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 2021 Ford Escape's #10 ranking is based on its score within the Compact SUVs category. Currently the Ford Escape has a score of 7.9 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 26 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Good cargo capacity User-friendly infotainment system Well-balanced ride and handling
Cons Cheap cabin materials Transmission sometimes hunts for the right gear
Ford has expanded the availability of the hybrid powertrain to the SE and SEL trims for 2021; it's now standard on the top-spec Titanium model. Elsewhere, adaptive cruise control and a traffic-sign recognition feature join the optional Co-Pilot360 Plus package; a hands-free power liftgate and memory settings for the driver's seat and exterior mirrors are now part of the Technology package; and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, a keyless-entry keypad, and LED exterior lighting are now on the list of features in the Convenience package. A new 19-inch wheel design is optional on the Titanium model, and a Class II Trailer Tow package is now available on Escapes with the optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.
Pros Handsomely styled exterior, multiple powertrain options, safety tech comes standard.
Cons Cheap interior on base models, rough-edged base three-cylinder engine, high starting price.
For 2021 Hybrid powertrain now available on SEL trim.Traffic sign recognition added to models with adaptive cruise control.Minor shuffling of trim and package features.
Pros Roomy and comfortable seating Smooth ride quality Easy-to-use controls Available hybrid powertrain that gets around 40 mpg
Cons Transmission's abrupt shifts Lackluster handling
