2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid presented a unique blend of sharp edges and a streamlined profile, making it stand out from traditional SUVs. Despite its aggressive F Sport styling, the NX retained a familiar look due to its unchanged design over the years. The Grecian Water blue paint on the F Sport Black Line model contrasted nicely with the dark wheels, adding a touch of vibrancy. Inside, the NX's radical design had become familiar, with a stepped center console and a lack of traditional luxury materials, leaning more towards mainstream quality.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport adopted a more rugged yet car-like appearance, with a low roofline and aggressively-raked rear hatch. The styling was a mix of SUV toughness and coupe-like features, though some elements, like the fake exhaust tips, seemed less appealing. The interior followed VW's minimalist design, which was functional but let down by subpar materials. Despite leather upholstery in the SEL Premium model, the cabin felt cheap, with hard plastics and a lack of welcoming colors.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a total of 194 horsepower. It came standard with all-wheel drive, but its performance was more focused on fuel efficiency than excitement. The NX hybrid accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 9.1 seconds, with a top speed of 112 mph. The sport-tuned suspension in the Black Line package improved handling, but the steering felt numb, and the drivetrain struggled with quick acceleration.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 235 horsepower and a 3.6-liter VR6 engine producing 276 horsepower. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The VR6 engine provided lively acceleration from a stop, but midrange power was lacking. The ride quality was harsh, with noticeable wind and tire noise, and the handling was more truck-like, with significant body roll and loose steering.

The Lexus NX Hybrid had limited interior space, with the least front headroom in its segment and cramped rear seats due to thick rear pillars. Front seats offered excellent support, and features like 10-way power adjustment and heated/ventilated options were available. Cargo space was limited, with 16.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded. Visibility was compromised by the sloping roofline, but large mirrors helped.

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport excelled in interior space, with generous front and rear legroom. However, rear headroom was limited by the sloping roofline. Cargo space was above average, offering 40.3 cubic feet with rear seats in place and 77.8 cubic feet when folded. The interior included practical storage solutions, such as a large center console and multiple cupholders, enhancing its functionality.

The Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, featuring an 8-inch display with an awkward Remote Touch Interface touchpad. While it included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, the system felt dated, with text-heavy menus and poor graphics. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, but higher trims offered a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system.

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two infotainment systems, with the MIB3 system available on higher trims. It featured an 8-inch touchscreen, multiple-device pairing, and updated voice recognition. The Digital Cockpit display replaced analog gauges, providing a modern touch. However, the MIB3 system was slow to load, and the Fender audio system lacked quality.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid earned a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The NX offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, though it lacked a 360-degree camera system.

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