New 4Runner Trail Special Edition.Standard LED headlights for all 4Runners.TRD Pro trim gets new wheels and retuned shock absorbers.
Pros Lots of 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
The latest 4Runner adds a new limited-production Trail Edition for 2021. Toyota says it will only build 4000 copies, which are based on the base SR5 model and come with rear- or four-wheel drive. The Trail Edition is equipped with 17-inch dark gray TRD wheels and black exterior badges. Inside, it has black seats with tan stitching and all-weather floor mats.
Pros Highly capable off-road, roomy cargo hold, loads of standard driver assists.
Cons Poor fuel economy, sloppy on-road ride-and-handling, shabby interior materials.
The 2021 Toyota 4Runner is a hugely capable and cool throwback SUV with a modern price attached.
Pros Very capable Good looks Big touchscreen Old-school SUV Awesome TRD Pro versions.
Cons Outdated crash-test scores Old interior Dismal fuel economy Others are more comfortable
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
