2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2020 Toyota 4Runner

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was characterized by its tall slab sides, high beltline, and short overhangs, contributing to its timeless design. Its utilitarian attitude was reminiscent of an XJ Jeep Cherokee, with flared wheel wells designed to accommodate off-road tires and short overhangs allowing it to tackle steep pitches. The hood scoop, a visual cue for the off-road-focused TRD trim, was one of the few non-functional elements. The front end featured small, angular headlights, and the grille varied across trims, with the TRD Pro boasting blacked-out accents and the Limited featuring chrome. The Canadian lineup was based on the SR5 trim with five packages, including the Limited package, which aimed at comfort with leather upholstery and an 8-inch touchscreen. Despite these features, the 4Runner's utilitarian DNA was evident, with plenty of plastic and a seating position designed for trails rather than highways.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport carried over most of the sheet metal from the regular Atlas but featured a low roofline and aggressively raked rear hatch, giving it a mix of SUV ruggedness and car-like features. The Cross Sport was shorter and lower than the seven-seat Atlas, with the same wheelbase, and rode on VW’s MQB platform. It came standard with LED exterior lighting and offered various wheel sizes across trims. The R-Line package added sportier styling features. Inside, the minimalist design was functional but let down by subpar materials, with leather upholstery feeling rubbery and hard plastics prone to smudges. The interior colour scheme was dark and unwelcoming, and the flat-bottom steering wheel seemed out of place for a non-performance model.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. This setup allowed for a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms, though it was not known for fuel efficiency, with consumption estimated at 14.8 L/100 km in the city and 12.5 on the highway. The 4Runner excelled off-road, with body-on-frame construction and advanced traction systems like crawl control and Multi-Terrain Select. On-road, it exhibited significant body roll and heavy steering, making it feel like a blast from the past.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a standard 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 3.6-litre V6 engine with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The VR6 engine provided lively acceleration from a stop but lacked midrange power. The ride quality was poor, with noticeable bumps and noise, and the handling was truck-like with loose steering. The VR6 models had a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms, while the four-cylinder models were rated for 907 kilograms. The Cross Sport featured Active Control with multiple drive modes and 20.3 centimetres of ground clearance, but it was not as capable off-road as some competitors.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner offered excellent outward visibility and a relatively tight turning radius of 5.6 metres. The interior featured large, easy-to-use controls and a high seating position, though the steering-wheel controls were not illuminated. The 4Runner offered an optional third row of seats, but they were best for short and occasional use due to limited legroom and comfort.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport provided competitive interior space, with front-seat and rear-seat legroom near the top of its class. However, rear headroom was limited due to the sloping roofline. Cargo space was above average, with 1,141 litres with the rear seats in place and 2,203 litres with them folded. The interior included various storage options and a foot-activated tailgate on higher trims.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The system was straightforward, but the onboard navigation was less efficient than smartphone apps. The 4Runner also included Bluetooth, a USB port, and subscription services like Sirius XM. While the technology was updated, it lagged behind competitors in features and usability.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two infotainment systems, with the MIB3 system on higher trims featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, multiple-device pairing, and updated voice recognition. The Digital Cockpit display replaced analog gauges with a reconfigurable screen. However, the MIB3 system was slow to load, and the Fender audio system was underwhelming. The Digital Cockpit was a highlight, providing customizable display options.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner included Toyota Safety Sense P, with features like adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and a pre-collision system. It had eight airbags and received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a three-star rollover rating. The IIHS gave it a Good score in most crash tests, except for a Marginal score in the small overlap front: driver-side test.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earned Good scores in IIHS crash tests, with mixed headlight ratings and a Marginal rating for child-seat anchor ease of use. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking, with optional features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. Unique features included the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System. New for 2021 were Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, offering advanced driver aids.