2024 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE) was based on the SR5 Premium trim level and added $4,505 to its price. This included a $1,875 upcharge for the standard four-wheel-drive system (4WD). The remaining $2,630 covered retro body stripes, a heritage grille design, bronze 17-inch wheels, and various bronze badges and stitching. Available only in black, white, or red paint with a black artificial leather interior, the 40 ASE had a strong SoCal vibe, reminiscent of the 1970s. The fifth-generation 4Runner maintained a truck-based SUV look, with a solid and quality-feeling interior, despite the abundance of plastic. The controls were straightforward and easy to use, even with gloves on.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received a styling refresh that included new lighting elements and light-up VW logos. The front logo shone white, while the rear logo shone red. A front light bar connected to the new LED headlights, giving the Atlas a more American swagger. The taillights blended into a full-width light bar housing the illuminated logo. All trim levels got new wheel designs, with the SE base model featuring 18-inch alloy wheels and the SEL Premium R-Line sporting 21-inch wheels. The new Atlas Peak Edition added an outdoorsy flavor with black 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and specific exterior trims. The interior saw a revised look with a free-standing infotainment touchscreen and a more functional center console, though the contrast between the minimalist interior and the truck-like exterior was noticeable.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. A five-speed automatic transmission sent power to the rear wheels unless upgraded to a 4WD system. The 4Runner had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and an EPA fuel economy rating of 17 mpg in combined driving. During testing, it averaged 16.9 mpg. The 4Runner offered two 4WD systems: a part-time 4WD system and a full-time 4WD system available on the Limited trim. It had a minimum of nine inches of ground clearance and various off-roading technologies, including Hill-Start Assist Control, Downhill Assist Control, and Active Traction Control. The TRD Sport and Limited trims had suspensions designed for on-road performance, while the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trims focused on off-road capabilities.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas reduced its powertrain options to a single 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with standard front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). The new engine made the Atlas quicker than the previous six-cylinder model, with FWD models achieving 0-60 mph in eight seconds and AWD models in 8.3 seconds. The Atlas focused on comfort and frugality, with a smooth but noisy engine. The ride quality remained consistent with the pre-refresh model, and the Peak Edition added all-terrain tires and an Offroad driving mode. The 4Motion AWD system was designed primarily for pavement, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds for most models.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a unique power-down back window, providing excellent flow-through ventilation when combined with the sunroof and automatic windows. The 4Runner's interior offered comfortable seats, with heated and ventilated leather seats available on the Limited trim. The 40 ASE test vehicle had SofTex artificial leather and heated front cushions. Storage locations were numerous but lacked rubber liners, causing items to slide and rattle. The second-row seating area was roomy, with good legroom, headroom, air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports. A third-row seat was available but uncomfortable and reduced cargo space. The cargo area had several storage cubbies, trays, and a 120-volt AC power outlet. Without the third-row seat, the 4Runner offered 46.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 89.7 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas added more standard features, including a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats on the base SE trim. The SE with Technology trim added a power liftgate, and leather upholstery and heated second-row seats became standard on the SEL trim. The Atlas offered seating for seven, with a three-seat second-row bench that could split-fold, recline, and slide. Second-row captain's chairs were available on higher trims, reducing seating capacity to six. The third-row bench was standard and provided competitive headroom and legroom. The Atlas offered 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, 55.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 96.6 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded, making it one of the most spacious in its class.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner had traditional analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Connected services plans were available, and the 4Runner could be transformed into a Wi-Fi hotspot. Upgrades included a navigation system and a JBL premium sound system. The infotainment system's home screen displayed multiple functions simultaneously, and the voice recognition system performed well, though it had limitations with certain commands.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received more standard tech features, including a 12-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless phone charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The Atlas had six USB-C ports, with up to eight available, including a dash cam port. A head-up display was standard on higher trims, and the premium audio system was upgraded to a 12-speaker Harman Kardon system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with sharp graphics and a map view in the digital instrument cluster. However, the reliance on haptic touchpads for certain functions made them more difficult to use.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and a rear-seat reminder system. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all trims. The adaptive cruise control performed well, but the lane-departure warning could be irritating. The 4Runner received a four-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with three-star ratings for front passenger protection and rollover resistance. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave it a Marginal rating for driver protection in the small overlap frontal-impact test.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side crash testing and four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The IIHS had not released ratings for the 2024 model, but the 2023 model received Good scores in most tests. The Atlas added more standard driver-assist features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims included predictive adaptive cruise control, park assist, and a surround-view camera system. The Atlas also had features like automatic post-collision braking and an emergency assist feature.