2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2021 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh, featuring new front and rear bumpers, standard LED headlights and taillights, and a new grille design. These changes extended the vehicle's length by 6 centimetres, giving it a more extroverted appearance compared to the previous model. The Atlas maintained its MQB platform, which was shared with other VW models like the Jetta and Golf, showcasing its flexibility. The interior of the Atlas was minimalist, with a focus on functionality, although the material quality was below average, with cheap-feeling plastics and simulated wood and metal trim. The seating configuration offered seven seats across three rows, with options for second-row captain’s chairs on higher trims.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, particularly in the Limited AWD trim, was priced at $45,341, which was considered high for a RAV4. Despite its fully loaded status, the RAV4 Hybrid's styling was somewhat understated, lacking the larger alloy wheels found on the non-hybrid version. The interior was stylish and practical, with a mix of impressive materials and glossy hard plastics. The RAV4 Hybrid offered decent rear-seat legroom and comfort, with features like dual-zone automatic climate control and heated rear cushions. The cargo area was spacious, with a maximum capacity of 1,977 litres when the rear seats were folded down.

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 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Motion all-wheel drive. The driving experience with the base engine was underwhelming, with adequate acceleration but rough shifts. The Atlas had a truck-like handling and poor ride quality, with every pavement imperfection felt in the cabin. The VR6 models had a towing capacity of 2,267 kilograms, while the four-cylinder models were limited to 900 kilograms. Fuel efficiency was not impressive, with the four-cylinder models rated at 10.9 litres per 100 kilometres combined, and the VR6 models at 12.9 litres per 100 kilometres combined.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder gas engine with front and rear electric motors, generating a total of 219 horsepower. The hybrid powertrain provided a lively acceleration experience, although the engine sounded unpleasant when revving. The RAV4 Hybrid's fuel efficiency was impressive, with an average of 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres during testing. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) operated smoothly, and the regenerative braking system was effective. The RAV4 Hybrid's ride and handling were enhanced by a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, although the all-season tires offered low grip. The SUV was agreeable to drive, with a relatively flat cornering stance and favourable driving dynamics.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas was designed as a family hauler, offering three rows of seating with a total cargo space of 2,741 litres behind the front seats and 583 litres with all seats up. The Atlas provided more third-row legroom than most competitors, but at the expense of second-row legroom. The interior controls were logically laid out, with up to five USB ports and a wireless charging pad available. The Atlas featured a tall driving position, but forward visibility was less than optimal. Parking sensors and low-speed automatic braking were standard, with active park assist available on higher trims.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered comfort and practicality, with features like an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front cushions, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The rear seats provided decent legroom and comfort, with a reclining backrest and heated cushions. The dashboard was well-organized, with large climate control knobs and an easy-to-use infotainment system. The RAV4 Hybrid's cargo area was spacious, with a maximum capacity of 1,977 litres when the rear seats were folded down. Storage options included useful shelves in the dashboard and a centre armrest with cupholders for rear-seat occupants.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas came with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The base trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while higher trims featured an 8-inch screen with satellite radio. The Digital Cockpit was available on higher trims, replacing analog gauges with a 10.3-inch digital display. The Atlas was set to receive the MIBIII infotainment system later in the model year, offering 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 RAV4 Hybrid offered infotainment systems with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen display, both supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The larger screen included SiriusXM satellite radio and various connectivity features. The top-tier infotainment system featured an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system with dynamic navigation. The 8-inch display was mounted at the top of the dashboard, with shortcut buttons and stereo knobs for easy access. The RAV4 Hybrid also offered camera-based technology, including a 360-degree surround-view camera system and a camera rearview mirror.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received top "good" ratings 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 model year.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. The RAV4 Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights. The safety features were generally effective, although the lane-tracing assist and adaptive cruise control had some quirks in certain traffic conditions.