2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs Audi Q7

Times are changing and so are consumer ideas of what a modern SUV should be like. Gone are the days of subpar interior quality and bulky seating arrangements. New and improved luxury-style cabins and sleek exteriors for mid-size SUVs are here to stay. The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas and the 2021 Audi Q7 are two models that take these innovative key tenants and run with them. Implementing futuristic qualities and bold features at every turn, the VW Atlas and the Audi Q7 represent exactly what we would expect a contemporary SUV to encompass.

Just one look at the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas and the 2021 Audi Q7 will give you completely different vibes. Although they highlight many of the same staple qualities, like third-row seating and luxury attributes, they each take their design to different levels. In the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas you will find an upscale SUV that has its sights set on motivated performance and practicality. In contrast, the 2021 Audi Q7 places emphasis on a fun-to-drive demeanor and sporty styling. Each of these models are great choices for luxury SUVs, but they are also intrinsically different in many ways.

When considering a choice between the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas and the 2021 Audi Q7, it is important to keep in mind what you find the most useful and desirable in a new SUV purchase. Each of these models has their own benefits and downfalls, but how they related to your vision of daily driving is what matters the most. Either way, you will be investing in a quality SUV with upscale attributes. However, how you plan to utilize these features is up to you.

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The Powertrain

Your personal driving style will undoubtedly provide direction in which of these models you find the most accommodating. The steady and reliable powertrain options of the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas are made for buyers who want consistency in their drive. The two engine options of the Atlas consist of a four-cylinder that produces 235 horsepower and a V6 that is capable of 276 horsepower generation. Either of these engines can be paired with front-wheel or all-wheel drive to customize your driving experience. Consumers typically prefer the V6 over the four-cylinder because of its refined feel and smoothness.

The 2021 Audi Q7 is like the Atlas in that it offers two engine options to choose from, as well. However, both engines are turbocharged in the Q7. Starting off stronger than the VW Atlas, the Audi Q7 continues to excel in its generation of 248 horsepower from its four-cylinder or 335 horsepower from its V6. A standard all-wheel drive system known as Audi's signature Quattro all-wheel drive impresses buyers, while quick acceleration is appreciated by those always on the go. Functioning much like a sport wagon, the 2021 Audi Q7 takes its power production and agility seriously.

If you have been burned by a bad vehicle before or just desire the peace of mind of a dynamic warranty, you will find plenty of coverage in the inclusive warranties of the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas and the 2021 Audi Q7. Both luxury SUV models offer a four-year/50,000-mile Basic Warranty, a four-drivetrain year/50,000-mile Drivetrain Warranty, and a Basic Roadside Assistance Warranty. In addition to these standard offerings, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas takes it up a notch and adds in two years of maintenance at 20,000 miles or less. In lieu of this, the 2021 Audi Q7 upgrades its Corrosion Warranty to 12 years with unlimited mileage from the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas' 7-year/100,000 mile Corrosion Warranty. It is safe to say that you will be protected plenty with either of these two SUV options.

Drivability

Vehicles of this stature are expected to have a certain level of comfort and convenience that is included within every model. The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas and the 2021 Audi Q7 does not disappoint buyers in this area. While each offers their own take on what a desirable ride is, they both cater to the requests of their dedicated consumers. Simply put, the 2021 Audi Q7 is seen as more of an athletic and sporty SUV with a ride quality to prove it. The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offers more of a conventional take on driving putting the drive in complete control.

The pairing of an eight-speed automatic transmission to both engines within the Volkswagen Atlas lineup provides an adequate, but less enthusiastic, ride. Eliminating the clumsy feel that is experienced in rival SUVS, the Atlas is very responsive to drive commands and reacts instantly. Balancing a spunky highway personality with an agile city attitude, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas works hard to perform well in any scenario. A smooth ride in the Atlas even absorbs even the biggest upsets and largest bumps, creating ultimate comfort for passengers within.

The ride quality of the 2021 Audi Q7 is much more exciting and exhilarating than that of the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. Feeling much more like a sports car than an SUV, the Audi Q7 accelerates quickly and opts for performance tires and wheels to improve its nimbleness. The combination of this SUV's low stature and optional air suspension creates a ride that is supple and ready to absorb minor annoyances. Four-wheel drive steering promotes this luxury SUV's performance in any road conditions, as well.

