2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2025 Toyota 4Runner

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner, in its sixth generation, maintained a design evolution rather than a complete overhaul. It retained the horseshoe-shaped grilles from the previous generation but with a more robust and industrial exterior. The side body panels featured deep beveled creases that seamlessly blended with the flared wheel arches, giving the 4Runner a broad-shouldered stance suitable for an off-road SUV. Paying homage to its predecessors, the 4Runner included design elements like the slanted rearmost window from the first generation. Inside, the cabin mirrored the Toyota Tacoma's design, with beveled styling throughout. The interior was functional, with hard plastics for durability and light cushioning for comfort, offering a quality that surpassed the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco but fell short of the Land Rover Defender.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas was available in five trim levels, with the Peak Edition and SEL Premium R-Line offering distinct appearances. The Atlas SEL Premium R-Line, in particular, boasted a chiseled, upscale look with polished aluminum detailing and 21-inch wheels. Its Mountain Lake Blue color resisted dirt, maintaining a clean appearance. Inside, the Atlas featured diamond-stitched leather, metallic accents, and artificial wood, creating a warm and inviting environment. The digital instrumentation and large infotainment touchscreen promised a high-tech experience. However, the touch-sensitive controls for temperature and stereo volume were less satisfying, especially when wearing gloves, highlighting a preference for traditional knobs.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine choices. The base engine was a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 317 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup improved acceleration and fuel economy compared to the previous generation's V6. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive available. The i-Force Max Hybrid powertrain, based on the same four-cylinder engine, delivered 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, offering stronger power at lower speeds, ideal for off-roading. The 4Runner's handling was more composed on pavement, with reduced nosedive and body roll, while maintaining its off-road prowess. The TRD Pro and Trailhunter models were the most capable, with approach angles ranging from 18 to 33 degrees and ground clearance between 8.1 and 10.1 inches.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas replaced its previous engine options with a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Despite initial concerns about its capability in a large SUV, the engine proved refined and satisfying for daily driving tasks. The Atlas returned 15.5 mpg in urban conditions and 19.2 mpg overall during testing, slightly below its EPA ratings. The ride quality was less impressive, with a brittle suspension over road imperfections and excessive body motions at highway speeds. However, the Atlas handled predictably on mountain roads, with the Sport mode enhancing engine responsiveness and steering heft.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner grew five inches longer, with a 2.4-inch increase in wheelbase, but passenger space gains were minimal. The front seats offered ample room for taller passengers, while the middle row provided adequate legroom and headroom. Third-row seating was available on non-hybrid models but was cramped, suitable only for short trips. The cockpit was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and grouped off-road controls for easy operation. Storage included door pockets, a dashboard tray, and a center armrest bin. Cargo capacity was 44.8 cubic feet behind the second row, reduced to 42.6 cubic feet in the Hybrid due to battery placement. A sturdy roof rack compensated for cargo deficits.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, offering a comfortable third-row seat and a cavernous cargo area. The SEL Premium R-Line's front seats were heated, ventilated, and massaging, with excellent outward visibility. The second-row bench seat accommodated three adults comfortably, with ample legroom and a climate-control panel. Access to the third row was easy, with adequate leg support for passengers. Storage space was commendable, with practical compartments in all three rows. The Atlas provided 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 55.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 96.6 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with a 14-inch option available. Both offered logical menus and quick responses, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Off-road models included external camera views for trail navigation, and a JBL premium audio system was available. Remote monitoring and control via a smartphone app, along with a digital key function, marked a tech upgrade for the 4Runner.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used the VW Group's MIB3 operating system on a 12-inch touchscreen. While it lacked traditional controls, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The native digital voice assistant was unreliable, making smartphone integration essential. The Harman Kardon audio system delivered excellent sound quality. However, the MIB3 system had user-experience glitches, such as inaccurate radio displays and confusing navigation screens.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the Tacoma, on which it was based, was a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, with frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alerts was optional.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas came with IQ.Drive, offering features like Front Assist, Active Side Assist, Lane Assist, and more. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and a rear cross-traffic alert system were standard. The Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick.