2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser presented a design that was understated yet functional, with subtle styling choices that became apparent over time. Its hood was uniquely dished in the center, enhancing forward visibility for the driver, a practical feature for off-road navigation. The fenders slightly bulged to accommodate wheel travel, subtly indicating the vehicle's width. The Heritage Edition added a touch of retro flair with blackened trim, a distinctive grille, and bronze BBS wheels, while the interior offered a near-luxury experience with black perforated leather seating and a functional, albeit plain, dashboard.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport adopted a more aggressive design with a low roofline and raked rear hatch, reminiscent of luxury crossover coupes. However, the styling was a mix of rugged SUV and car-like features, with some elements like fake exhaust tips appearing tacky. The interior followed VW's minimalist design but was let down by subpar materials, with leather upholstery feeling rubbery and an abundance of hard plastics. The color scheme was dark and uninviting, and the flat-bottom steering wheel seemed out of place for a non-performance model.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a robust 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, with a fuel economy of 13 mpg city, 17 mpg highway, and 14 mpg combined. The Land Cruiser excelled in off-road capabilities, with a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and Multi-Terrain Select control, offering a serene and confident driving experience.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter VR6 engine producing 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The VR6 provided lively acceleration but lacked midrange power, and the ride quality was harsh, with noticeable wind and tire noise. The Cross Sport had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds with the VR6 engine and AWD, but its handling was more akin to a truck than a sporty SUV.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser offered a versatile interior with a three-row configuration, accommodating up to eight passengers. It featured heated second-row seats, a cooling box in the center console, and a split tailgate for easy loading. The Land Cruiser could tow up to 8,100 pounds and came with standard skid plates and tow hooks, making it suitable for both urban and off-road adventures.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport provided competitive interior space for a two-row midsize crossover, with ample front-seat and rear-seat legroom. However, rear headroom was limited due to the sloping roofline. Cargo space was generous, with 40.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 77.8 cubic feet with them folded. The interior included various storage solutions, but the overall design was marred by the use of hard plastics and a dark color scheme.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 9-inch touchscreen with Toyota Premium Audio, including 14 JBL speakers and integrated navigation. However, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which were common in competitors. The Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor camera was a useful addition for off-road and tight parking situations.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two infotainment systems, with the MIB3 system available on higher trims. It included an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and multiple USB ports. The Digital Cockpit display replaced analog gauges on SEL models and above, while the SEL Premium added a 12-speaker Fender audio system. However, the MIB3 system was slow to load, and the voice recognition required specific prompts.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, including features like pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also had 10 airbags, Trailer Sway Control, and Safety Connect for emergency assistance. However, it lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received top scores in IIHS crash tests, with mixed headlight ratings. It earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring, with optional adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The Cross Sport also featured an Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System.