2022 Volkswagen Atlas 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 grille gave it a commanding presence. The side profile featured a character line reminiscent of the Supra sports car, while the rear boasted taillights akin to those on a Lexus. The Highlander XSE trim added a sporty touch with a restyled front end and 20-inch alloy wheels, though it was more about appearance than performance. Inside, the Limited trim offered a luxurious feel with tan leather seats and dark brown accents, emphasizing comfort and quality.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas maintained a bold, boxy design with R-Line elements and 21-inch alloy wheels enhancing its upscale look. The interior was spacious and comfortable, accommodating seven passengers with ease. However, the use of hard plastics detracted from its premium feel. Despite this, the Atlas excelled in practicality, offering numerous storage areas and a low step-in height for easy access. The cabin was roomy, with ample head and legroom, making it one of the most accommodating vehicles in its class.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured 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 a powerhouse, it provided smooth and reliable performance, suitable for family needs. The Highlander Hybrid was also available for those seeking better fuel efficiency. The XSE trim added sportier suspension tuning, but the Highlander remained focused on comfort rather than sporty driving.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The V6 provided better towing capacity but lacked refinement and efficiency. The Atlas featured multiple driving modes and an adaptive AWD system, but its performance was hindered by a gritty engine feel and a busy ride on rough surfaces.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander excelled in interior functionality with shelves for storage and a wireless charging pad. Second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom, and the third row was suitable for adults if the middle row was adjusted. Cargo space was decent, with 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,245 litres with seats folded.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas impressed with its spacious interior, offering comfortable seating for seven and easy access. Cargo space was generous, with 583 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,741 litres with seats folded. However, unlined storage areas led to unwanted noise from items sliding around.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option on higher trims. It included Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, though the navigation system struggled with points of interest. The JBL audio system was available from the Limited grade, offering decent sound quality.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came with a standard Digital Cockpit and an 8-inch touchscreen on higher trims. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Car-Net connected services. However, the infotainment system was slow to load, and voice recognition was hit-or-miss, making smartphone integration a better option.

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

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered features like automatic post-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera. However, Lane Assist had issues with road markings, and the Atlas did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS, receiving four-star frontal-impact ratings from NHTSA.