2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2021 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic, presenting a more SUV-like appearance. Its wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays gave it a modern look, while the sculpted sliding side doors and various alloy wheel options added to its assertive stance. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a higher seating position than a sedan and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The center console was practical, featuring multiple cupholders and a large storage compartment. The second and third rows were comfortable for adults, with the second row sliding for maximum utility.

Volkswagen's 2022 Atlas Cross Sport, on the other hand, was designed by removing the third row from the standard Atlas, lowering the roofline, and shortening the length. This resulted in a bold, sporty, and upscale appearance, especially in the SEL Premium R-Line trim with 21-inch machined-finish wheels. However, other wheel choices were less appealing. The interior featured a mix of attractive color combinations but was marred by hard, glossy plastics that detracted from the overall quality. Despite these drawbacks, the Atlas Cross Sport offered a spacious and comfortable cabin for five adults.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid was Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors that combined to produce 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trim levels. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which, while maximizing fuel efficiency, tended to blunt throttle response. The Sienna offered four selectable drive modes and boasted impressive EPA fuel economy numbers: 36 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined for FWD models, and 35/36/35 mpg for AWD models.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 with 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. The V6 engine, which did not require premium fuel, also had a higher towing capacity of 5,000 pounds compared to the turbo-four's 2,000 pounds. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with FWD standard and VW's 4Motion AWD system available. The V6 engine provided a more satisfying driving experience, though it was aging and less fuel-efficient, averaging 19.2 mpg during testing. The Atlas Cross Sport's suspension and ride quality varied, with the vehicle feeling too firm at low speeds and too soft at higher speeds.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and cargo handling. It featured a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that stored easily into the floor, and a second row that slid up to 25 inches for easy access. The cabin offered 16 cupholders and ample storage space. The Sienna could carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed and had nominal cargo measurements of 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101.0 cubic feet behind the first row. The hybrid battery was cleverly tucked under the front seats, preserving cargo space.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its wheelbase and track width with the larger seven-passenger model, resulting in an exceptionally roomy interior for five adults. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, a heated steering wheel, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. The panoramic sunroof added to the spacious feel, and rear side-window sunshades provided additional comfort. The cargo area offered plenty of load-floor real estate, though the shorter length and lower roofline reduced overall cargo space compared to the seven-passenger model.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was packed with technology features, including a standard nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It also offered a year's trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, a ten-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Higher trims featured a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers, Dynamic Navigation, and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The driver benefited from a color multi-information display, a 10-inch color Head-Up Display in Platinum trim, and a digital rearview mirror.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came standard with Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, an 8-inch display, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims featured a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit, an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM with 360L, and wireless smartphone charging. The upgraded infotainment system provided access to three Car-Net connected service subscription plans. The SEL Premium R-Line trim included a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system, which offered excellent audio quality.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system with pedestrian and bicyclist detection, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. It also featured the Star Safety System, 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The 2020 Sienna received favorable crash-test ratings, though the 2021 model's ratings were not yet available.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and an automatic post-collision braking system. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and IQ Drive. The SEL Premium R-Line trim featured a semi-autonomous Parking Steering Assistant system and an Area View 360-degree surround-view camera system. The Atlas Cross Sport received decent crash-test ratings, though not the highest accolades.