2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2021 Toyota 4Runner

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner had not seen a major redesign in 12 years, though it had received updates over time. Despite its age, the 4Runner's design remained functional and appealing to those who valued utility over aesthetics. The SUV's two-box body, flared fenders, and trapezoidal wheel arches gave it a timeless and balanced look. The 4Runner was available in various trims, including SR5, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro, with special editions like the Trail Special Edition, which was priced at $38,565 MSRP for the RWD model. The Trail Special Edition featured black cloth upholstery, all-weather floor mats, and a custom-made cooler.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport carried over most of the same design elements from the regular Atlas but featured a lower roofline and an aggressively-raked rear hatch. This design aimed to blend SUV ruggedness with car-like features, though it resulted in a somewhat awkward mix. The Cross Sport was shorter and lower than the seven-seat Atlas but shared the same wheelbase. It came with standard LED exterior lighting and various wheel sizes depending on the trim. The interior had a minimalist design but was let down by subpar materials, even in the higher-end SEL Premium model. The rear headroom was notably compromised due to the sloping roofline.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. The 4Runner excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to features like A-Trac, a standard off-road traction control system. In challenging terrains, the 4Runner's off-road capabilities shone, but on paved roads, it felt slow, heavy, and clunky. The SUV had a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds and an EPA fuel economy rating of 17 mpg combined. During testing, it averaged 16.8 mpg, making frequent fuel stops necessary.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter VR6 engine with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The VR6 engine provided better acceleration and a pleasant sound but lacked midrange power. The ride quality was poor, with noticeable bumps and potholes, and the cabin let in significant wind and tire noise. The Cross Sport had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds for VR6 models and 2,000 pounds for four-cylinder models. It also featured multiple drive modes and 8 inches of ground clearance for off-road conditions.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner offered a high seating position, which could be challenging for shorter individuals to access. However, once inside, the seats were comfortable, and the rear seats provided ample legroom and good visibility. The 4Runner had a sliding cargo deck that could hold up to 440 pounds, though it reduced cargo volume. Depending on the configuration, cargo space ranged from 47.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats to 89.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Trail Special Edition also featured a large roof rack for additional storage.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport had a spacious interior, with front and rear legroom near the top of its class. However, the sloping roofline compromised rear headroom. Cargo space was 40.3 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 77.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The second-row seats had a 60/40 split-fold and a 14-degree backrest recline. Higher trim levels added features like a foot-activated tailgate. The interior included various storage options, such as cargo nets, cupholders, and a large center console.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. It also featured SiriusXM satellite radio, five USB ports, and a year of free Safety Connect subscription services. The premium audio upgrade added dynamic navigation, dynamic point-of-interest search, and dynamic voice recognition. The system was user-friendly, with physical shortcut buttons and knobs that could be operated while wearing gloves.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two infotainment systems. The base model had a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while higher trims featured the new MIB3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen. Both systems included USB-C ports and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. The MIB3 system added multiple-device pairing and updated voice recognition. Higher trims also included the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, a 10-inch reconfigurable display, and a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system. However, the MIB3 system was slow to load, and the voice recognition required specific prompts.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, it lacked a blind-spot warning system and rear cross-traffic alert. The 4Runner received a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a "Marginal" rating for driver protection in a small overlap frontal-impact collision from the IIHS.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earned top "Good" scores in all IIHS crash tests but had mixed headlight ratings. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and other advanced features. The Cross Sport also had unique features like the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System.