2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known as the G-Wagen, was a unique blend of ruggedness and luxury. Its boxy, retro design was a nod to its origins as a military vehicle, yet it had evolved into a status symbol for the elite. The G-Class featured a classic two-box design with straight body lines, making it stand out in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. Inside, the G-Class offered a sophisticated ambiance with a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment screen and a matching virtual instrument panel. The interior was customizable, allowing owners to coordinate colors with ambient lighting to suit their mood. Despite its luxurious appeal, the G-Class remained a capable off-road machine, often seen in bold custom colors and adorned with extravagant features.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport presented a bold and sporty appearance by removing the third row from the standard Atlas model and lowering the roofline. This design choice resulted in a more rakish look, especially in the SEL Premium R-Line trim with its 21-inch machined-finish wheels. The Atlas Cross Sport's interior was spacious, accommodating five adults comfortably, with generous rear legroom. However, the use of hard, glossy plastics in the interior detracted from the overall impression of quality. Despite this, the Atlas Cross Sport offered a range of appealing color combinations and a panoramic sunroof that enhanced the sense of space.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was a powerhouse, particularly the G550 model, which boasted 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 featured a robust suspension system with double-wishbone independent front suspension and a rigid rear axle, providing a smooth ride on various terrains. With a ground clearance of 9.5 inches and impressive approach, departure, and breakover angles, the G-Class was well-equipped for off-road adventures. The more powerful AMG G63 variant offered 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and a 3.6-liter V6 producing 276 horsepower. The V6 engine, paired with VW's 4Motion AWD system, provided a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The Atlas Cross Sport's suspension, however, was a mixed bag. While it offered good grip and controlled body roll, the ride quality was inconsistent, feeling harsh at lower speeds and too soft at higher speeds. The V6 engine delivered satisfactory performance, but the drivetrain occasionally lacked refinement. Despite these issues, the Atlas Cross Sport excelled on highways, where the ride was more agreeable.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was both luxurious and practical, offering 38.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 68.6 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. It had a payload capacity of over 1,000 pounds and could tow up to 7,700 pounds. The G-Class's interior was spacious, with ample headroom and legroom in both the front and second rows. Storage options were plentiful, and the standard sunroof added to the cabin's airy feel. However, some luxury features, like ventilated front seats, were only available as part of expensive packages.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its wheelbase and interior dimensions with the larger Atlas model, providing ample space for five adults. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated seating, and a dual-zone climate control system. The panoramic sunroof enhanced the sense of space, while various storage compartments offered practicality. The cargo area was generous, with deep wells for additional storage, although the lack of lining in storage areas could lead to rattling noises.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class impressed with its twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system. These screens were customizable, allowing drivers to tailor the layout and content to their preferences. The G-Class featured the latest version of Mercedes-Benz's COMAND system, with unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel for easy navigation. The Burmester Surround Sound system provided an immersive audio experience, and standard features included WiFi, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came equipped with Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, featuring an 8-inch display in the base SE trim and a 10.25-inch version in higher trims. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and multiple USB ports. Higher trims offered wireless smartphone charging, SiriusXM with 360L satellite radio, and access to Car-Net connected services. However, the user experience could be frustrating, with issues related to touchscreen interaction and voice recognition. The SEL Premium R-Line trim featured a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system, delivering excellent audio quality.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a range of standard safety features, including a rearview camera, Pre-Safe, traffic-sign assist, attention assist, active lane-keeping assist, active brake assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, the G-Class had not been rated for crash-worthiness by the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and an automatic post-collision braking system as standard. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, lane-departure warning, and IQ Drive, which included Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. The Atlas Cross Sport received favorable crash-test ratings, though not the highest accolades from the IIHS or NHTSA.