2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid initially presented a bold and distinctive design, which over time became more familiar and less striking. Its blunt, bulbous nose and black windshield pillars created a floating roof effect, while swollen haunches balanced the styling. Despite its cartoonishly-flared quarter panels, the Highlander’s design was expected to appear tamer with time. The model offered various trims, with the hybrid powertrain available in LE, XLE, Limited, or Platinum specifications, ranging from $38,410 to $48,365. The evaluated Highlander Hybrid Limited featured electronic AWD, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and a surround-view camera, totaling $50,008. While the interior boasted quality materials and a two-tone look, some elements, like the instrument-panel shroud, felt cheap. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though reflections on sunny days were an issue.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared much of its design with the regular Atlas but featured a lower roofline and aggressively-raked rear hatch, blending SUV ruggedness with car-like features. The SEL Premium test vehicle’s fake exhaust tips appeared tacky. The Cross Sport was shorter and lower than the seven-seat Atlas, maintaining the same wheelbase. It offered standard LED lighting and various wheel sizes across trims. The interior followed VW’s minimalist design but was let down by subpar materials, with leather upholstery feeling rubbery and hard plastics prevalent. The color scheme was dark and unwelcoming, and the flat-bottom steering wheel seemed out of place for a non-performance model.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid transitioned from a V6 engine to a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, achieving 36 mpg combined (35 mpg with AWD) and producing 243 hp. The hybrid used an "E-CVT" for transmission, with FWD as standard and AWD optional. While efficiency improved, the driving experience was less enjoyable, with adequate power but a strained engine sound during acceleration. The steering felt lifeless, though regenerative brakes were improved. The Highlander Hybrid handled well on smooth roads but struggled with body movement on uneven surfaces. Around town, it offered immediate torque and a quiet ride, but overall driving enjoyment was lacking.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 3.6-liter VR6 engine with 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. Both engines came with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The VR6 provided lively acceleration but lacked midrange power, and the transmission was slow to react. Ride quality was poor, with noticeable bumps and noise. Despite its "Sport" name, the Cross Sport handled like a truck, with significant body roll and loose steering. The VR6 model had a 5,000-pound towing capacity, while the four-cylinder was rated for 2,000 pounds. AWD versions included multiple drive modes and 8 inches of ground clearance.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited offered comfortable seating for the driver and front passenger, with power adjustments and heated, ventilated seats. The second-row bench seat increased capacity to eight but felt narrow, and the third-row seat was uncomfortable with limited space. Storage was adequate but less generous than previous models, with a wireless charger blocking access to the center storage area. Cargo space measured 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with seats folded. However, storage wells for securing items were lacking.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport provided competitive interior space, with ample front-seat and rear-seat legroom. However, 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 seats folded. The second-row seats featured a 60/40 split-fold and recline. The Cross Sport included various storage solutions, such as cargo nets and a large center console, enhancing practicality.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa connectivity. The top infotainment system featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen, JBL audio, and navigation. The system was user-friendly, with large knobs and shortcut buttons, though the JBL sound system’s quality varied. Driver Easy Speak projected the driver’s voice to rear passengers, and a video rearview mirror offered a clear view behind the vehicle.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two infotainment systems, with the MIB3 system featuring an 8-inch touchscreen on higher trims. It included USB-C ports, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and updated voice recognition. The Digital Cockpit display replaced analog gauges, and the SEL Premium added a Fender audio system. However, the MIB3 system was slow to load, and the audio quality was lacking. The Digital Cockpit provided useful configurations, and analog controls simplified basic functions.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, adding intersection support and emergency steering assistance. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on LE trim and above. The Highlander received a five-star NHTSA rating and was expected to achieve a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS. However, adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance had some inconsistencies.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earned top IIHS scores, with mixed headlight ratings. It received a five-star NHTSA rating, with standard safety features like forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. Unique to VW were the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System. New for 2021 were Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, enhancing driver assistance.