2021 Volkswagen Atlas 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 the 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 Limited retained its utilitarian DNA, with a seating position designed for trails rather than highways.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received a styling refresh, including new front and rear bumpers, standard LED headlights and taillights, and a new grille shared with the Atlas Cross Sport model. These changes added 6 centimetres to its length, giving it a more extroverted look compared to the conservatively-styled 2020 model. The R-Line trim package added sportier bumpers and side skirts. Despite these cosmetic changes, the Atlas retained its MQB platform, shared with other VW models like the Jetta and Golf. The interior followed a minimalist approach, with controls sensibly laid out. The standard seating configuration included seven seats across three rows, with options for second-row captain’s chairs on higher trims. However, material quality was below average, with cheap plastics and simulated wood and metal trim.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4-litre V6 engine across all trims, producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. This engine was not designed for efficiency but for reliability and off-road capability, offering a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms. Fuel efficiency was poor, with estimates of 14.8 litres per 100 kilometres 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. The full-time four-wheel drive system on the Limited trim was better for maintaining progress, while the standard part-time system handled off-road challenges effectively.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a standard 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-litre VR6 with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Motion all-wheel drive. The driving experience with the base engine was underwhelming, with rough shifts and poor ride quality. The Atlas had a towing capacity of 2,267 kilograms with the VR6 engine, but only 900 kilograms with the four-cylinder engine. Fuel efficiency was unimpressive, with the four-cylinder rated at 10.9 litres per 100 kilometres combined and the VR6 at 12.9. The Atlas lacked a four-wheel drive system with low range, limiting its off-road capability.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner offered excellent outward visibility and a relatively tight turning radius of 5.6 metres. The interior featured large, chunky knobs for controls and an 8-inch touchscreen. The tall front seat position provided a commanding view, but climbing in and out could be tiring without power-retractable running boards. The 4Runner offered an optional third row of seats, but they were best for short and occasional use, lacking legroom and comfort.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas was designed as a family hauler, offering 2,741 litres of cargo space behind the front seats and 583 litres with all seats up. It provided more third-row legroom than most competitors but at the expense of second-row legroom. The second-row bench seat was uncomfortable, with thin cushions. Controls were logically laid out, and the Atlas offered up to five USB ports and a wireless charging pad. It had a tall driving position, but forward visibility was less than optimal. Parking sensors and low-speed automatic braking were standard, with active park assist available on higher trims.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The onboard navigation system was challenging to use, but smartphone integration provided a better experience. The 4Runner also included Bluetooth connectivity, a single USB port, and subscription services like Sirius XM. While the 4Runner had advanced features, it lagged behind competitors in total features and usability.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas included Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The base trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while other models had an 8-inch screen with satellite radio. The Digital Cockpit was available on higher trims, replacing analog gauges with a digital display. The Atlas was set to receive VW’s new MIBIII infotainment system later in the model year, offering improved features. The base audio system was decent, with a 12-speaker Fender audio system available on the Execline trim.

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

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received a Good rating in all IIHS crash tests, with a Marginal rating for child-seat anchors and mixed headlight ratings. The NHTSA had not published ratings for the 2021 model, but the 2020 model received a five-star overall rating. The Atlas included standard automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist available on higher trims. It was set to receive more sophisticated driver aids later in the model year.