2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2022 Toyota Sienna stood out in the minivan segment, a category that had seen a decline with the rise of SUVs. Despite this trend, Toyota remained committed to the minivan market, evolving its models over the years. The Sienna, which debuted in 1998, had undergone several transformations, with the fourth generation launching in 2021. This model embraced an SUV-like style while maintaining its minivan identity, evident from its sliding side doors. The Sienna featured a bold front end and cleverly engineered door hinges that concealed the slider channel, giving it a sleek profile. The interior was designed to avoid the typical minivan feel, offering ample storage and comfortable seating for all passengers, including available second-row captain’s chairs and a spacious third-row bench.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was crafted by modifying the standard Atlas model, removing the third row, and lowering the roofline for a sportier look. This resulted in a bold and upscale appearance, particularly in the SEL Premium R-Line trim with its 21-inch wheels. The Atlas Cross Sport maintained a roomy interior for five passengers, though its cargo space was reduced compared to the seven-passenger Atlas. The interior featured a mix of appealing color combinations, but the use of hard, glossy plastics detracted from the overall quality feel. Despite these drawbacks, the Atlas Cross Sport offered a stylish alternative to the standard Atlas, with a slightly lower price point.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was equipped exclusively with a hybrid powertrain, a first for Toyota minivans. It featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, delivering a combined 243 horsepower. The Sienna offered both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options, with the latter adding an additional electric motor for the rear wheels. The electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided smooth power delivery and enhanced fuel efficiency. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly agile for a minivan, thanks to its advanced suspension system. It boasted impressive fuel economy ratings, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg in all driving conditions and AWD models slightly lower at 35 mpg. The hybrid battery was strategically placed under the front seats, ensuring optimal space utilization.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options. The standard was a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower, requiring premium fuel. For those seeking more power, a 3.6-liter V6 engine was available, delivering 276 horsepower and a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with FWD standard and VW's 4Motion AWD system optional. The V6 engine provided a more energetic performance in the two-row Cross Sport compared to the three-row Atlas. However, the V6's fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 19.2 mpg during testing. The suspension system, while providing good grip and minimal body roll, was criticized for its harshness at low speeds and excessive softness at higher speeds. The Atlas Cross Sport excelled on highways, offering a comfortable ride, though road noise was more pronounced than expected.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed as a versatile family vehicle, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Its sliding second-row seats added flexibility for cargo loading, with measurements of 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 towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The interior featured ample storage, power-operated sliding doors, and a rear tailgate with foot-motion triggers for added convenience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its wheelbase and track width with the larger Atlas model, offering a spacious interior for five adults. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated seating, a heated steering wheel, and a dual-zone climate control system. A panoramic sunroof enhanced the sense of space, while rear side-window sunshades provided comfort for passengers. The cargo area offered ample space, though the shorter length and lower roofline reduced overall capacity compared to the seven-passenger Atlas. Despite the generous storage options, the lack of lining in storage areas led to potential rattling and scraping noises.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. While it lacked wireless connectivity for these features, it offered a range of telematics services, including Safety Connect and Remote Connect. Higher trim levels boasted a 12-speaker JBL audio system and an available rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The Sienna also featured a head-up display in Platinum models, enhancing driver convenience and safety.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE included a digital instrumentation panel and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims upgraded to a 10.25-inch digital cockpit and an 8-inch touchscreen with additional features like wireless smartphone charging and SiriusXM radio. The infotainment system offered access to Car-Net connected services, though user experience issues were noted. The SEL Premium R-Line trim featured a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system, delivering impressive audio quality.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver aids such as adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, multiple LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system for added safety.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a range of safety features, with higher trims adding more advanced systems. Standard features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and IQ Drive, which included Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. The Atlas Cross Sport received favorable crash-test ratings, though not the highest accolades from safety organizations.