Pros 6,000-pound towing capacity near the top of the class Comfortable and quiet highway ride Spacious cabin
Cons The front seats feel a bit stiff The engine can be sluggish to respond Less cargo space than some rivals
Pros Upscale, airy interior Many standard tech and safety features Pleasant driving dynamics
Cons Above-average starting price
Completely new for 2022, the Pathfinder sheds the frumpy design of the 2020 model in favor of a rugged and modern look. Expect to see the new Pathfinder in Nissan dealerships in summer 2021.
Pros Quiet cabin, impressive towing capacity, plentiful storage cubbies and bins.
Cons Lackluster handling, numb steering, loaded model costs more than Telluride but isn't quite as nice.
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
