2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2025 Toyota 4Runner

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner, in its sixth generation, maintained a design evolution rather than a complete overhaul. It retained the horseshoe-shaped grilles from the previous generation, but with a more robust and industrial exterior. The side body panels featured deep beveled creases that seamlessly integrated with the flared wheel arches, giving the 4Runner a broad-shouldered stance suitable for an off-road SUV. Paying homage to its predecessors, the 4Runner included design elements like the slanted rearmost window, while the sliding rear window facilitated easier cargo access. Inside, the 4Runner mirrored the Tacoma pickup truck, with a beveled styling motif that was both attractive and functional. The cabin was designed to endure rugged use, with hard plastics and light cushioning for comfort. The materials were of higher quality than those in a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, though not as refined as the Land Rover Defender.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas was available in four trim levels in Canada: Comfortline, Peak Edition, Highline, and Execline. The Peak Edition had an off-road appearance, while the Execline was sportier with more standard equipment. The Atlas Cross Sport, a five-passenger version, offered a rakish design similar to the three-row Atlas. Prices ranged from $50,995 to $60,995, excluding additional fees. The Atlas Execline, tested in Mountain Lake Blue with a Shetland Beige leather interior, was at the top of this price range. The Execline's polished aluminum detailing, light bars, and 21-inch wheels gave it a chiseled, upscale look. Inside, the Atlas featured diamond-stitched leather, metallic accents, and artificial wood, creating a warm environment. The digital instrumentation and large infotainment touchscreen promised a high-tech experience, though the touch-sensitive controls for temperature and stereo volume were less satisfying to use.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine choices. The entry-level trims came with a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 317 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup improved acceleration and fuel economy compared to the previous five-speed unit. In Canada, part-time 4WD was standard, with full-time 4WD available in the Limited and Platinum packages. Toyota introduced a Hybrid i-Force Max powertrain, combining the four-cylinder engine with a 1.87-kWh battery pack and an electric motor, delivering 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. This hybrid variant offered stronger power at lower speeds, beneficial for off-roading. The 4Runner was quieter inside, reducing driver fatigue on long journeys. It was more composed on pavement, with improved handling and steering. The 4Runner's off-road prowess remained intact, with eight distinct packages offering varying levels of capability. The TRD Pro and Trailhunter models were the most capable, with approach angles between 18 and 33 degrees, departure angles between 22 and 24 degrees, and ground clearance between 20.5 and 25.6 centimetres.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas replaced its previous engine options with a new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and VW’s 4Motion AWD system, promised better fuel economy than the retired V6. Despite initial concerns about the engine's capability in the large SUV, it proved refined and satisfying for daily driving tasks. The Atlas returned 15.2 litres per 100 kilometres in urban conditions and 12.3 L/100 km over a 110+ kilometre drive. However, the ride quality was less impressive, with the suspension feeling brittle over road imperfections and excessive body motions at highway speeds. The Atlas handled predictably on mountain roads, with the tires being the weakest link. Sport mode kept the engine and transmission alert, while the brakes resisted rumble and fade.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner was nearly 13 centimetres longer than its predecessor, with a 6-centimetre increase between the axles. This longer wheelbase offered minimal passenger space gains. The front seats accommodated taller passengers, but the middle row was less spacious, with adequate legroom and headroom. A third row was available on non-hybrid models, but it was cramped and lacked thigh support. The cockpit was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and grouped off-road controls for easy operation. The 4Runner offered 1,371 litres of cargo capacity behind the second row, reduced to 1,206 litres in the Hybrid due to the raised floor. A sturdy roof rack supported a static load of 360 kilograms.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, offering a comfortable third-row seat and a cavernous cargo area. The Execline model featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, though the leather felt stiff. Visibility was excellent, aided by a surround-view camera system. The second-row bench seat accommodated three adults comfortably, with ample leg-, foot-, and headroom. The third-row seat provided adequate leg support and easy access. Storage space was commendable across all rows, with practical compartments and cupholders. The Atlas offered 583 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 1,571 litres with the third row folded and 2,735 litres with the second row down.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with a 14-inch option available. Both screens were user-friendly, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A digital instrument panel was standard on Hybrid variants and available on gas models. Off-road models included external camera views and automatic camera activation for trail navigation. A 14-speaker JBL audio system was available, along with a portable Bluetooth speaker. Remote monitoring, control, and a digital key function were accessible via a smartphone app.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used VW Group’s MIB3 operating system on a 12-inch touchscreen display. The system lacked traditional controls, relying on touch-sensing buttons and a touch-and-slide volume control. The Atlas's native digital voice assistant was unreliable, making smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable. The Execline’s Harman Kardon audio system was impressive, but the MIB3 system had user-experience glitches, such as incorrect song titles and confusing navigation screens.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the Tacoma pickup on which it was based was an IIHS Top Safety Pick. The 4Runner included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, with features like frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Proactive Driving Assist was also included, though it could be intrusive. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert was standard in Canada.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured IQ.Drive, with Front Assist, Side Assist, Lane Assist, Emergency Assist, and Travel Assist. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. The Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick. Volkswagen Canada provided an eight-year subscription to Car-Net Safe & Secure services, including crash notification and SOS emergency assistance.