The 2021 VW Atlas is a competent family hauler that assimilates into the daily routine without fuss.
Pros Plenty of space Good warranty Good tech Relative value among competitors Solid powertrains
Cons A little boring Base touchscreen is on the small side Not fuel-efficient Cross Sport gets lost
VW refreshes the 2021 Atlas by adding updated front and rear ends that increase its overall length by almost three inches. Its face is graced by a more attractive three-bar grille and revised headlights, which now feature standard LED elements that continue out back. Models with the R-Line option also get new looks courtesy of its special badging, body kit, and 20- or 21-inch rims. Inside, there's a new steering wheel, updated stitching on the seats, an 8.0-inch touchscreen on most models, and the latest iteration of the company's Car-Net smartphone app. The four-cylinder Atlas is now available with all-wheel drive for the first time.
Pros No shortage of cargo or passenger space, reassuring driving manners, hard-to-beat value.
Cons Uninspired interior aesthetic, less fuel efficient than advertised, rides rough on broken surfaces.
The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas comes with front wheel drive, and all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed shiftable automatic.Restyled front and rear bodywork.Upgraded interior appointments.
Pros Spacious interior offers ample room for passengers in all three rows Great compromise between precise handling and everyday comfort Straightforward, easy-to-use cabin design
Cons Lackluster acceleration, even with the optional V6 Fuel economy lags that of most competitors
New TRD Sport trim level.
Pros Impressive off-road capability Wide variety of configurations to suit many buyers Versatile cargo area, especially with the optional slide-out floor
Cons Choppy ride quality compared with more modern crossover SUVs V6 engine is not particularly fuel-efficient Tall step-in height makes for awkward entry and exit
For 2022, the 4Runner family welcomes a new TRD Sport model, which for the longest time has only been offered on its pickup counterpart, the Toyota Tacoma. The 4Runner TRD Sport isn't as sporty as its 20-inch wheels, hood scoop, and Sport badges suggest, but unlike most other models except for the more luxurious Limited, it features adaptive dampers that are designed to improve body control. Inside, the TRD Sport features faux-leather upholstery instead of cloth. All 2022 4Runners now illuminate the road with LED high-beams.
Pros Actually able to excel off-road, packed with standard driver-assistance tech, inside boasts generous passenger and cargo space.
Cons Fuel economy isn't great, interior materials are unimpressive, not nearly as refined as newer mid-size SUVs.
The 2022 Toyota 4Runner's #19 ranking is based on its score within the Midsize SUVs category. Currently the Toyota 4Runner has a score of 7.1 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 67 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Great off-road ability
Good cargo capacity Two rows of spacious, comfortable seats Intuitive infotainment features
Cons Slow acceleration Rough ride Antiquated, low-rent interior Poor gas mileage
