Compare the2022 Lexus RXVS 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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The Lexus RX has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Atlas Cross Sport doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The RX has standard Active Headrests, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Active Headrests system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The Atlas Cross Sport doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The RX offers optional Auto Brake that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The Atlas Cross Sport doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The RX’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Atlas Cross Sport doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the RX and the Atlas Cross Sport have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Lexus RX is safer than the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport:

	RX	Atlas Cross Sport
	Driver
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	265	307
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	176	277
Chest Compression	.4 inches	.7 inches
Neck Compression	90 lbs.	117 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Lexus RX is safer than the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport:

	RX	Atlas Cross Sport
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	53	57
Hip Force	214 lbs.	345 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	14 inches	14 inches
HIC	275	279
Spine Acceleration	44 G’s	51 G’s
Hip Force	685 lbs.	800 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its available headlight’s “Acceptable” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the RX the rating of “Top Pick” for 2021, a rating granted to only 128 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Atlas Cross Sport has not been tested, yet.

Warranty

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the RX 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than Volkswagen covers the Atlas Cross Sport. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the Atlas Cross Sport ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

The RX’s corrosion warranty is unlimited miles longer than the Atlas Cross Sport’s (unlimited vs. 100,000 miles).

Reliability

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the RX’s reliability 43 points higher than the Atlas Cross Sport.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the RX first among midsize premium suvs in their 2021 Initial Quality Study. The Atlas Cross Sport isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are better in initial quality than Volkswagen vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus third in initial quality, above the industry average. With 69 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volkswagen is ranked 30th, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Volkswagen vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in reliability, above the industry average. With 82 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volkswagen is ranked 28th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Volkswagen vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus third in reliability. Volkswagen is ranked 24th.

Engine

The RX 350’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 produces 60 more horsepower (295 vs. 235) and 10 lbs.-ft. more torque (268 vs. 258) than the Atlas Cross Sport’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The RX 350’s 3.5 DOHC V6 produces 19 more horsepower (295 vs. 276) and 2 lbs.-ft. more torque (268 vs. 266) than the Atlas Cross Sport’s optional 3.6 DOHC V6. The RX 450h’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 hybrid produces 32 more horsepower (308 vs. 276) than the Atlas Cross Sport’s optional 3.6 DOHC V6.

As tested in Motor Trend the RX 350 3.5 DOHC V6 is faster than the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport:

	RX	Atlas Cross Sport turbo 4 cyl.	Atlas Cross Sport V6
Zero to 60 MPH	6.8 sec	8.1 sec	7.9 sec
Quarter Mile	15.1 sec	16.3 sec	16 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	92.7 MPH	84.5 MPH	87.4 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the RX gets better mileage than the Atlas Cross Sport:

			MPG
RX
	FWD	3.5 DOHC V6	20 city/27 hwy
	AWD	3.5 V6 Hybrid	31 city/28 hwy
		3.5 DOHC V6	19 city/26 hwy
Atlas Cross Sport
	FWD	2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	21 city/25 hwy
		3.6 DOHC V6	18 city/24 hwy
	AWD	2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	20 city/24 hwy
		3.6 DOHC V6	18 city/24 hwy

Regenerative brakes improve the RX Hybrid’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Atlas Cross Sport doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Lexus RX higher (5 to 7 out of 10) than the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport (3 to 5). This means the RX produces up to 24.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Atlas Cross Sport every 15,000 miles.

Transmission

The RX 450h has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The Atlas Cross Sport doesn’t offer a CVT.

Brakes and Stopping

The RX stops shorter than the Atlas Cross Sport:

	RX	Atlas Cross Sport
60 to 0 MPH	123 feet	126 feet	Motor Trend

Suspension and Handling

The RX has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The Atlas Cross Sport’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

The RX has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the RX flat and controlled during cornering. The Atlas Cross Sport’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The RX offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Atlas Cross Sport’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The RX 350 handles at .79 G’s, while the Atlas Cross Sport 4Motion pulls only .78 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The RX 350 executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the Atlas Cross Sport 4Motion (27.1 seconds @ .63 average G’s vs. 27.8 seconds @ .61 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the RX’s turning circle is 1.7 feet tighter than the Atlas Cross Sport’s (38.8 feet vs. 40.5 feet).

For greater off-road capability the RX has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Atlas Cross Sport (8.2 vs. 8 inches), allowing the RX to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Chassis

The RX is 3 inches shorter than the Atlas Cross Sport, making the RX easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

To almost totally eliminate engine vibration in the passenger area, the RX has an electronically controlled liquid-filled front engine mount. A computer-controlled electric current in the liquid changes its viscosity, allowing the mount to dampen the engine completely at all RPMs. The Atlas Cross Sport uses conventional solid rubber engine mounts.

The design of the Lexus RX amounts to more than styling. The RX has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .33 Cd. That is lower than the Atlas Cross Sport (.34 to .35) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the RX get better fuel mileage.

Passenger Space

The RX has 2.5 inches more front legroom and 1.3 inches more rear headroom than the Atlas Cross Sport.

Cargo Capacity

A control in the cargo area automatically lowers or raises the RX’s optional rear seats, to make changing between cargo and passengers easier. The Atlas Cross Sport doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

Towing

Optional Trailer Sway Control on the RX uses the Vehicle Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Atlas Cross Sport doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Servicing Ease

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Volkswagen. J.D. Power ranks Lexus second in service department satisfaction. With a 72% lower rating, Volkswagen is ranked 27th.

Ergonomics

The RX’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Atlas Cross Sport doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The RX offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, tachometer, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Atlas Cross Sport doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

If the windows are left open on the RX the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Atlas Cross Sport can’t use the remote to operate the windows.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the RX has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the Atlas Cross Sport only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

The RX’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Atlas Cross Sport has an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® chose the Lexus RX as its “Top Pick,” the highest scoring vehicle in its category, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport isn't recommended.

The Lexus RX outsold the Volkswagen Atlas by 16% during 2020.

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