2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received a styling refresh that included new front and rear bumpers, standard LED headlights and taillights, and a new grille shared with the two-row Atlas Cross Sport model. These changes added 2.4 inches to the length of the Atlas, giving it a more extroverted look compared to the conservatively-styled 2020 model. The R-Line trim package added sportier-looking front and rear bumpers, as well as side skirts. Despite these cosmetic changes, the Atlas still rode on the same MQB platform as before, which is used by most current VW models. The interior of the Atlas took a minimalist approach, with a standard seating configuration of seven seats across three rows. However, the material quality on the mid-level SE with Technology trim was below average, with cheap and tinny plastics and simulated wood and metal trim that were not convincing.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna aimed to present with SUV style while still embracing its minivan identity. It featured a macho front end and re-engineered door hinges and slides to bury the slider channel below the rear side window frame. The interior avoided the minivan/school bus feel with an uncluttered design and clever storage solutions. The second- and third-row passengers enjoyed comfortable, roomy seating, with available second-row captain’s chairs and a spacious three-across bench in the third row. The third row was standard on all grades and could quickly store away into the floor. The Sienna also offered power-operated sliding doors and a rear tailgate with foot-motion triggers for added convenience.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter VR6 engine rated at 276 hp and 266 lb-ft. Both engines were coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional 4Motion all-wheel drive (AWD). The driving experience with the base 2.0-liter engine and AWD was underwhelming, with adequate acceleration but rough shifts and poor ride quality. The Atlas had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds with the VR6 engine and 2,000 pounds with the four-cylinder engine. Fuel economy ratings were 22 mpg combined for the four-cylinder FWD model and 19 mpg combined for the VR6 FWD model.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came exclusively with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. FWD was standard, but AWD was available on all trim levels. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and offered four selectable drive modes. Handling was better than expected for a minivan, thanks to the Toyota Next Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform. The big news for the Sienna Hybrid was its impressive fuel economy, with EPA ratings of 36 mpg city/36 mpg highway/36 mpg combined for FWD models and 35 mpg city/36 mpg highway/35 mpg combined for AWD models. The Sienna also had a 3,500-pound maximum towing capacity.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas was designed as a family hauler with three rows of seats. It offered 96.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats and 20.6 cubic feet with all seats up. The Atlas provided more third-row legroom than most competitors, but at the expense of second-row legroom, which was the worst among its competitive set. The second-row bench seat was uncomfortable with thin, flat cushions. The Atlas had a tall driving position, but forward visibility was less than optimal. It featured up to five USB ports, an optional wireless charging pad, and up to 17 cupholders.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was ready to be the family workhorse, capable of conveying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood inside 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 maximum towing capacity. The standard 60/40-split third-row bench stored away into the floor easily, and each row had storage cubby space and cupholders. Both side sliding doors and the rear tailgate were power-operated with foot-motion triggers for added convenience.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas came with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone compatibility. The base S trim level had a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, while other models had an 8-inch screen. Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit was available on higher trim levels, replacing analog gauges with a 10.3-inch reconfigurable digital display. The Atlas was set to receive VW’s new MIBIII infotainment system later in the 2021 model year. A built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was new for 2021, supporting up to four devices. The base six-speaker audio system was decent, with a 12-speaker Fender audio system available on SEL and higher trim levels.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna featured a 9-inch touchscreen standard in all grades, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The Sienna came with a one-year trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect telematics services, a 10-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming were included on all trim levels. Higher trim levels offered a 12-speaker JBL audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch 1080p display. A color multi-information display in the instrument panel center and a 10-inch color head-up display were available on higher trims. Limited and Platinum models could upgrade to a digital rearview mirror.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received the top “good” rating in all Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash tests, but with a “marginal” rating for child-seat anchors and mixed headlight ratings. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the similar 2020 model a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist available on higher trim levels. The Atlas was set to receive more sophisticated driver aids later in the model year, including Travel Assist and Emergency Assist.

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 several LATCH child-seat connectors. A rear-seat reminder system, tire-pressure monitoring, and an inflator kit were standard, with an optional spare tire.