2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2021 Lexus GX

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, which added 6 centimetres to its length. These updates gave the Atlas a more extroverted appearance compared to its 2020 predecessor, although the fake chrome exhaust tips were considered a bit cheesy. 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, shared with other VW models like the Jetta and Golf, showcasing its versatility. The interior followed a minimalist approach, with a standard seven-seat configuration and available second-row captain’s chairs on higher trims. However, the material quality was below average, with cheap-feeling plastics and faux wood and metal trim.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX maintained its decade-old body shell with minor updates over the years, including the Lexus spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. The GX's styling remained coherent despite its age, with a tough and aggressive look that appealed to SUV shoppers. However, the interior did not meet modern luxury SUV standards, with wood trim that felt like plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. The GX offered standard semi-aniline leather, but the overall interior design felt outdated. The dashboard and high centre console limited legroom, and the steering wheel's odd angle contributed to a bus-like driving experience. Despite these drawbacks, the GX provided excellent outward visibility due to its boxy profile.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four producing 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6-litre VR6 engine with 276 hp and 266 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Motion all-wheel drive. The 4Motion system defaulted to front-wheel drive to save fuel but could send power to the rear wheels when needed. However, the driving experience with the base engine was underwhelming, with rough shifts and truck-like handling. The Atlas had a towing capacity of 2,267 kilograms with the VR6 engine, but only 900 kilograms with the four-cylinder engine. Fuel efficiency was not impressive, with the four-cylinder rated at 10.9 L/100 km combined and the VR6 at 12.9 L/100 km combined.

The 2021 Lexus GX featured a single powertrain option: a 4.6-litre V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX's driving experience was reminiscent of older SUVs, with plenty of power from the V8 but requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking due to its weight. The ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, with low grip and body roll in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, with a Torsen centre differential, low-range 4WD, and features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select. It had a towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms and respectable ground clearance, but the Land Rover Discovery outperformed it in off-road metrics.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas was designed as a family hauler, offering average passenger and cargo space for its segment. It provided 2,741 litres of cargo space behind the front seats and 583 litres with all seats up. The Atlas offered more third-row legroom than most competitors, but at the expense of second-row legroom, which was the worst among its peers. The second-row bench seat was uncomfortable, with thin cushions. The Atlas featured a user-friendly layout with controls within easy reach, up to five USB ports, and a wireless charging pad. It also boasted up to 17 cupholders and a tall driving position, although forward visibility was less than optimal.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics reflected its age, with limited legroom due to the upright dashboard and high centre console. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position contributed to a bus-like feel. However, the GX offered excellent outward visibility, thanks to its boxy profile and low side glass. The centre-console storage bin and cupholders were small, and the second-row cupholders took up space in the armrest. The GX came standard with three rows and seating for seven, but the third row was best reserved for children. Cargo space was limited, with only 1,833 litres available with the second and third rows folded, and minimal space with the third row up.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas came equipped with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The base trim featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while higher trims received an 8-inch screen with satellite radio. Volkswagen's Digital Cockpit was available on higher trims, replacing analog gauges with a 10.3-inch digital display. The Atlas was set to receive VW's new MIBIII infotainment system later in the model year, offering multi-phone pairing and improved voice recognition. The base audio system was decent, with a 12-speaker Fender audio system available on the Execline trim.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It offered two USB ports for each of the first two rows but none for the third row. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functions, with a digital clock-style display for time and temperature. However, Lexus included analog controls for most functions, providing a refreshing alternative to screen-centric interfaces. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was standard.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received top "good" ratings in all IIHS crash tests, except for a "marginal" rating for child-seat anchors and mixed headlight ratings. The NHTSA had not published ratings for 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 model year, including Travel Assist and Emergency Assist.

The 2021 Lexus GX had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. It came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including a pre-collision system, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera were also standard. However, the GX lacked some safety features available in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.