDX if:
- You value luxury, performance, and advanced technology features.
- You prioritize safety and superior handling in a family-oriented SUV.
- You are looking for a more refined and upscale driving experience.
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CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas is 6.5 out of 10, while the 2022 Acura MDX scores 8 out of 10. In conclusion, while both the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas and the 2022 Acura MDX offer their own set of strengths, the 2022 Acura MDX emerges as the overall winner in terms of performance, technology, safety, and luxury, making it the top choice in this comparison.
Choose the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas if:
Shop Now- You prioritize affordability in a three-row SUV.
- You prefer a distinct design with updated styling.
- You are looking for a vehicle with a variety of trim levels to choose from.
1348 results
Choose the 2022 Acura MDX if:
Shop Now- You value luxury, performance, and advanced technology features.
- You prioritize safety and superior handling in a family-oriented SUV.
- You are looking for a more refined and upscale driving experience.
644 results
By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.
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