2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh that included new front and rear bumpers, standard LED headlights and taillights, and a new grille design shared with the Atlas Cross Sport model. These changes added 6 centimetres to its length, giving the Atlas a more extroverted appearance compared to its predecessor. The R-Line trim package further enhanced its sporty look with unique bumpers and side skirts. Despite these cosmetic updates, the Atlas retained its MQB platform, which is shared with other VW models like the Jetta and Golf. The interior followed a minimalist approach, with a standard seven-seat configuration and options for captain’s chairs on higher trims. However, the material quality was below average, with cheap-feeling plastics and faux wood and metal trim.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid presented a distinctive design with a blunt and bulbous nose, black windshield pillars, and swollen haunches. Offered in LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum trims, the Highlander Hybrid was priced between $45,950 and $56,450 in Canada. The Platinum trim featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a surround-view camera, and a host of other amenities. While the interior offered an upscale two-tone look with leather upholstery, the dashboard's asymmetrical design and reflective screen were noted drawbacks. The Highlander Hybrid's cabin was comfortable, but the mix of illumination colours at night made the gauges appear busy.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-litre VR6 engine with 276 hp and 266 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Motion all-wheel drive. The 4Motion system could switch to front-wheel drive to save fuel but provided power to the rear wheels when needed. Despite these features, the Atlas's driving experience was underwhelming, with rough shifts and poor ride quality. The Atlas had a towing capacity of up to 2,267 kilograms with the VR6 engine, but its fuel efficiency was unimpressive, with the four-cylinder model rated at 10.9 L/100 km combined.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid switched from a V6 to a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, achieving a combined fuel consumption of 6.7 L/100 km. The hybrid system produced a total output of 243 hp, using an "E-CVT" to mimic an automatic transmission. While the Highlander Hybrid improved in efficiency, it sacrificed driving enjoyment, with the engine sounding strained during acceleration. The steering was lifeless, and the ride was marred by unwanted body movement. However, the Highlander Hybrid excelled in urban environments, offering immediate electric motor torque and a quiet freeway ride. Despite its shortcomings, the Highlander Hybrid delivered better fuel consumption figures than its predecessor.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas was designed as a family hauler, offering 2,741 litres of cargo space behind the front seats and 583 litres with all seats up. It provided more third-row legroom than most competitors but compromised on second-row legroom. The second-row bench seat was uncomfortable, with thin cushions. The Atlas featured a driver-focused layout with controls within easy reach, up to five USB ports, and a wireless charging pad. It also offered up to 17 cupholders. The tall driving position was typical for crossovers, but forward visibility was limited. Parking sensors and low-speed automatic braking were standard, with active park assist available on higher trims.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum offered roomy and supportive accommodations for the driver and front passenger, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and heated steering wheel. The second-row bench seat increased seating capacity to eight but felt narrow for three adults. The third-row seat was uncomfortable, with limited legroom and headroom. Cargo space measured 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,370 litres with it folded down, and a maximum of 2,387 litres. Storage was less generous than the previous generation, with a smaller dashboard shelf and a wireless charger blocking access to the centre storage bin.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas came with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The base trim featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while higher trims had an 8-inch screen with satellite radio. The Digital Cockpit was available on higher trims, offering a 10.3-inch digital display. The Atlas was set to receive VW’s MIBIII infotainment system later in the year, which would add multi-phone pairing and improved voice recognition. The base audio system was decent, with a 12-speaker Fender audio system available on the Execline trim.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio as standard. The Platinum trim featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen, an 11-speaker JBL audio system, and a navigation system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs and shortcut buttons for easy access. The JBL sound system offered 1,200 watts of power but sounded boomy and muddy in default settings. Toyota’s Driver Easy Speak projected the driver’s voice through the speakers, and a video rearview mirror provided a clear view behind the vehicle.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received a "good" rating in all IIHS crash tests, with a "marginal" rating for child-seat anchors and mixed headlight ratings. The NHTSA had not published ratings for the 2021 model, but the 2020 model received a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist available on higher trims. The Atlas was set to receive more advanced driver aids later in the year, including Travel Assist and Emergency Assist.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. New for 2021 were intersection support and emergency steering assistance. A blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with a surround-view camera system on the Platinum trim. The Highlander received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.