2021 Toyota Highlander vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was a standout in the midsize SUV segment, offering a distinctive design that set it apart from the crowd. Its bold front end, characterized by wide headlights and a trapezoidal grille, gave it a commanding presence. The side profile featured a character line reminiscent of the Supra sports car, while the rear boasted taillights with a Lexus-like appearance. The Highlander XSE trim added a sportier touch with a restyled front end and 20-inch alloy wheels, although it was more about appearance than performance. Inside, the Limited trim exuded luxury with its near-flawless fit and finish, tan leather seats, and wood details, making it a comfortable choice for families prioritizing comfort and convenience.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a bold and sporty appearance, especially in the Execline trim with its 21-inch machined-finish wheels. By removing the third row and lowering the roofline, Volkswagen created a more coupe-like silhouette, resulting in a stylish and upscale look. The interior was spacious, accommodating five adults comfortably, with features like 10-way power-adjustable front seats, heated rear seats, and a panoramic sunroof enhancing the sense of space. However, the use of hard, glossy plastics in the interior detracted from the overall quality feel. Despite this, the Atlas Cross Sport provided ample storage space and a generous cargo area, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it offered smooth and predictable operation, whether in front-wheel or all-wheel drive. While not a powerhouse, it provided adequate performance for everyday driving, comparable to competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. The Highlander XSE trim added sportier suspension tuning, but it remained more focused on comfort than performance.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-litre V6 producing 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The V6, paired with VW's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, provided a more satisfying driving experience, especially in the two-row Cross Sport. However, the V6's aging design and occasional lack of refinement were noticeable. The suspension tuning was a mixed bag, with a harsh ride at lower speeds and excessive softness at higher speeds. Despite these issues, the Atlas Cross Sport excelled on highways, offering a comfortable and efficient ride.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander excelled in interior space and versatility. It featured a set of shelves ahead of the front seats for convenient storage, while second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom and available captain's chairs. The third row was suitable for adults only if the second row was adjusted. Cargo space was limited to 453 litres behind the third row but expanded to 1,150 litres with the third row folded and 2,245 litres with both rows down.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, sharing its wheelbase with the larger Atlas, offered exceptional interior space for five adults. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats, heated rear seats, and a dual-zone climate control system. The cargo area was spacious, with deep wells for additional storage, although the shorter length and lower roofline reduced overall cargo capacity compared to the seven-passenger model.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander offered an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch screen available on the Platinum trim. Both systems were user-friendly, with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The 12.3-inch screen was visually impressive but limited in functionality, as some apps only used a portion of the display. A JBL audio system was available from the Limited grade, providing good sound quality.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen with proximity-sensing display. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Bluetooth pairing for two devices. However, the user experience was occasionally frustrating, with issues related to touchscreen interaction and voice recognition. The Execline trim featured a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system, delivering excellent sound quality.

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

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. The Execline trim added a semi-autonomous Park Assist system and a 360-degree camera. While it didn't receive the highest accolades from safety organizations, its crash-test ratings were favourable.