Comparison - Mazda CX-9 CARBON EDITION 2021 - vs - Volkswagen Atlas V6 SEL 4MOTION 2021

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.