2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, despite its age, maintained a rugged and utilitarian charm. Its design, unchanged for over a decade, still resonated with those who appreciated a no-nonsense, durable SUV. The 4Runner's exterior, with its two-box body, flared fenders, and trapezoidal wheel arches, exuded a timeless appeal. While not conventionally attractive, its design was functional and practical, akin to a reliable tool that didn't require frequent updates. Inside, the 4Runner's interior was straightforward, with hard plastic surfaces and a dashboard featuring large knobs and buttons, emphasizing its utilitarian nature.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a more modern and sporty aesthetic. By removing the third row and lowering the roofline, Volkswagen created a coupe-like appearance that was both bold and upscale. The Execline trim, with its 21-inch machined-finish wheels, further enhanced its broad-shouldered stance. Inside, the Atlas Cross Sport provided a spacious and comfortable environment for five passengers, with high-quality materials and a range of interior colour options. However, the presence of hard, glossy plastics detracted from the overall impression of quality, and the lack of rubber or fabric linings in storage areas led to potential rattles and noises.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, provided the 4Runner with a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. Off-road, the 4Runner excelled, thanks to its A-Trac off-road traction control system and optional features like a locking rear differential and Crawl Control. However, on paved roads, the 4Runner felt slow and cumbersome, with heavy steering and brakes. Its fuel consumption was high, averaging 14.0 L/100 km during testing, which limited its range to about 620 kilometres on a full tank.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and a 3.6-litre V6 with 276 horsepower. The V6, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and VW's 4Motion AWD system, provided a more satisfying driving experience, especially in the two-row Cross Sport. However, the V6's fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 12.3 L/100 km. The Atlas Cross Sport's suspension was a mixed bag, feeling too firm at low speeds and too soft at higher speeds, leading to a less refined ride quality. Despite this, the Cross Sport excelled on highways, where its ride was more agreeable.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner offered a high seating position, which could be challenging for shorter passengers without running boards. Inside, the 4Runner provided comfortable seating for both front and rear passengers, with ample legroom and good visibility. The cargo space was generous, with up to 2,540 litres available with the rear seats folded down, making it suitable for various adventures. The interior storage was decent, complementing the 4Runner's practical nature.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, sharing its wheelbase with the larger Atlas, offered exceptional interior space for five adults. The test vehicle featured power-adjustable front seats, heated rear seats, and a panoramic sunroof, enhancing comfort and spaciousness. The cargo area, though reduced compared to the seven-passenger model, still provided ample space for luggage and other items. However, the lack of lining in storage areas could lead to rattling noises during drives.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's technology was basic, especially in the entry-level Trail grade. It featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system was user-friendly, with physical buttons and knobs for easy operation. However, the 4Runner lacked advanced features like a dynamic navigation system, which was available in higher trims.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came standard with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth pairing for two devices, and a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system in the Execline trim. While the technology was comprehensive, the user experience was sometimes frustrating, with issues related to touchscreen interaction and voice recognition. Pairing a smartphone for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto was recommended for a smoother experience.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, which were notable omissions. The 4Runner's safety ratings reflected its age, with less favourable scores in certain crash tests.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added features like adaptive LED headlights and a 360-degree camera system. While the Atlas Cross Sport's safety technology was generally effective, some systems, like Lane Assist, occasionally misinterpreted road markings, leading to unnecessary corrections. Despite this, the Atlas Cross Sport received favourable crash-test ratings.