2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic, traditionally not known for its style. Toyota's designers infused the Sienna with SUV-like styling, featuring a wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays that integrated seamlessly with the Toyota logo. The side profile boasted an assertive stance, thanks to re-engineered sliding doors with a sculpted design that bulged over the rear wheels. Alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches added to its visual appeal. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a comfortable seating position and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The centre console was thoughtfully designed with ample storage, and the second and third-row seats provided comfort and flexibility for passengers.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas, following significant updates in 2021, carried over with minor modifications. It was available in four trims in Canada: Trendline, Comfortline, Highline, and Execline. The Execline trim featured R-Line design elements, including 21-inch alloy wheels that complemented the SUV's bold styling. The Atlas's interior was praised for its simplicity and premium flair, though some materials were crafted to a low-cost point, leading to unwanted noise and a less refined feel. Despite this, the Atlas offered a spacious and comfortable cabin, with ample head and legroom for all passengers, including those in the third row. The SUV's large size was balanced by a relatively low step-in height, making it easy to enter and exit.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first foray into hybrid minivans, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. It offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with the latter using a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna employed an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT), which, while maximizing fuel efficiency, resulted in a less responsive throttle. The Sienna's handling was improved with new front suspension and steering, and independent rear trailing arm suspension, providing a comfortable ride. Fuel efficiency was a highlight, with FWD models rated at 6.6 L/100 km in the city and 6.5 L/100 km on the highway, while AWD models were slightly higher.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Motion AWD. The turbo engine required premium fuel for maximum output and had a towing capacity of 907 kg. The optional 3.6-litre V6 engine, standard on the Execline trim, produced 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kg. The V6's performance was considered leisurely, and its fuel consumption was higher at 12.2 L/100 km combined. The Atlas featured multiple driving modes and an AWD system that decoupled the rear wheels for better fuel economy. However, the ride quality was mixed, with a busy ride on certain surfaces and noticeable body float on undulating roads.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that folded into the floor. The second row offered 63.5 cm of sliding range, enhancing legroom flexibility and ease of access to the third row. The cabin featured 16 cupholders and ample storage cubbies, while the cargo area could accommodate a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood. Cargo space measured 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna's hybrid battery was cleverly positioned under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and liftgate added to its family-friendly appeal.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas boasted a roomy interior with comfortable seating for seven, including sufficient head and legroom for third-row passengers. The SUV's low step-in height facilitated easy entry and exit. The Atlas offered numerous storage areas, though many were unlined, leading to unwanted noise. Cargo space was generous, with 583 litres behind the third row, 1,572 litres with the third row folded, and 2,741 litres with the second row down. The power liftgate could be operated via the remote key fob or a foot motion under the bumper, enhancing convenience.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna featured a nine-inch touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with multiple USB ports throughout the cabin. Higher trims offered additional tech features, including a JBL audio system, rear-seat entertainment, and a digital rearview mirror. The Sienna also included a suite of connectivity services and a 1500-watt inverter for powering devices.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came standard with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, featuring an 8-inch display that expanded to 10.25 inches on higher trims. The Trendline trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while other trims featured the MIB3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity, and Car-Net services. The user experience was mixed, with some challenges in navigation and voice recognition. The Execline trim included a 12-speaker Fender audio system.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system. It also included the Star Safety System and blind spot monitoring. The Sienna received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a comprehensive list of safety features, including automatic post-collision braking, Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. However, some driver assistance features had issues, such as Lane Assist misinterpreting road markings. The Atlas received decent crash-test ratings but did not earn a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS.