2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, in its third generation, had been around since 2011 and received updates in 2018. Despite these updates, the 2020 model still felt somewhat dated, with occasional upscale touches. The hollow "thud" of the front doors when closed hinted at a lack of refinement in fit and finish. The instrument panel appeared to be from Toyota's 2010 parts bin, though its simplicity made the controls user-friendly. The Sienna offered a range of trims, from the well-equipped base L to the luxurious Limited Premium. Each trim added features like power sliding doors, leather upholstery, and a power rear liftgate, with the SE trim being particularly recommended for its practicality. The Nightshade Edition added a touch of style with dark accents and wheels.

In contrast, the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport boasted a stylish SUV coupe look, being shorter and lower than the larger Atlas. The SEL Premium trim with the R-Line package gave it a custom appearance with large 21-inch wheels and Pure Gray paint. Inside, the Atlas Cross Sport featured a two-tone color scheme, though closer inspection revealed hard plastics. The design and materials were well-executed where it mattered, and ambient lighting added a nice touch. Despite some shortcomings, the Atlas Cross Sport's styling was a strong selling point, appealing to those who valued aesthetics.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offered a Sport mode for enhanced throttle and shift response, and a manual mode for towing up to 3,500 pounds. The Sienna was primarily front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive was available on all trims except the base L, albeit with a 7-passenger configuration. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly decent for a minivan, with a low center of gravity and broad base, though its steering was twitchy at higher speeds. Fuel economy for the front-wheel-drive model was 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while the all-wheel-drive version returned 18/24/20.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine, delivering 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 curb weight. The V6 allowed for a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Both engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and the Atlas Cross Sport offered the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. The V6 provided adequate power, though the transmission's delayed downshifts were a minor issue. The Atlas Cross Sport's handling was commendable, with good braking and steering, though its suspension allowed for some unwanted body motion. Fuel economy was rated at 19 mpg combined, with an observed average of 18.7 mpg.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet, surpassing competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which was easier with captain's chairs than a bench. The third row folded seamlessly into the floor, though getting into the backseat could be challenging. Toyota also offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making the Sienna a practical choice for those needing such accommodations.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, though smaller than the Atlas, felt spacious inside. The front seats were large, heated, and ventilated, with numerous power adjustments. The second row comfortably accommodated three children or two adults, with ample legroom and headroom. The dual-zone automatic climate control system struggled in direct sunlight, but storage space was plentiful. The rakish roofline limited cargo space, but the Atlas Cross Sport still offered 40.3 cubic feet behind the back seat and 77.8 cubic feet with it folded down.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay support. Standard tech included Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot. The Limited trim added navigation and a JBL 10-speaker premium audio system. The Driver Easy Speak intercom system allowed the driver to communicate with rear passengers without raising their voice.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered three infotainment systems, with the top-trim test vehicle featuring an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen display. It supported two Bluetooth device pairings and included Car-Net connected services, such as WiFi and remote engine starting. The 12-speaker Fender premium sound system provided excellent audio quality. However, the lack of a natural voice recognition system was a drawback, requiring reliance on Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for voice commands.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, including lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and dynamic cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring was optional on lower trims and standard on higher ones. The Sienna earned five stars from the NHTSA and a top rating of Good from the IIHS, with its driver-assistance features rated Superior.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), even on the base trim. The SEL Premium R-Line test vehicle featured additional systems like road-sign recognition and Traffic Jam Assist. The ADAS operated smoothly, though lane assistance was not preferred. Crash-test results were not available, but the larger Atlas performed well in safety tests.