2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2021 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 2021 Lexus GX 460 retained the same basic body shell from a decade ago, with updates like the spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. The 2021 model didn't get any styling changes, but silver 18-inch wheels became standard on the Premium trim level. The GX's tough, aggressive look was distinctive and appealing to SUV shoppers. However, the interior felt outdated, with wood trim that looked and felt like molded plastic and plenty of actual plastic. Despite this, the GX offered standard leather upholstery, with semi-aniline leather on the Luxury trim level.

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 coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional 4Motion all-wheel drive (AWD). The driving experience with the base 2.0-liter engine and AWD was underwhelming, with adequate acceleration but rough shifts and poor ride quality. The Atlas had an Active Control feature with different drive modes, but it lacked a four-wheel drive (4WD) system with low range. The VR6 models could tow up to 5,000 pounds, while the four-cylinder models were rated to tow 2,000 pounds. Fuel economy for the four-cylinder models was 22 mpg combined with FWD and 21 mpg combined with AWD, while the VR6 models were rated at 19 mpg combined with FWD and 18 mpg combined with AWD.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX's 5,130 pounds made their presence felt at higher speeds, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking maneuvers. The ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, meaning it wasn't very good. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, with a Torsen center differential, a standard 4WD system with a low range, and several driver aids. The GX had a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds and a respectable 8.1 inches of ground clearance.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas was designed as a family hauler, offering 96.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats and 20.6 cubic feet with all seats up. It 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 offered up to five USB ports, an optional wireless charging pad, and up to 17 cupholders. Ultrasonic parking sensors were standard, with additional features like low-speed automatic braking and active park assist available on higher trim levels.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics felt outdated, with an upright dashboard and high center console that left little legroom. The steering wheel was positioned at an odd angle, making the driving experience feel like driving a bus. The GX offered excellent outward visibility, but forward visibility was limited due to the tall hood. The center-console storage bin and cupholders were small, and the third row was best reserved for children. The GX had 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third-row seats folded, which was less than the Land Rover Discovery's 73.0 cubic feet. With the third row up, cargo space was minimal.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas came with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone compatibility. The base S trim level had a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, while other models had an 8-inch screen. Volkswagen's Digital Cockpit was available on higher trim levels, replacing analog gauges with 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 would add multi-phone pairing capability, improved voice recognition, and a redesigned navigation system. A 12-speaker Fender audio system was available on SEL and higher trim levels, and a built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was new for 2021.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, with standard Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity, but no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functions. The GX included analog controls for nearly everything, making it easy to use despite its primitive interface. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was available, but the third row didn't get any USB ports.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received the top "good" rating in all Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash tests, but with a "marginal" rating for child-seat anchors and mixed headlight ratings. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hadn't published ratings for the 2021 Atlas, but the similar 2020 model received a five-star overall rating. Every 2021 Atlas trim level came with standard automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist available on higher trim levels. The Atlas was set to receive more sophisticated driver aids later in the model year.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 hadn't been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. It came with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle of driver aids as standard equipment, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. However, the GX missed out on some safety features available in other Lexus and non-luxury Toyota models.