Infotainment systems of the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas start out conservative with a 6.0-inch screen that is amplified in upper trims to an 8.0-inch layout. This touchscreen is responsive and intuitive making it easy to use. In comparison, the 2021 Audi Q7 features a dual screen infotainment system that consists of a standard 10.1-inch screen and a smaller 8.6-inch screen that sits right below it. A unique gauge display known as a Virtual Digital Cockpit is also a highlight of the 2021 Audi Q7 model.

Safety

If you are looking for a luxury SUV that is tested and safe, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas has proven its exceptional performance in crash tests conducted by the NHTSA. Awarded with a five-star rating for crash testing, you can rest assured your passengers will be as safe as possible in the event of a collision. Though it was not awarded a Top Safety Pick designation by the IIHS, the Atlas is equipped with a wide array of standard driver assistive safety features and a few optional upgrades. Key safety features included in the Atlas' suite are blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, and rear cross-traffic alert, among others. Adaptive cruise control that can be paired with stop-and-go technology can also be included as upgrades.

Although the 2021 Audi Q7 is not considered unsafe by any means, the verdict is still out on its crash test performance. Not yet tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Audi Q7 also is not the recipient of a Top Safety Pick Designation. What we do know about this model is that it makes most of its driver assistive safety features standard or optional for buyers to decide upon. Forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking are a few of the rare standard safety attributes the Q7 has to offer. Others, like lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, are considered available as upgrades.

Which Has the Best Value?

The value of a vehicle being considered for purchase is unique to every buyer. A few considerations that remain constant include the differences in price, the inherent cost of ownership, and variety of trim levels and their inclusions. Simply put, buyers want to get the most out of their money. They better a vehicle can adhere to that concept, the more value it is thought to have.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas and the 2021 Audi Q7 have a distinctive difference in their overall cost. Coming in at a median price range, the VW Atlas is more appealing to middle class buyers who do not want to spend excessively on a new vehicle purchase. The 2021 Audi Q7 goes up quite a bit in price and appeals to a class of buyers that is less economical and budget conscious. The base model of the 2021 Audi Q7 is substantially higher than that of the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. For those unconcerned with this swing in prices, the Audi Q7 has many more upscale attributes to offer. Yet, this significant different is enough to deter some consumers from making a purchase.

As a result of this difference in price, the cost of ownership is inevitably more for the 2021 Audi Q7 than for the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. It is performance-based parts are more costly and less available than the standard components of the VW Atlas. The 2021 Audi Q7 does feature fewer models than the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas, but the Q7 includes more within each trim than the Atlas does. Overall, this leads us to consider the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas as the best value for its affordability and variety of trim options.

Which is Better?

Is the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas or the 2021 Audi Q7 a better vehicle to purchase? This is a question every buyer will have to eventually make in comparing these two models. For the more frugal buyer, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas will meet budgetary requirements and restrictions on the ultimate cost of ownership. Those with a flashier side who can afford it will likely opt for the sporty and bold 2021 Audi Q7. This model is easy on the eyes, powerful, and rooted in intricated detailing that cannot be found in the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas.

In terms of power, these two models each boast a few engine options to choose from. While the two engine selections of the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas are standard and expected, the turbocharged engine options for the 2021 Audi Q7 are exciting and powerful. If you are in search of a steady, trusted model for daily travel, commuting, or carpooling, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas is just as spacious as it is capable. Yet, if you are looking for a more inspiring drive, the 2021 Audi Q7 has you covered in every aspect. Although they feature many of the same components under the hood, the 2021 Audi Q7 makes better use of them than the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas can.

Both models feature third-row seating, adequate safety features, and luxurious interiors. They are viewed as upgrades over other traditional SUV options, and for good reason. Standing out among others, the VW Atlas and the Audi Q7 seek to create a driving experience that is unique and enjoyable. In doing so, they have found competition with each other in an exclusive segment of the auto market. If funds were not an issue, we would go with the outstanding 2021 Audi Q7. It has everything you could possibly want in an upscale and high-class SUV. Even though the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas is predictable and reliable, it just does not have the charisma and personality that is natural for the 2021 Audi Q7.