2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2021 Honda CR-V

Launched for the 2020 model year, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is a two-row, five-seat version of the Volkswagen Atlas family crossover, itself a fairly new model, having launched for the 2018 model year.

The two-row midsize crossover segment is experiencing a resurgence, with newer models like the Cross Sport, Toyota Venza, Honda Passport, and Chevrolet Blazer joining the aging Ford Edge and Nissan Murano. VW also named the Jeep Grand Cherokee as a competitor to the Cross Sport, but the Jeep is a more traditional SUV.

Typically for a model entering its sophomore year, the Cross Sport doesn’t get many updates for 2021. The only change is VW’s new MIB3 infotainment system for most trim levels, and two new driver-assist features: Travel Assist and Emergency Assist.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is available in four trim levels: Trendline, Comfortline, Highline, and Execline. In Canada, 4Motion all-wheel drive (AWD) is standard while front-wheel drive (FWD) is not offered. The option to choose between the four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines is available on all trims but the base model. Our test car was a U.S. model, the approximate Canadian equivalent being the Execline grade with the six-cylinder engine.

Even in a grim year, Honda is selling a staggering number of CR-Vs. The CR-V is the best-selling Honda in Canada, edging out the home-built Honda Civic. The CR-V is also the second best-selling compact SUV, just behind the Toyota RAV4. And it was the sixth best-selling vehicle in Canada in 2021.

So, it’s hard to argue against the CR-V formula. Honda’s been at this almost as long as crossovers have been a thing, launching the CR-V in 1997—a year after the RAV4 debuted.

The funny thing is, aside from sales volume, there’s only one thing the CR-V particularly excels at. Aesthetics are subjective, but it would be hard to argue the CR-V is the best-looking vehicle in its class. It’s not the cheapest. It’s not the best equipped, especially at the middle to lower trim levels. It’s not the fastest, nor is it the quietest, or the most fuel efficient. It’s not even the most reliable, showing up nowhere in J.D. Power's Most Reliable list.

So, what makes it so appealing to Canadian consumers? Let’s see if we can figure that out.