2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2021 Lexus GX

2021 Lexus GX
2021 Lexus GX
$53,450MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Volkswagen Atlas
2022 Volkswagen Atlas
$34,335MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lexus GX
$53,450MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Volkswagen Atlas
$34,335MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

MSRP

$53,450

MSRP

$34,335

Average price

$64,403

Average price

$41,261

Listings

9

Listings

67
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

5.3 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.0 out of 10
Pros
  • Comfortable
  • Spacious third row
  • Plenty of cargo space
Cons
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Interior materials feel cheap

2021 Lexus GX Reviews Summary

ost modern SUVs are really car-based crossovers—lifted station wagons, or minivans without the sliding doors. That’s not the case with the 2021 Lexus GX 460.

Like the mythical Loch Ness Monster, the GX is a creature that time forgot. It’s one of the last SUVs with truck-like body-on-frame construction and true off-road capability. That’s because the GX is actually a rebadged Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (a smaller version of the iconic Toyota Land Cruiser not sold in North America), and is related to the Toyota 4Runner. It’s also genuinely old: the current generation dates back to the 2010 model year, and Lexus has kept it in production with some updates of styling and tech over the years.

That makes the GX a fairly odd proposition on the new-car market. It has the off-road capability, not as a lifestyle statement, but because that’s what was still expected of SUVs when it was launched. The GX sits between the RX and LX in the Lexus lineup but has little direct competition. Its only real rival is the much newer Land Rover Discovery.

For the 2021 model year, the GX gets some minor updates. Lexus continues to offer only the GX 460 model, with a single powertrain option, a standard four-wheel drive (4WD) drivetrain, and two pricing levels: base, or the Executive package.

2022 Volkswagen Atlas Reviews Summary

Until 2018, Volkswagen seemingly ignored the fact that North America wanted roomy, functional SUVs. But that year, a right-sized Tiguan arrived ready to challenge the leaders in the compact SUV class and the family-sized Atlas went on sale to wage war in the three-row SUV segment. Both addressed criticism that Volkswagen was out of touch by going above and beyond with regard to passenger comfort, cargo space, and utility.

Now, five years later, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas is essentially unchanged following a substantial refresh for the 2021 model year. And though the 2022 Atlas remains a study in contrast, it is easy to understand why people buy it. Sometimes, size does matter.

No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

4.6L 301 hp V8

Engine

2.0L 235 hp I4

Drive Train

AWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

7

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

301 hp @ 5500 rpm

Horsepower

235 hp @ 5400 rpm

MPG City

15

MPG City

21

MPG Highway

19

MPG Highway

25
2021 Lexus GX
2021 Lexus GX
$53,450MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Volkswagen Atlas
2022 Volkswagen Atlas
$34,335MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lexus GX
$53,450MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Volkswagen Atlas
$34,335MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
MSRP
$53,450
$34,335
Average price
$64,403
$41,261
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.6
4.8
Expert reviews

5.3 out of 10

Read full review

7.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Comfortable
  • Spacious third row
  • Plenty of cargo space
Cons
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Interior materials feel cheap
Summary

ost modern SUVs are really car-based crossovers—lifted station wagons, or minivans without the sliding doors. That’s not the case with the 2021 Lexus GX 460.

Like the mythical Loch Ness Monster, the GX is a creature that time forgot. It’s one of the last SUVs with truck-like body-on-frame construction and true off-road capability. That’s because the GX is actually a rebadged Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (a smaller version of the iconic Toyota Land Cruiser not sold in North America), and is related to the Toyota 4Runner. It’s also genuinely old: the current generation dates back to the 2010 model year, and Lexus has kept it in production with some updates of styling and tech over the years.

That makes the GX a fairly odd proposition on the new-car market. It has the off-road capability, not as a lifestyle statement, but because that’s what was still expected of SUVs when it was launched. The GX sits between the RX and LX in the Lexus lineup but has little direct competition. Its only real rival is the much newer Land Rover Discovery.

For the 2021 model year, the GX gets some minor updates. Lexus continues to offer only the GX 460 model, with a single powertrain option, a standard four-wheel drive (4WD) drivetrain, and two pricing levels: base, or the Executive package.

Until 2018, Volkswagen seemingly ignored the fact that North America wanted roomy, functional SUVs. But that year, a right-sized Tiguan arrived ready to challenge the leaders in the compact SUV class and the family-sized Atlas went on sale to wage war in the three-row SUV segment. Both addressed criticism that Volkswagen was out of touch by going above and beyond with regard to passenger comfort, cargo space, and utility.

Now, five years later, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas is essentially unchanged following a substantial refresh for the 2021 model year. And though the 2022 Atlas remains a study in contrast, it is easy to understand why people buy it. Sometimes, size does matter.

Video
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
4.6L 301 hp V8
2.0L 235 hp I4
Drive Train
AWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
7
7
Horsepower
301 hp @ 5500 rpm
235 hp @ 5400 rpm
MPG City
15
21
MPG Highway
19
25
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