The 2020 GMC Yukon XL comes with four wheel drive, and rear wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 10-speed shiftable automatic, 6-speed shiftable automatic.The Yukon XL carries over essentially unchanged for 2020.
Pros Seats up to nine passengers Plenty of cargo capacity, even with all the seats up High towing ratings
Cons Size, weight and length make it unwieldy around town Slow gas pedal response makes base engine feel less powerful than it's rated Cargo space utility is limited by the high load floor
The 2020 GMC Yukon is a business-casual blue-collar SUV with truck-like capability, but many crossovers do it better, and cheaper.
Pros Strong V-8 engines Massive towing capacity High-class interior Business-class looks Comfortable ride quality on Denali
Cons Limited cargo space High top-end price Floor height hampers leg room Most crossovers do people better
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
