The midsize 2-row 5-seater SUV is truly the swiss-army knife of the automotive industry. It provides space, utility and safety for the vast majority of Canadian families with little to no compromises. This explains in part why the segment continues to grow with new additions every year. One of the latest entries is the all-new 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.

This influx of new models is pushing carmakers to revamp and update their existing models in order to remain competitive. This is where the 2020 Ford Edge fits as it was recently updated.

Both strive to deliver options and choices for everyone, from safety features, powertrains to  luxury amenities. Here, we will compare the Ford Edge with well over a decade of experience to the all-new Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.

Both of these SUVs provide ample space for five occupants and all their gear for a long weekend of camping and various other activities. They also include intuitive infotainment displays with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard as well as numerous safety features such as  Autonomous Emergency Braking with pedestrian monitoring and blind spot monitoring.

An importance difference arises when comparing styling. The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is all about distinctive personality. Same goes for the cabin which features a dynamically-styled dashboard with ideal ergonomics and plenty of useable storage. For the more discerning luxury and technology-hungry buyer, the Atlas Cross Sport can be equipped with such high-end amenities as the 12.3-inch Volkswagen digital cockpit and a 12-speaker Fender Premium audio system.

These SUVs both come standard with AWD; 4MOTION AWD for the Atlas Cross Sport and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive for the Edge. From the onset, both are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. The VW’s puts out 235-horsepower while the Ford’s mill delivers 250-horsepower. As well, 8-speed automatic transmissions send power to all four wheels in the two SUVs.

For those that require more aptitudes such as towing abilities, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport can be equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 which is good for 276-horsepower and 266 lb.-ft. of torque. With it, the Volkswagen can tow up to 5,000 lb.

The new 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is a bold offering in a very cookie-cutter segment. Come in and see one for yourself.