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 2020 Chevrolet Equinox ranked #11 in Compact SUVs. Currently the Chevrolet Equinox has a score of 7.4 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 26 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Good gas mileage Solid handling capability User-friendly infotainment system
Cons Underwhelming base engine Low-rent interior Less passenger and cargo space than many competitors
The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox comes with front wheel drive, and all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed shiftable automatic.Diesel engine is no longer available.Newly standard safety equipment.Slightly revised packages and options.
Pros Turbocharged 2.0-liter engine is quite powerful Smooth ride over most road surfaces Stable and precise handling
Cons Smaller cargo area compared to most competitors Wallet-friendly base L trim is special-order only The base engine doesn't feel very lively Interior materials quality is disappointing considering the price
Driver-assistance features find their way to the standard features list on the 2020 Equinox: automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlamps—all previously optional—are now on all models. Further to that point, adaptive cruise control is now included in the optional Driver Confidence II package. Elsewhere in the lineup, a Midnight Edition package is new on LT models which blacks out just about everything that can be blacked out, including the Chevy bow-tie logos. The 1.6-liter turbo-diesel engine is no longer available.
Pros Spry driving demeanor, relatively efficient for an SUV, plenty of space for people and cargo.
Cons Base engine lacks power, infotainment display is tilted too far back, high price among compact SUVs.