2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2021 Toyota 4Runner

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, despite its last redesign occurring over a decade ago, maintained a rugged and utilitarian charm that appealed to many. Its design, characterized by a two-box body with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches, exuded timeless styling and balanced proportions. While not conventionally attractive, the 4Runner's appearance was akin to a reliable tool, with its chrome-festooned Limited version standing out as an exception. The interior, dominated by hard plastic, was practical and easy to clean, aligning with the SUV's mission. The dashboard featured large knobs and buttons, offering a straightforward, old-school experience.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport adopted a more modern aesthetic, borrowing much of its design from the regular Atlas but with a lower roofline and aggressively raked rear hatch. This styling choice gave it a mix of SUV ruggedness and car-like features, though some elements, like the fake exhaust tips, appeared tacky. The Cross Sport's interior followed VW's minimalist design philosophy, which was visually appealing but let down by subpar materials. Despite leather upholstery and contrast stitching, the cabin felt cheap, with an abundance of hard and shiny plastics. The interior colour scheme, dominated by dark hues, lacked a welcoming feel, and the flat-bottom steering wheel seemed out of place for a non-performance model.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its standard A-Trac off-road traction control system. With a 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, it tackled challenging terrains with ease. However, on paved roads, the 4Runner felt slow, heavy, and clunky, with steering and braking requiring effort. Its body-on-frame construction contributed to its truck-like driving characteristics, which some found charming but others might find cumbersome for daily use. Fuel efficiency was a concern, with an average consumption of 14.0 L/100 km during testing, resulting in frequent stops at the gas station.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two powertrain options: a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-litre VR6 engine producing 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 midrange performance was less impressive. Ride quality was a weak point, with the Cross Sport transmitting bumps and potholes into the cabin. Despite its "Sport" moniker, the SUV handled like a truck, with significant body roll and loose steering. The VR6 model had a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms, while the four-cylinder version was limited to 907 kilograms.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with ample legroom and supportive seats in both the front and rear. The high ground clearance could pose a challenge for shorter passengers, but once inside, the cabin provided good visibility and convenience features like air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. Cargo space was generous, with up to 1,337 litres behind the rear seats and 2,540 litres with them folded down, making it suitable for various adventures.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport boasted competitive interior space for a two-row midsize crossover, with excellent front-seat and rear-seat legroom. However, rear headroom was compromised by the sloping roofline. Cargo capacity was above average, with 1,141 litres behind the rear seats and 2,203 litres with them folded. The interior featured practical storage solutions, including cargo nets, cupholders, and a centre console. Higher trim levels added a foot-activated tailgate for added convenience.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's entry-level Trail grade was light on technology, but it featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system was user-friendly, with physical shortcut buttons and knobs for easy operation. Upgraded audio systems were available with additional features like dynamic navigation and concierge services.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two infotainment systems: the MIB2 with a 6.5-inch touchscreen on the base trim and the MIB3 with an 8-inch touchscreen on higher trims. Both systems included USB-C ports, Bluetooth, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The MIB3 added multiple-device pairing and updated voice recognition. The Execline trim featured the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, a 10-inch reconfigurable display, and a 12-speaker Fender audio system. However, the MIB3 system was slow to load, and the voice recognition required specific prompts.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came equipped 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 blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. 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 IIHS crash tests, with mixed headlight ratings. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating, with five stars for side crash tests and four stars for frontal and rollover tests. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and parking assist. The Cross Sport also featured an Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System.