Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport showcased a modernized aesthetic with its updated lighting elements, mirroring the three-row Atlas. The front and rear lighting, including the illuminated Volkswagen logos, added a contemporary touch, reminiscent of the all-electric ID.4. The front light bar connected the daytime running lights, enhancing the standard LED headlights' modern appeal. The rear featured reshaped taillights blending into a light bar, housing the second illuminated VW logo. The Cross Sport's silhouette, with its lower roofline, echoed the crossover coupes of German luxury brands, distinguishing it from other two-row midsize crossovers. Despite being 13 centimetres shorter and sitting lower than the standard Atlas, the Cross Sport maintained a distinctive presence. New wheel designs were introduced across all trim levels, with options ranging from 18-inch to 21-inch wheels, although it did not receive the rugged Peak Edition package. Interior revisions included a raised centre console and a new electronic shifter, allowing for additional storage space. The cabin featured standard leatherette upholstery, with higher trims offering leather and quilted leather options, though the simulated wood and carbon-fibre-facsimile trim remained plastic.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, available exclusively in the Sport design in Canada, presented a robust and square aesthetic, aligning with Toyota's new SUV lineup. The GR Sport trim, exclusive to the PHEV, featured an assertive grille and rear diffuser, extending the vehicle's length by nearly five centimetres. The RAV4's boxy design, with bulging fenders and vertical tailgate, contributed to its truck-like presence. Gloss black accents adorned the Sport trims, with the GR Sport showcasing racier elements like red brake calipers and a wide mesh grille. Inside, the GR Sport featured red stitching on black upholstery, with a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch or optional 12.9-inch touchscreen. The centre console housed a mechanical gear shifter on lower grades, with a shift-by-wire setup on higher trims. The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid offered a spirited ride, with a strengthened chassis for improved structural rigidity and comfort. Despite its heavier weight, the GR Sport trim handled more evenly, thanks to enhancements in suspension and damping force.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Motion all-wheel drive in Canada. This engine delivered 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, offering more torque but slightly less horsepower than the previous 3.6-litre VR6 engine. The new engine's peak torque arrived earlier, enhancing performance. Although the engine was an upgrade for many buyers, it was noted for its noise-to-power ratio. The Cross Sport's driving experience was described as unremarkable, with a ride quality that could be affected by the 21-inch wheels. The maximum towing capacity remained at 2,268 kilograms, standard for a midsize crossover.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured an updated 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 186 horsepower, complemented by a larger 22.7-kwh battery pack. The PHEV's total power output increased to 324 horsepower, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. The all-wheel-drive system included a large front motor and a smaller rear motor, providing a seamless transition of power. In EV mode, the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid offered a quiet ride, with an estimated range of 80 kilometres. The vehicle's performance was enhanced by the new silicon carbide semiconductors, contributing to a quicker 0-100 km/h time in the low five seconds. The GR Sport trim, with its lower ground clearance and 20-inch wheels, offered improved handling and reduced body roll, making it a sportier option within the RAV4 lineup.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came with increased standard equipment, including heated side mirrors, two-zone automatic climate control, and a power liftgate. The interior offered decent legroom, though the roofline impacted rear-seat headroom. Cargo space was competitive, with 1,141 litres available with the rear seats up and 2,197 litres with them folded. The cabin featured functional storage solutions, including a new centre console with ample space and door pockets capable of holding multiple drink bottles.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid maintained similar dimensions to its predecessor, optimizing interior space with clever storage features. The base SE trim included power-adjustable and heated front seats, with higher trims offering ventilated seats. The interior featured multiple storage shelves and a centre console accessible from both sides. The RAV4 accommodated four passengers comfortably, with 960 millimetres of rear legroom. Cargo space was slightly reduced compared to the standard RAV4, offering 951 litres with the seats up and 1,798 litres with them folded. The flat cargo floor and temporary spare tire added practicality.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was equipped with a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The user experience was intuitive, though the haptic touchpads for controls were less user-friendly than traditional buttons. Six USB-C ports were standard, with the Execline trim featuring a head-up display and a Harman Kardon premium audio system.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an enhanced 10.5-inch touchscreen system, with a larger 12.9-inch option on top trims. The touchscreen included customizable tiles and a quick menu for ease of use. Toyota's new operating system, Arene, improved responsiveness and loading times. The Voice Assistant responded to a wide range of prompts, and the system provided data for the plug-in hybrid system, including charging schedules and a range map.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with standard driver assistance features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Execline trim included park assist and a surround-view camera system. The Cross Sport also featured post-collision braking and an emergency assist feature.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features. These included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. The system's enhancements improved responsiveness and detection, contributing to the RAV4's strong safety record. A surround-view camera system was available on all but the base SE trim.