2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a variety of trims, including S, SE, SEL, and SEL Premium, with optional Technology and R-Line packages. Its design, featuring a shorter length and lower height than the larger Atlas, gave it an SUV coupe appearance. The SEL Premium trim with the R-Line package stood out with its 21-inch wheels and Pure Gray paint, providing a custom look. Inside, the Burgundy and Titan Black two-tone color scheme was striking, though closer inspection revealed hard plastics. Despite this, the design and materials in high-contact areas were well-executed, with ambient lighting adding a touch of elegance.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid, positioned between the UX and RX, maintained a familiar yet distinct styling with sharp edges and a streamlined profile. Built on the previous-generation Toyota RAV4 platform, it lagged behind in engineering. The F Sport Black Line model featured a larger mesh grille, dark-finish 18-inch wheels, and Grecian Water paint, offering a bold contrast. Inside, the design felt familiar, with a stepped center console and aluminum pedals. However, the material quality seemed more akin to mainstream brands, with plastic switchgear and trim, despite some appealing design elements like the analog dashboard clock.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came standard with a 2.0-liter turbo engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. However, its 4,103-pound curb weight made the optional 3.6-liter V6 engine, with 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, a more appealing choice. This engine allowed for a 5,000-pound towing capacity and was paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 4Motion AWD system provided effective traction, though the vehicle's suspension could benefit from adaptive damping. Despite its size, the Atlas Cross Sport handled well, though it was fuel-thirsty, averaging 18.7 mpg.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering a total of 194 horsepower. It was not a performance vehicle, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds. The hybrid system prioritized fuel efficiency, though it struggled with power delivery. The sport-tuned suspension improved handling, maintaining a comfortable ride. However, the steering felt numb, and the drive modes offered minimal impact on performance. The NX Hybrid's focus was clearly on efficiency rather than excitement.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, though smaller than the Atlas, offered a spacious interior. The front seats were large, heated, and ventilated, with ample adjustments. The second row provided generous legroom and headroom, with rear air-conditioning vents and heated seats. Despite its stylish roofline, the cargo space was practical, offering 40.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 77.8 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had limited front and rear headroom, with rear legroom being the worst in its class. The front seats, however, were comfortable with 10-way power adjustment. The sloping roofline and thick pillars affected rear visibility, though exterior mirrors helped. Cargo space was limited, with 16.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded. The NX Hybrid aimed for a sporty feel, with a high dashboard and door sides, but it might not appeal to those seeking a traditional SUV experience.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport featured a top-tier infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and robust Car-Net services. It supported two Bluetooth device pairings and included a 12-speaker Fender sound system. However, it lacked natural voice recognition, requiring reliance on Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for voice commands.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, with an 8-inch display and a difficult-to-use Remote Touch Interface touchpad. While it supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, the system felt dated. The base audio system was underwhelming, making the optional Mark Levinson system a worthwhile upgrade.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included comprehensive safety features, even at the base level, with advanced driving assistance systems and an automatic post-collision braking system. The SEL Premium R-Line model had additional features like road-sign recognition and Traffic Jam Assist. Crash-test results were pending, but the larger Atlas performed well.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid earned a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, offering a wide array of driver aids. While it lacked a 360-degree camera system, it provided excellent value with its comprehensive safety features.