2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was a vehicle whose design elements revealed their purpose over time. It wasn't flashy, but its subtle styling choices, like the dished hood, were functional, enhancing the driver's forward sight lines for better navigation. The fenders bulged slightly to accommodate wheel travel, hinting at the vehicle's width. The Heritage Edition added a touch of retro flair with blackened trim, a unique grille, and bronze wheels. Inside, the Land Cruiser approached luxury with its black perforated leather seating and functional dashboard, though it leaned towards a more traditional, analog feel.

In contrast, the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was designed to catch the eye with its SUV coupe look, thanks to its shorter length and lower height. The SEL Premium trim with the R-Line package gave it a custom appearance, especially with the large 21-inch wheels and Pure Gray paint. Inside, the Atlas Cross Sport offered a visually appealing two-tone color scheme, though closer inspection revealed hard plastics. The design was clean, with ambient lighting adding a modern touch, but it was clear that the focus was on style over substance.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a robust 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, made the Land Cruiser a confident performer both on and off the road. Its off-road capabilities were enhanced by a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and a Multi-Terrain Select control knob, allowing drivers to adapt to various terrains. Despite its size, the Land Cruiser offered a serene driving experience, though its fuel economy was modest at 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. However, the optional 3.6-liter V6 engine, with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, was more suitable for its 4,103-pound weight. The Atlas Cross Sport featured an 8-speed automatic transmission and an available 4Motion AWD system, which provided traction control settings for different driving conditions. While the V6 offered adequate power, the vehicle's fuel efficiency was rated at 19 mpg combined, with a real-world average of 18.7 mpg.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was designed for both urban and off-road adventures, with features like skid plates, tow hooks, and a roof rack. The standard model offered a three-row configuration, accommodating up to eight passengers, while the Heritage Edition was a two-row, five-passenger SUV. The interior was equipped with four-zone climate control, numerous cup holders, and a cooling box. The Land Cruiser's split tailgate design was both practical and charming, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, though smaller than the Atlas, offered a spacious interior with comfortable seating for five. The front seats were heated and ventilated, with ample adjustments, while the second row provided generous legroom and headroom. The dual-zone climate control system struggled in direct sunlight, but storage space was plentiful. The cargo area offered 40.3 cubic feet of space, expanding to 77.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, making it versatile for various needs.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 9-inch touchscreen with Toyota Premium Audio, including 14 JBL speakers and integrated navigation. While it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it offered a Qi-compatible charging station and an Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor camera system. The infotainment system was functional but felt dated compared to competitors with larger screens.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport boasted a top-tier infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, supporting dual Bluetooth device pairings and robust Car-Net services. The 12-speaker Fender sound system delivered excellent audio quality, though the lack of natural voice recognition was a drawback. The system's connected services included WiFi, remote engine start, and safe teen driving features, enhancing its appeal to tech-savvy consumers.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, offering features like pre-collision detection, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also included the Star Safety System and 10 airbags, though it lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came with a comprehensive suite of ADAS, including road-sign recognition and Traffic Jam Assist. The SEL Premium R-Line trim offered additional features like lane assistance and rear cross-traffic alert with automatic emergency braking. While crash-test results were not available, the larger Atlas had performed well in safety evaluations.