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 GMC Terrain seats five people and is available in four trim levels: the base SL, SLE, SLT, and Denali. Optional diesel engine is no longer available.Updated suspension for Denali models intended to improve ride quality.Changes to standard and optional safety equipment.At the top of the Terrain range is the Denali, which receives unique styling cues and interior trim as well as most of the optional features from the above trim levels. A new optional Denali Premium package tops it all off with features such as ventilated front seats, adaptive cruise control and a surround-view parking camera system.
Pros Comfortable and upscale interior Optional 2.0-liter engine is efficient and powerful Touchscreen interfaces are intuitive and easy to use
Cons Price with options runs higher than average for the class Disappointing base engine Less cargo space behind the back seat than most competitors
The 2020 GMC Terrain is a stylish crossover SUV that we wish had more standard safety gear.
Pros Arresting style Rides well Denali feels almost luxurious Good infotainment system
Cons Annoying all-wheel-drive system Thirsty engines Active safety should be standard Price escalates fast
The 2020 GMC Terrain features an impressive set of standard safety features and a handsome cabin, but neither area is best in class. Add in moderate performance and a small cargo area, and the Terrain's spot in the bottom half of our compact SUV rankings is understandable.
Pros Lots of standard advanced safety features Considerable rear-seat legroom Upscale, comfortable cabin Good city mpg rating with base engine
Cons Small cargo area behind back seat Sleepy base engine Above-average price for the class