2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known for its iconic boxy design, was a blend of ruggedness and luxury. Its straight-edged, two-box design was a nod to its military origins, yet it had become a status symbol among the elite. The G-Class offered a unique retro exterior that stood out in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. Inside, the G-Class featured a sophisticated design with a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment screen and a matching virtual instrument panel, allowing for a customizable and ambient cabin experience. Despite its luxurious appeal, the G-Class remained a capable off-road vehicle, with its robust build and powerful engine options.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport presented a mix of SUV ruggedness and car-like features, with a low roofline and aggressively-raked rear hatch. This design choice, while aiming for a sporty look, resulted in a somewhat awkward blend of styles. The interior of the Cross Sport was minimalist and functional, but the materials used were subpar, giving it a cheap feel despite the leather upholstery in higher trims. The rear headroom was compromised due to the sloping roofline, making it less accommodating for taller passengers. However, the Cross Sport offered competitive cargo space and practical storage solutions, making it a functional choice for families.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was a powerhouse, with the G550 model featuring a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive, allowed the G550 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. The G-Class boasted impressive off-road capabilities, with features like adjustable suspension, three locking differentials, and a high ground clearance. The AMG G63 variant took performance to another level, with its V8 engine tuned to 577 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.5 seconds. Despite its size and weight, the G-Class offered a surprisingly agile driving experience, though its fuel economy was predictably low.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter VR6 engine producing 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The VR6 engine provided a livelier acceleration experience, but the midrange power delivery was lacking. The Cross Sport's ride quality was criticized for being harsh, with noticeable bumps and road noise. Despite its "Sport" moniker, the Atlas Cross Sport handled more like a truck, with significant body roll and loose steering. The VR6 models had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, while the four-cylinder models were limited to 2,000 pounds.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a spacious and luxurious interior, with ample headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats. The cargo capacity was generous, with 38.1 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 68.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The G-Class could tow up to 7,700 pounds, thanks to its body-on-frame construction. The interior featured numerous storage options, and the standard sunroof added to the airy feel of the cabin. However, some luxury features, like ventilated seats, were only available as part of expensive packages.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport provided competitive interior space for a midsize crossover, with excellent front-seat legroom and above-average headroom. However, the rear headroom was compromised by the sloping roofline. The cargo space was generous, with 40.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 77.8 cubic feet with them folded. The Cross Sport included practical storage solutions, such as cargo nets, cupholders, and a large center console. Higher trims offered a foot-activated tailgate for added convenience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured advanced technology, with twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system. These screens were customizable, allowing drivers to tailor the display to their preferences. The G-Class also included a Burmester Surround Sound system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mercedes me connect services. However, wireless device charging was not available.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two infotainment systems: the MIB2 with a 6.5-inch touchscreen for the base trim and the MIB3 with an 8-inch touchscreen for higher trims. The MIB3 system included multiple-device pairing and updated voice recognition, though it was slow to load. The Digital Cockpit display replaced traditional gauges with a 10-inch reconfigurable screen, and higher trims featured a 12-speaker Fender audio system. The Cross Sport also included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and several USB ports for connectivity.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class came equipped with a range of safety features, including a rearview camera, active brake assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. However, the G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for crash-worthiness. The active lane-keeping assist was noted for its abrupt interventions, which could be distracting for drivers.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received top "Good" scores in IIHS crash tests, with mixed headlight ratings. It earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Cross Sport also offered unique features like the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System. New for 2021 were Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, available on higher trims.