2021 Volvo XC90 vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, successfully adding character to its traditionally conservative styling. While maintaining its recognizable Volvo features like a boxy profile and a blunt front end, the XC90 introduced softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive LED headlights with "Thor's Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, with its optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the most eye-catching, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more understated looks, respectively. Inside, the XC90 embraced "Swedish minimalism," featuring high-quality materials and a restrained design. The interior offered options like wool upholstery and a crystal shifter, adding a touch of luxury to the otherwise simple cabin.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport presented a bold and sporty appearance by removing the third row from the standard Atlas, lowering the roofline, and shortening the SUV's length. The SEL Premium R-Line trim, with its 21-inch machined-finish wheels, emphasized the vehicle's broad-shouldered stance. However, other wheel options were less appealing, with the base SE trim's 18-inch wheels appearing too small. The interior was spacious, accommodating five adults comfortably, and offered various color combinations that conveyed an upscale feel. Despite its stylish appearance, the Atlas Cross Sport's interior was marred by hard, glossy plastics and unlined storage areas, which detracted from the overall impression of quality.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all centered around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model featured a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. The T6 model added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, with standard all-wheel drive. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, or Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric motors for a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, the XC90 struggled with acceleration from stops on electric power alone, often requiring the gasoline engine's assistance. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and offered a quiet cabin. It also had a respectable towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, though it fell short of some competitors.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came with two engine options: a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and an available 3.6-liter V6 with 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. The V6, which did not require premium fuel, offered a more satisfying driving experience and a 5,000-pound towing capacity. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard and VW's 4Motion all-wheel drive available. The Atlas Cross Sport's ride quality varied, with the suspension feeling too firm at low speeds and too soft at higher speeds. The V6 engine was more efficient on the highway, but road noise was more intrusive than expected. The Atlas Cross Sport's off-road capabilities were limited by its ground clearance and tire design.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with headroom and legroom in all three rows being average for the segment. The third row was tight for adults, and the seats in the second and third rows lacked support. The interior felt spacious, thanks to an optional power moonroof and the XC90's upright roof profile. The front seats were highly adjustable, but storage space was limited. Cargo space was also on the lower end of the segment, with 11.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a roomy interior, accommodating five adults comfortably. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, heated rear seats, and a dual-zone climate control system. A panoramic sunroof enhanced the sense of space, while rear side-window sunshades provided additional comfort. The Atlas Cross Sport boasted ample storage space, though the lack of lining in storage areas could lead to rattling noises. The cargo area was generous, with deep wells for additional storage, though the shorter length and lower roofline reduced overall cargo capacity compared to the seven-passenger model.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which emphasized simplicity and functionality. It included a 9-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. The system was easy to use, with a portrait-oriented touchscreen that allowed for intuitive navigation. However, the text and typeface could be difficult to read while driving, and the wireless charging pad was too small for most phones.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, featuring an 8-inch display and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch digital cockpit and an 8-inch touchscreen with additional features like wireless smartphone charging and SiriusXM radio. The infotainment system supported Car-Net connected services, offering remote start, emergency assistance, and a WiFi hotspot. Despite its comprehensive features, the system's user experience was often frustrating, with issues related to touchscreen interaction and voice recognition. The SEL Premium R-Line trim included a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system, which delivered excellent audio quality.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. It also earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The XC90 offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and Volvo's Pilot Assist driver aid, which combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and IQ Drive, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist. The Atlas Cross Sport also featured a semi-autonomous Parking Steering Assistant and an Area View 360-degree camera system. While the Atlas Cross Sport's safety features were generally effective, some systems, like Lane Assist, occasionally misinterpreted road markings.