Are you looking for a midsize two-row SUV with a bit of style to complement your much-needed everyday practicality? The two SUVs we will compare, the 2024 Toyota Venza and the VW Atlas Cross Sport, could perfectly fit your driving needs and budget.
They have similar starting prices and an exterior that gives them a visual appeal that some of their more conservatively dressed competitors lack. We like the Venza’s flowing and sleek design, which gives this hybrid SUV an upscale look.
The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport uses the standard three-row Atlas as a base, but foregoes the third row and adopts a sloping rear roofline. The shape is more angular than that of the Venza, but no less attractive.
Let’s explore the highlights of the Toyota Venza and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport to find out what lies beneath their sheet metal.
2024 Toyota Venza
The 2024 Toyota Venza starts at $36,465, including factory-to-dealer shipping costs. There are four trim levels – LE, XLE, Nightshade Edition and Limited – and all come with a 219-horsepower gas-electric hybrid four-cylinder and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). All-wheel drive is standard. Note that this appears to be the last year for the Venza before it is replaced by a new model.
For a mainstream SUV, the Toyota Venza comes with many of the amenities people love in a new vehicle. These include an easy-to-use infotainment screen operated via either an 8-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone connectivity, keyless entry and wireless device charging.
Highlights of the Toyota Venza
Best-in-class fuel consumption: Even considering it’s a hybrid, the Toyota Venza puts up spectacular mileage. EPA-estimated fuel economy of 40 mpg in city driving and 37 mpg on the highway yields an overall average of 39 mpg, well above the economy of other five-seat midsize SUVs.
Luxurious Cabin: The interior of the Venza is on par with many vehicles from Toyota’s luxury Lexus division. The materials are of high quality and the overall quality suggests that this SUV will last for many years to come.
Wireless driving: With the Toyota Venza you can enjoy life wirelessly. As mentioned, standard pricing includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as wireless device charging.
Nightshade Edition: In keeping with its fashion approach, the Nightshade Edition features 19-inch gloss black alloy wheels, a black grille and side mirrors, and (you guessed it) black roof rails. The Star Gaze roof is available as an option. This panoramic roof can be changed from clear to opaque at the touch of a button. Yes, it’s really cool.
Check out this week’s fair purchase price or view Venza models near you.
2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
The 2024 model year heralds a mid-cycle refresh of the Atlas Cross Sport. The front grille has been updated, the infotainment system has been rebooted and many new standard features have been added.
The 269 hp turbo four-cylinder replaces the base four-cylinder and optional V6 of the previous model. Front-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive is optional. There is no hybrid, so it is less efficient than the Toyota Venza.
Prices start at $38,410 and standard features include a 12-inch touchscreen, heated and ventilated front seats, wireless smartphone connectivity, Amazon Alexa, wireless device charging and voice commands.
Highlights of the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Turbo 4-cylinder: The 269 hp 4-cylinder turbo engine of the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is an excellent replacement for the two previous drive variants. It has almost the same performance as its V6 predecessor, but offers significantly better economy.
Added standard features: This mid-cycle update means the entry-level Atlas Cross Sport adds heated and ventilated front seats, wireless device charging, a digital instrument cluster and three-zone automatic climate control.
Cargo space: One might think that the tapered rear of the Atlas Cross Sport means that it does not have a spacious cargo area. That’s not the case. This VW’s tailgate measures a respectable 40.3 cubic feet. That’s good for a midsize SUV and better than the Toyota Venza’s tighter cargo space.
Digital instrument cluster: Another addition for the 2024 model year is a customizable 10.25-inch digital instrument called Digital Cockpit Pro. First seen in high-end luxury cars from Audi, this sleek system is now standard in the Atlas Cross Sport.
Check out this week’s fair purchase price or view Atlas Cross Sport models near you.
similarities
The Toyota Venza and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport blur the line between a mainstream and a luxury SUV. They definitely have the design and interior quality to pass for luxury brand SUVs. And each of them has an ace up their sleeve. The Venza boasts excellent fuel economy, while the Atlas Cross Sport has huge cargo space.
Diploma
On paper (or screen) and behind the wheel, the Toyota Venza and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport are extremely balanced. Even in the basic configuration they are comfortable and well equipped. The Venza is the economy champ here, and we really love its Lexus Lite interior.
To its credit, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport has better cargo-hauling capability and its new turbo four-cylinder is powerful and efficient. What ultimately tips us in favor of the Venza is Toyota’s higher reliability record.
| 2024 Toyota Venza | 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport | |
| Starting price | $36,465 | $38,410 |
| Popular powertrains | ||
| engine | 2.5 liter gas-electric 4-cylinder | 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 219 hp at 5,700 rpm | 269 horsepower at 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft at 1,500 rpm | 273 lb-ft at 1,600 rpm |
| transmission | CVT | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel consumption | 40 city/37 highway/39 combined | 20 city/27 highway/23 combined |
| Also available | all wheel drive | |
| Specifications | ||
| Basic guarantee | 3 years/36,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Total Safety | 5 Stars | 5 Stars |
| Maximum seating capacity | 5 | 7 |
| wheelbase | 105.9 inches | 117.3 inches |
| overall length | 186.6 inches | 200.7 inches |
| Width | 73.0 inches | 78.3 inches |
| Height | 65.9 inches | 70.4 inches |
| turning diameter | 36.1 feet | 40.5 feet |
| Front headroom | 38.6 inches | 41.3 inches |
| Headroom, rear | 39.0 inches | 40.4 inches |
| Front legroom | 40.9 inches | 41.7 inches |
| Rear legroom | 37.8 inches | 37.6 inches |
| Shoulder room at the front | 57.4 inches | 61.5 inches |
| Shoulder room at the back | 56.9 inches | 60.8 inches |
| Freight volume | 28.8 cubic feet | 40.3 cubic feet |