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 Nissan Patrol might be petrol only, but it's not quite as thirsty as you might think, and it offers a level of luxury and value that not even the 200 Series can compete with.
Pros Petrol V8 is smooth, refined and powerful Ride and handling balance is excellent for a large SUV Interior is cavernous and comfortable for family buyers
Cons Exterior is big, and that might be an issue, especially in town No diesel engine might put some buyers off Updated infotainment system didn't make it to Australia for the update
For the extra money, the 2020 Nissan Patrol gets new frontal styling – a sportier look for the Ti and a more premium look for the Ti-L, says Nissan – plus refreshed rear styling, along with improved LED headlights and taillights, recalibrated suspension, and three new colour choices (white, gold, and blue) for a total of six. Both grades now receive power folding mirrors and improved climate-control cooling, while the base-spec Patrol Ti receives a range of Nissan's Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Nissan Intelligent Mobility safety features.
