2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2020 Acura MDX

The 2020 Acura MDX presented itself as a well-designed crossover SUV, though its styling was not particularly groundbreaking. It blended seamlessly into its surroundings without drawing much attention, yet it maintained a respectable appearance. The MDX featured Acura's signature Jewel Eye LED headlights, which added a touch of sophistication to its front end. The sleek, low-slung design with chiseled details and a fast roofline gave it a modern look, complemented by flawless paint and chrome finishes. Inside, the MDX offered a modern and simple interior with high-quality materials and a well-organized center stack featuring twin infotainment screens.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport carried over much of the same design as the regular Atlas but with a lower roofline and aggressively-raked rear hatch. This design choice gave it a mix of SUV ruggedness and car-like features, though some elements, like the fake exhaust tips, appeared tacky. The Cross Sport was shorter and lower than the seven-seat Atlas, maintaining the same wheelbase. It featured standard LED exterior lighting and various wheel sizes depending on the trim level. The interior followed VW's minimalist design, but the materials felt subpar, with hard plastics and rubbery leather detracting from the overall feel. The color choices blended together, creating a less welcoming atmosphere.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain options: a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a Sport Hybrid version with a 3.0-liter V6 and three electric motors, delivering 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. The gasoline-only model with Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system provided good straight-line performance and nimble handling, thanks to torque-vectoring technology. The MDX's four-wheel independent suspension ensured a comfortable ride, making it a reliable choice for long drives.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared powertrain options with the seven-seat Atlas, featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter VR6 engine producing 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The VR6 engine offered lively acceleration from a stop, but midrange performance was lacking. The ride quality was subpar, with noticeable bumps and potholes, and the handling felt more like a truck than a sporty SUV. The VR6 models had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, while the four-cylinder models were limited to 2,000 pounds.

The 2020 Acura MDX provided a practical interior with sliding and reclining second-row seats for easy access to the third row. It offered 15.8 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expandable to 90.9 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded flat. The interior featured ample storage options, including a large glove box, a flexible center console, and door panel pockets. Tri-zone climate control ensured comfort for all passengers, making the MDX a stylish alternative to a minivan.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport boasted competitive interior space for a two-row midsize crossover, with generous front-seat and rear-seat legroom. However, rear headroom was limited due to the sloping roofline. Cargo space was above average, with 40.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 77.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The interior included various storage solutions, such as a center console and a second-row armrest with cupholders. The SE with Technology trim added a foot-activated tailgate for convenience.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with a range of technology features, including Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a CD/MP3 player. The Technology Package added advanced features like navigation, GPS-linked climate control, and a premium audio system. The Advance Package further enhanced the tech offerings with a surround-view camera system and heated and ventilated seats. An Entertainment Package was available for rear-seat entertainment.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two infotainment systems: the MIB2 system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen on the base trim and the MIB3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen on higher trims. Both systems included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The MIB3 system added multiple-device pairing and updated voice recognition. The Digital Cockpit display replaced analog gauges with a reconfigurable screen, and the SEL Premium models featured a 12-speaker Fender audio system.

The 2020 Acura MDX was equipped with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring, while the Advance Package included a Head-Up Warning. The MDX received high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earned top scores in IIHS crash tests, with mixed headlight ratings. It received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring, with optional features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The Cross Sport also featured unique systems like the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System.