2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 presented a rugged exterior reminiscent of a traditional SUV, with boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end that set it apart from previous generations and other compact crossovers. Despite its aggressive styling, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, shared with other Toyota models like the Camry, which meant its mechanical underpinnings were more conventional. The RAV4 offered options like the Trail model with a retro Ice Edge roof and the TRD Off-Road package with matte black alloy wheels and red interior accents, enhancing its adventurous appeal. Inside, the RAV4 featured rugged styling touches such as large rubberized knobs and door handles, with SofTex upholstery in the TRD Off-Road model, although real leather was not available even on the top Limited trim.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport carried over much of the regular Atlas's design but with a lower roofline and aggressively raked rear hatch, giving it a crossover coupe-like appearance. This styling choice resulted in a mix of SUV ruggedness and car-like features, though some elements, like the fake exhaust tips, appeared tacky. The Cross Sport shared its MQB platform with other VW models, providing a solid foundation. Standard LED lighting and various wheel options were available, with the R-Line package adding sportier exterior features. Inside, the Cross Sport featured VW's minimalist design, but the use of subpar materials detracted from the overall feel. Despite leather upholstery and contrast stitching, the interior felt cheap, with hard and shiny plastics. The choice of dark colours and a flat-bottom steering wheel added to the lack of a welcoming atmosphere.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. The engine achieved 40% thermal efficiency, a level typically found in racing engines, and delivered impressive output for a naturally aspirated four-cylinder. However, the transmission struggled to keep up, and the steering lacked feel, resulting in a less dynamic driving experience. The RAV4's off-road capabilities were enhanced in the Trail and TRD Off-Road models, featuring torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, 21.7 centimetres of ground clearance, and a 3,500-pound towing capacity. While the RAV4 excelled on highways with low cabin noise and a comfortable suspension, its off-road prowess was limited by suspension articulation and approach angles.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two powertrain options: a standard 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 3.6-litre VR6 engine with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The VR6 engine provided lively acceleration and a pleasant sound, but midrange performance was lacking. The transmission was slow to react, though manual shifting was possible. Ride quality was a weak point, with noticeable bumps and pothole impacts, and the cabin allowed wind and tire noise. The Cross Sport's handling was truck-like, with significant body roll and loose steering. VR6 models had a 5,000-pound towing capacity, while four-cylinder models were limited to 2,000 pounds. The Cross Sport featured Active Control with multiple drive modes and 20.3 centimetres of ground clearance, but its off-road capabilities were outmatched by competitors like the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a tall, upright roof providing ample headroom in both rows and good outward visibility. However, legroom was slightly behind competitors. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats had flat, hard cushions, making long trips less appealing. Cargo space was above average, with 1,059 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,977 litres with them folded, though still behind the Honda CR-V. The RAV4 featured oversized knobs and steering-wheel controls, a large centre-console storage bin, and a space for smartphones, but lacked large cupholders and loose change storage.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport boasted competitive interior space, with front and rear legroom near the top of its class. However, rear headroom was limited due to the sloping roofline. Cargo space was above average, with 1,141 litres with the rear seats in place and 2,203 litres with them folded, though still behind the Honda Passport. The second-row seats featured a 60/40 split-fold and 14-degree backrest recline. The Cross Sport included cargo nets, cupholders, and storage bins, with a large centre console and a second-row armrest with integrated cupholders. A foot-activated tailgate was available on higher trims.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Most trims featured a 7-inch touchscreen, while Trail and Limited models had an 8-inch screen, and the RAV4 Prime offered a 9-inch screen. Up to five USB ports were available, along with a JBL premium audio system and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was user-friendly but not particularly flashy, with a well-positioned touchscreen and easy-to-read graphics. However, the gasoline RAV4 lacked a head-up display, and the overall tech offerings were not as exciting for tech-savvy buyers.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two infotainment systems. The base Trendline trim had the MIB2 system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while other trims featured the MIB3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen. Both systems included USB-C ports, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. MIB3 added multiple-device pairing and updated voice recognition. Execline models had the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit with a 10-inch display and a 12-speaker Fender audio system. The MIB3 system was slow to load, and the Fender audio system was underwhelming. The Digital Cockpit display provided useful information, and analog controls made basic functions easy to access.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention tech. However, it missed the highest rating due to mixed headlight scores. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating, with four stars in frontal and rollover crash tests, and five stars in side crash tests. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. Blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system were also available.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earned top scores in IIHS crash tests, but with mixed headlight ratings and a "Marginal" rating for child-seat anchor ease of use. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating, with five stars in side crash tests and four stars in frontal and rollover crash 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, traffic-sign recognition, and parking assist. Unique features included the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System. New for 2021, Travel Assist and Emergency Assist were available on Execline models.