2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport carried over much of the same design as the regular Atlas but featured a lower roofline and an aggressively-raked rear hatch. This design gave it a mix of SUV ruggedness and car-like features, though some elements, like the fake exhaust tips on the rear bumper, appeared tacky. The Cross Sport was shorter and lower than the seven-seat Atlas but shared the same wheelbase and MQB platform. Standard LED exterior lighting and varying wheel sizes depending on the trim level added to its visual appeal. However, the interior, despite its minimalist design, was let down by subpar materials, making it feel cheap even in higher trims.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sienna aimed to blend minivan practicality with SUV style. It featured a macho front end and re-engineered door hinges to conceal the slider channel, giving it a more assertive profile. The interior was designed to avoid the typical minivan feel, offering clever storage solutions and comfortable seating across all rows. The third-row bench could easily store away, and the second-row seats slid up to 25 inches for easy access. The Sienna's design focused on functionality and comfort, making it a welcoming space for families.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two powertrain options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter VR6 engine with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The VR6 engine provided a livelier acceleration and a pleasant sound but lacked midrange power. The ride quality was subpar, with noticeable bumps and potholes, and the cabin let in significant wind and tire noise. The Cross Sport had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds for VR6 models and 2,000 pounds for four-cylinder models. AWD versions featured multiple drive modes and 8 inches of ground clearance, but the vehicle's handling was more truck-like with significant body roll.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, came exclusively with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. FWD was standard, with AWD available on all trims. The AWD system used a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the mechanical setup. The Sienna used an electronically controlled CVT, offering smooth and efficient power delivery. Handling was surprisingly good for a minivan, with minimal body roll and a comfortable ride. The Sienna's hybrid system delivered impressive fuel economy, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg in all driving conditions and AWD models getting 35 mpg. The 288-volt nickel metal-hydride battery pack was tucked under the front seats, and the vehicle came with a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered competitive interior space for a two-row midsize crossover. Front-seat and rear-seat legroom were near the top of the class, but rear headroom was limited due to the sloping roofline. Cargo space was above average, with 40.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 77.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The second-row seats featured a 60/40 split-fold and a 14-degree backrest recline. The vehicle included various storage solutions, such as cargo nets, cupholders, and a large center console.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and versatility. It could accommodate a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Cargo measurements were 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna also had a 3,500-pound towing capacity. The third-row bench stored away easily, and each row had ample storage cubbies and cupholders. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate with foot-motion triggers added convenience, making it easy to access the vehicle even with hands full.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport featured two infotainment systems. The base trim had the MIB2 system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while higher trims got the MIB3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen. Both systems included USB-C ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The MIB3 system added multiple-device pairing and updated voice recognition. Higher trims also featured the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, a 10-inch reconfigurable display, and a 12-speaker Fender audio system. However, the MIB3 system was slow to load, and the voice recognition required specific prompts.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came with a 9-inch touchscreen standard across all trims, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM. The Sienna lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which was a notable omission. The vehicle included a one-year trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, a 10-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Higher trims offered a 12-speaker JBL audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The Sienna also featured a color multi-information display, with higher trims offering a 10-inch head-up display. Limited and Platinum models could upgrade to a digital rearview mirror, and remote keyless entry with push-button start was standard.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earned top "Good" scores in all IIHS crash tests but had mixed headlight ratings. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and traffic-sign recognition. The Cross Sport also had unique features like the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System. New for 2021 were Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, available on higher trims.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included adaptive cruise control, Lane Tracing Assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition. The Sienna also had 10 airbags and multiple LATCH child-seat connectors. A rear-seat reminder system and tire-pressure monitoring were standard, with an optional spare tire mounted in the cargo space for safety and convenience.