The 2021 VW Atlas is a competent family hauler that assimilates into the daily routine without fuss.
Pros Plenty of space Good warranty Good tech Relative value among competitors Solid powertrains
Cons A little boring Base touchscreen is on the small side Not fuel-efficient Cross Sport gets lost
VW refreshes the 2021 Atlas by adding updated front and rear ends that increase its overall length by almost three inches. Its face is graced by a more attractive three-bar grille and revised headlights, which now feature standard LED elements that continue out back. Models with the R-Line option also get new looks courtesy of its special badging, body kit, and 20- or 21-inch rims. Inside, there's a new steering wheel, updated stitching on the seats, an 8.0-inch touchscreen on most models, and the latest iteration of the company's Car-Net smartphone app. The four-cylinder Atlas is now available with all-wheel drive for the first time.
Pros No shortage of cargo or passenger space, reassuring driving manners, hard-to-beat value.
Cons Uninspired interior aesthetic, less fuel efficient than advertised, rides rough on broken surfaces.
The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas comes with front wheel drive, and all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed shiftable automatic.Restyled front and rear bodywork.Upgraded interior appointments.
Pros Spacious interior offers ample room for passengers in all three rows Great compromise between precise handling and everyday comfort Straightforward, easy-to-use cabin design
Cons Lackluster acceleration, even with the optional V6 Fuel economy lags that of most competitors
The Audi SQ8 adds a heady dose of diesel performance to the regular Q8's style-led form, creating a compelling new variant in the Audi Sport range.
Pros Enticing low rpm performance Impressive dynamics for the size Comfortable and quiet as a family SUV... But able to transform itself when asked to angry-up
Cons Not different enough from a cheaper Q8 inside Minor wind noise interruption at highway speeds Hides its size well on the open road, but not on city streets
The SQ8 is new for 2020.Kicks off the first SQ8 generation.
Pros Twin-turbo 500-hp V8 moves the SQ8 with authority Four-wheel steering keeps the big SUV feeling nimble 48-volt hybrid system provides added acceleration from a standstill
Cons Less practical than the related Q7 Infotainment system can be distracting to use Limited interior storage
Put simply, the Audi SQ8 is one of the fastest diesel-powered SUV in the world and can be had with loads of high-tech kit. Sadly, lots of these features are reserved for top-spec Vorsprung cars.
Pros Sports-car fast Posh and spacious interior Plenty of infotainment tech
Cons Alternatives are more fun to drive Cheaper Q8 50TDI makes more sense Petrol-powered alternatives are more dramatic
