VW Atlas Cross Sport vs Toyota 4Runner Comparison Review

The new Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is the second in a series of mid-sized crossover Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV) from Volkswagen designed specifically for the North American Market and built in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

A stylish more coupe-ish take on the VW Atlas, it features two rows with seating for five. It keeps the same wheelbase as the Atlas, but the Cross Sport's overall length is now roughly five inches shorter.

If you are in the market for a five-passenger SUV that can tow up to 5,000 lbs, you should give the Atlas Cross Sport for sale in Orlando FL a serious look.

One of its main rivals is the mid-sized Toyota 4Runner SUV. It has been more than ten years since its last major redesign, but it is still one of the brand's most popular nameplates and carries quite a reputation in terms of quality and reliability.

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport features a conservative, yet fastback look at the contemporary SUV. Introduced as a 2021 model, the Cross Sport includes a good ride height for a great view of the road ahead.

VW's available 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is along for the ride when ordered with the 3.6 V6 engine that is capable of taking you gently off-road should you desire (The Atlas Cross Sport rides 2.2 inches lower than the VW Atlas).

Although both are comparable vehicles, the Cross Sport and 4Runner diverge in appearance with the Cross appearing more sweptback thanks to its sloping roofline, while the 4Runner is a more traditional two-box design. The Volkswagen wins in the looks department, we say.

The Atlas Cross Sport is available in several trim levels with wheel sizes ranging from 18- to 21-inchers, which are exclusive to the high-end R-Line SEL Premium model.

The 4Runner TRD is the most rugged looking version in that Toyota vehicle's lineup. It gets its toughness from hood scoops, a raised suspension, skidplates and a standard roof rack.

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport gets its power from a choice of 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. That power is sent from the engine to an eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers it to the front-wheel-drive powertrain.

A second choice for the Atlas Cross Sport is a naturally-aspirated 3.6-liter V6 engine that delivers 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. It, too, is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Both models are available in a buyer's choice of front- or all-wheel-drive 4Motion power delivery.

The Toyota 4Runner is driven by a 4.0-liter naturally-aspirated V6 engine making 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to an exclusive five-speed automatic transmission. Rear-drive is standard, while TRD models are equipped with a part-time all-wheel-drive system. 4Runner Limited models include a full-time AWD setup with a limited-slip locking center differential.

Both the Volkswagen and Toyota vehicles are capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds.

Even with the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport being a five-passenger vehicle, it has a couple of benefits over its larger Atlas sibling. The first is that without the ability to slide the second row backwards and forwards to make room for those who would sit in the third row of the Atlas, the second row of the Cross Sport has been moved several inches back to allow more legroom for its passengers.

Secondly, the Cargo area now has a flatter floor that doesn't require the folding of two rows to take advantage of its cargo space. By the numbers, that adds up to 40.3 cubic feet behind the second row and grows to 77.8 cubic feet with the second row folded forward.

Audio systems in the Atlas range start with a base 6.5-inch touchscreen system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Additional technology includes an available 8-inch touchscreen display with Fender Premium Audio system.

The Toyota 4Runner includes an 8-inch touchscreen display system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa. At the top of the list is an available JBL Premium Audio system with navigation.

Volkswagen's Car-Net infotainment system is included on the Atlas Cross Sport at no charge for the first five years of ownership. This Security & Service feature provides remote vehicle access, automatic crash notification and last parked locations.

The system grows to include the range-topping Guide & Inform feature, which includes built-in navigation, plus SiriusXM Travel Link that includes traffic and weather info, local fuel prices, movie information and sports scores. The Toyota 4Runner includes Toyota's Safety Sense, which includes the latest advanced driving-assistance system (ADAS).

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport has not yet received a safety rating from NHTSA or the IIHS. The Toyota 4Runner receives an IIHS Top Safety Pick rating of Good.

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is equipped with a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and a four-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Toyota 4Runner includes a basic 3-year/36,000-mile warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS CROSS SPORT BASE MSRP: $31,565
TOYOTA 4RUNNER BASE MSRP:  $37,140