The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport stands out in the crowded SUV market, not just for its stylish design and comfortable ride, but also for its commitment to safety. As a content creator for cardiagnosticnearme.com and an automotive repair expert, I’ve delved into the safety performance of this vehicle based on rigorous testing, and the results are impressive. This article provides an in-depth look at the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport safety ratings, ensuring you have all the essential information when considering your next family SUV.
Exceptional Performance in Small Overlap Front Crash Tests
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts small overlap front crash tests to evaluate how well vehicles protect occupants in severe frontal crashes. The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, sharing its platform with the Volkswagen Atlas, earned the highest rating of “Good” in both driver-side and passenger-side small overlap front tests.
Driver-Side Small Overlap Front Test: “Good” Rating
In the driver-side small overlap test, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport demonstrated excellent structural integrity. Critical measurements confirm the occupant compartment held up remarkably well, maintaining crucial survival space for the driver.
The crash test dummy data reveals a low risk of injury across all body regions. The Atlas Cross Sport earned “Good” ratings for head/neck, chest, hip/thigh, and lower leg/foot protection. The restraint system and airbags effectively controlled the dummy’s movement, preventing contact with жесткие interior structures.
Technical measurements further solidify these results, showing minimal intrusion into the driver’s footwell and occupant compartment. This robust performance underlines the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport’s dedication to driver safety in challenging crash scenarios.
Passenger-Side Small Overlap Front Test: “Good” Rating
The passenger-side small overlap test is equally crucial, assessing protection for the front passenger. Mirroring its driver-side performance, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport again achieved a “Good” rating.
Analysis of the passenger dummy indicated a “Good” level of protection for all body regions, identical to the driver. The structure effectively maintained passenger survival space, and the airbags and restraints performed flawlessly.
These consistent “Good” ratings in both small overlap tests highlight the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport’s comprehensive frontal crash protection for all occupants.
“Good” Rating in Moderate Overlap Front Test
The moderate overlap front test represents a significant portion of real-world frontal crashes. The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earned another “Good” rating in this evaluation, based on testing conducted by Volkswagen and assessed by the IIHS.
This “Good” rating confirms that in a moderate frontal impact, the Atlas Cross Sport provides excellent protection against injuries. The structure held up well, and measurements indicated low risk of injury to the driver’s head, neck, chest, and legs.
Side Impact Safety: Strong Performance
Side impacts are another serious concern in vehicle safety. The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport underwent both the original and updated IIHS side impact tests, achieving “Good” ratings in both, though the updated test revealed a “Marginal” rating for driver pelvis protection.
Original Side Impact Test: “Good” Rating
In the original side impact test, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport showcased robust side protection, earning a “Good” overall rating. All measured injury metrics were well within acceptable limits for both driver and rear passenger dummies. Head protection was also rated “Good,” indicating effective airbag deployment and coverage.
Updated Side Impact Test: “Good” Overall Rating, “Marginal” Pelvis
The updated side impact test is more stringent, using a heavier barrier and higher impact speed. The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport still maintained an overall “Good” rating. Protection for the head, neck, and torso remained “Good” for both driver and rear passenger. However, driver pelvis protection was downgraded to “Marginal.”
Despite the “Marginal” pelvis rating in the updated test, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport demonstrates strong side-impact protection overall, with “Good” ratings for critical body regions.
Head Restraints & Seats: “Good” Dynamic Rating
Whiplash protection is a vital aspect of safety, particularly in rear-end collisions. The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport’s head restraints and seats earned a “Good” dynamic rating from IIHS. This indicates effective design in minimizing whiplash risk in rear impacts. The seat geometry also received a “Good” rating, signifying proper head restraint positioning.
Headlight Performance: Varied Ratings Based on Trim
Headlight effectiveness is crucial for nighttime driving safety. The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport headlight ratings vary depending on the trim level.
SEL Trim Headlights: “Good” Rating
The SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL Premium, and SEL Premium R-Line trims of the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport come equipped with LED projector headlights that earned a “Good” overall rating. These headlights feature curve-adaptive functionality and high-beam assist, providing excellent visibility on straightaways and curves with minimal glare.
S, SE, and SE with Technology Trim Headlights: “Marginal” Rating
The S, SE, SE with Technology, and SE with Technology R-Line trims have LED projector headlights that received a “Marginal” overall rating. While still LED, these headlights lack curve-adaptive features and high-beam assist, resulting in less optimal visibility, particularly on curves and the right side of the road in low beams.
Front Crash Prevention: Superior Vehicle-to-Vehicle, Basic Pedestrian
The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is equipped with standard Front Assist, including Autonomous Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring, which are key active safety features.
Vehicle-to-Vehicle Front Crash Prevention: “Superior” Rating
In vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention tests, the system demonstrated “Superior” performance. The Atlas Cross Sport successfully avoided collisions in both 12 mph and 25 mph tests. However, the system does not fully meet the requirements for forward collision warning.
Pedestrian Front Crash Prevention (Day): “Basic” Rating
The pedestrian front crash prevention system earned a “Basic” rating in daytime testing. It showed some effectiveness in mitigating pedestrian collisions, particularly for crossing adults and children. However, performance was limited in parallel adult scenarios, indicating room for improvement in pedestrian detection and response.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH): “Marginal” for Ease of Use
For families, child seat anchor ease of use is an important factor. The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport LATCH system received a “Marginal” rating for ease of use. While it has three rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and additional tether anchors, the lower anchors are positioned too deep in the seats and require excessive force to attach child seats in some positions.
Conclusion: A Safe and Family-Friendly SUV
Overall, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport demonstrates a strong commitment to safety, achieving predominantly “Good” ratings in IIHS crash tests. Its “Superior” vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention and “Good” headlight rating on higher trims further enhance its safety profile. While there’s room for improvement in pedestrian front crash prevention and LATCH ease of use, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport remains a safe and reliable choice for families and individuals seeking a secure SUV. When considering your next vehicle purchase, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport’s safety ratings should provide significant peace of mind.
