2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was anything but boring, standing out among midsize SUVs with its distinctive design. Its wide headlights, long hood, and assertive trapezoidal grille made a statement, while the character line along the side echoed the sporty profile of the Supra. The rear taillights, reminiscent of a Lexus, added to its upscale appearance. The Highlander XSE trim introduced a more aggressive front end and sportier suspension tuning, though it was more about appearance than performance. The Limited trim, just below the Platinum, offered chrome accents and a luxurious interior with tan leather seats and wood details, emphasizing comfort and convenience over sportiness.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared much of its design with the regular Atlas but featured a lower roofline and raked rear hatch, giving it a crossover coupe aesthetic. However, the styling was a mix of SUV ruggedness and car-like features, with fake exhaust tips that appeared tacky. The Cross Sport was shorter and lower than the seven-seat Atlas, maintaining the same wheelbase. It offered standard LED lighting and various wheel options, with the R-Line package adding sportier exterior elements. Inside, the minimalist design was functional but let down by subpar materials, with a mix of hard and shiny plastics. The interior felt cheap despite leather upholstery and contrast stitching, and the flat-bottom steering wheel seemed out of place for a non-performance model.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. While not designed for high-speed thrills, the Highlander provided smooth and reliable performance, comparable to competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. The XSE trim added sportier suspension components, enhancing driving excitement without compromising family-focused practicality.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-litre VR6 engine with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The VR6 engine provided lively acceleration from a stop but lacked midrange power. The ride quality was harsh, with noticeable bumps and noise, and the handling was more truck-like than sporty. The VR6 models had a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms, while the four-cylinder models were limited to 907 kilograms. The Cross Sport featured multiple drive modes and decent ground clearance, but it wasn't ideal for off-road adventures.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander excelled in interior space, with shelves ahead of the front seats for storage and a wireless charging pad on higher trims. Second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom, with available captain's chairs and adjustable seats. The third row was suitable for adults only if the second row was adjusted. Cargo space was 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,150 litres with the third row folded, and 2,245 litres with both rows down.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered competitive interior space, with top-class front and rear legroom. However, rear headroom was limited due to the sloping roofline. Cargo space was 1,141 litres with the rear seats up and 2,203 litres with them folded. The second-row seats featured a 60/40 split-fold and recline, with a foot-activated tailgate on higher trims. The interior included various storage options, but the overall feel was less welcoming due to dark colours and subpar materials.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 12.3-inch screen on the Platinum trim. Both systems were user-friendly, with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The JBL audio system was available from the Limited grade, though it wasn't overly impressive. The larger screen was visually appealing but limited in functionality for certain apps.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two infotainment systems: the MIB2 with a 6.5-inch screen on the base trim, and the MIB3 with an 8-inch screen on higher trims. Both included USB-C ports, Bluetooth, and wireless smartphone connectivity. The MIB3 added multiple-device pairing and updated voice recognition. The Execline trim featured a Digital Cockpit display and a 12-speaker Fender audio system. However, the MIB3 system was slow to load, and the audio quality was lacking. The Digital Cockpit provided useful customization options, while analog controls simplified basic functions.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more. It received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earned top scores in IIHS crash tests but had mixed headlight ratings and a "Marginal" rating for child-seat anchor ease of use. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring, with optional 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.