One of the reasons why minivans are nearly extinct today is because they lacked character and the still important fun-to-drive factor. Many Sport Utility Vehicles are moving away from providing drivers with responsiveness and involvement but this is not the Volkswagen way. For decades, Volkswagen has produced some of the most invigorating cars to drive and its family of SUVs is no different. Enter the all-new 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.
Another such SUV that promotes driving is the new 2020 Chevrolet Blazer. GM, like VW, is intent on providing space, versatility, safety and efficiency without compromising the pleasure that can be derived from taking to the road and rediscovering our great country. Now, although the philosophy behind both SUVs is similar, not all aspects that make up these midsize SUVs are equal. Let’s see how they measure up to each other.
If you are comparing base pricing between the two SUVs, understand that GM’s strategy is to offer a base model with a lesser engine mated to a FWD drivetrain in order to present a lower pricing entry point. This engine is a 193-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder is offered only in this trim. Chevrolet also choses not to include AWD as standard with the next engine, something Volkswagen does from the get-go.
The pricing comparison changes quickly when these SUVs are equipped with AWD. Both are powered by turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. In the Atlas Cross Sport, it develops 235-horsepower and 230-horsepower in the Blazer. A robust 3.6-liter V6 which puts out 276-horsepower is optional in the Volkswagen. For the Chevrolet, AWD is an option with the 2.0-liter and standard with the V6. The Atlas Cross Sport offers all-wheel drive in every version standard and with no additional costs. Importantly, the Atlas Cross Sport can tow up to 5,000 lb compared to 4,500 lb for the Blazer with the V6.
If we take both entry-level models, Volkswagen’s desire to deliver a provocatively-designed SUV is obvious even at this level. All versions of the Atlas Cross Sport are boldly styled and attractive. This is true for the Blazer so long as the expensive RS iteration is selected.
Inside the SUVs, there’s more for everyone in the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The latter delivers a hugely capacious trunk that can swallow up to 1,150 liters of stuff, which works out to 30% more than the 2020 Chevrolet Blazer’s 864 liters. Let’s seal the comparison by adding that Volkswagen contains more standard safety features such as autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection and blind spot monitoring.
No need to say anymore.
