2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2022 Lexus GX

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 is used by most current VW models. 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.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition featured a black-on-black exterior that eradicated almost all chrome, transforming the SUV into a rolling black hole. Despite its new look, the GX still appeared dated, resembling the first-generation 2002 GX 470. Inside, the cabin quality was high, with smooth, silky refinement and a quiet ride. The GX was available in Standard, Premium, and Luxury trims, with prices ranging from $56,700 to $66,210. The Black Line Special Edition, based on the GX 460 Premium, started at $60,535. Despite its age, the GX remained surprisingly agreeable to drive, with a focus on refinement and off-road capability.

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 rated at 276 hp and 266 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional 4Motion all-wheel drive (AWD). The AWD system could send power to the rear wheels when needed. However, the driving experience with the base 2.0-liter engine and AWD was underwhelming, with rough shifts and poor ride quality. The Atlas had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds with the VR6 engine and 2,000 pounds with the four-cylinder engine. Fuel economy for the four-cylinder models was 22 mpg combined with FWD and 21 mpg with AWD, while the VR6 models were rated at 19 mpg combined with FWD and 18 mpg with AWD.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system with a limited-slip differential and electronic differential lock. The GX had a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds. Despite its high drag coefficient of 0.35, the GX returned 16.8 mpg on a testing loop, slightly better than the EPA estimate of 16 mpg combined. The GX's Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) helped maximize wheel articulation off-road while improving stability on pavement. However, the slow, heavy steering and touchy brake pedal detracted from the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered average passenger and cargo space for its segment, with 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, but forward visibility was less than optimal. It had up to five USB ports and an optional wireless charging pad. The Atlas also offered up to 17 cupholders and standard ultrasonic parking sensors.

The 2022 Lexus GX provided an elevated driving position with clear outward visibility. The GX's seats were comfortable, with interior padding in all the right places. However, the rear door openings were narrow, making entry difficult. The third-row seat was challenging to access and uncomfortable for adults. The GX's cargo space was limited, with 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second row folded. The GX's tailgate swung open to the side, making loading difficult in tight spaces.

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 trim levels 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, 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 also new for 2021.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. The GX also had a CD player and a Lexus app with smartwatch compatibility and Lexus Enform connected services, including a WiFi hotspot. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround-sound audio system was available. The infotainment display offered a dual-screen view, and the voice recognition technology was quick and accurate. For 2022, Lexus made its Intuitive Parking Assist technology standard, with optional surround-view and terrain-view cameras.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received top ratings in all IIHS crash tests, except for a "marginal" rating for child-seat anchors and mixed headlight ratings. The 2020 model received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist available on higher trims. Later in the model year, the Atlas was set to receive Travel Assist and Emergency Assist on SEL and SEL Premium trims.

The 2022 Lexus GX did not have crash-test ratings due to its age. However, it came with Lexus Safety System+, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The GX also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services with automatic collision notification and emergency calling. However, it lacked some advanced safety technologies found in competitors.