VW Atlas vs Toyota Highlander: A Comprehensive Comparison

Compare VW Atlas vs Toyota Highlander – When it comes to choosing the perfect SUV for your family’s needs, the Volkswagen Atlas vs Toyota Highlander 2022 comparison is a great place to start.

Both of these vehicles offer plenty of features and capabilities, so it can be difficult to decide which one is the best fit for you.

In this blog post, we’ll break down the key features of both the Volkswagen Atlas and Toyota Highlander to help you decide which SUV is right for you.

What’s The Difference Between Volkswagen Atlas and Toyota Highlander?

When to buy for a midsize SUV, you’ll often find yourself comparing the Volkswagen Atlas to the Toyota Highlander.

While they may look similar at first glance, there are several key differences between these two popular models that can help you decide which is right for you.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas is larger than the Toyota Highlander, offering more interior room and cargo space. It also has a longer wheelbase, providing a smoother ride and better handling.

The Atlas also offers a wide range of engine options, including a V6 turbocharged engine with up to 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque.

In comparison, the 2022 Toyota Highlander has a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. Both models feature an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The Volkswagen Atlas also offers a hybrid variant, combining a gas engine and an electric motor for better fuel economy.

When it comes to features, the Volkswagen Atlas has an edge over the Toyota Highlander with a 10-inch digital cockpit display, panoramic sunroof, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

As far as price goes, the Volkswagen Atlas is typically slightly cheaper than the Toyota Highlander, making it an attractive option for those on a budget.

Read also: Volkswagen Taos vs Toyota RAV4

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The pricing of a vehicle is often one of the primary factors that potential buyers consider when making their purchase decision.

In the comparison of the VW Atlas vs Toyota Highlander, both SUVs are competitively priced within the midsize SUV segment, offering various trim levels and options to cater to diverse budgets and preferences.

– 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Price:

The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas offers a range of trim levels to suit different needs, with the base S trim starting at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $35,150.

This starting price is for the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas SE 2.0L TSI equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

However, it’s essential to note that prices may vary based on dealership location and specific features chosen.

The mentioned MSRP does not include additional charges like transportation fees, taxes, title, optional features, and dealer charges. The final price may vary as the dealer sets the actual price.

– 2023 Toyota Highlander Price:

The 2023 Toyota Highlander also offers a diverse range of trim levels, and its starting price begins at $36,420 for the base L trim.

As with the Volkswagen Atlas, the Highlander’s price may differ depending on the location of the dealership and selected options.

The XLE model, which is one of the most popular choices, starts at $41,820, offering a balanced blend of features and affordability.

For those seeking a near-luxury experience, the Highlander Platinum trim starts at $49,075, boasting premium amenities and advanced technology.

Additionally, customers can opt for all-wheel drive (AWD) as an optional feature on the L, LE, and XLE trims, priced at $1,600. On the upper trims, such as the Limited and Platinum, the AWD option costs $1,950.

In summary, the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas and 2023 Toyota Highlander present competitive pricing, providing customers with a range of choices to match their preferences and budget.

It is crucial for potential buyers to visit local dealerships, compare different trim levels and options, and carefully evaluate their needs to make a well-informed decision on the SUV that best aligns with their lifestyle and driving requirements.

Fuel Economy

When it comes to fuel economy, the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas and 2023 Toyota Highlander offer different engine options to cater to varying efficiency needs.

While neither SUV boasts groundbreaking fuel-economy ratings for their class, both deliver respectable real-world performance, making them competitive choices within the midsize SUV segment.

The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas offers two engine choices: a four-cylinder and a V6. The four-cylinder model with front-wheel drive achieves EPA-estimated fuel-economy ratings of 21 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway.

On the other hand, the more powerful V6 model with front-wheel drive is rated at 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway.

For those opting for the extra traction of all-wheel drive, the V6 model’s fuel efficiency is slightly reduced, with ratings of 16 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway.

In real-world driving scenarios, the V6 Atlas achieved an impressive 24 MPG, while the four-cylinder model delivered 27 MPG in tests.

While the 2023 Toyota Highlander offers a new turbocharged engine option, in addition to the standard V6 and hybrid powertrains.

The front-wheel-drive version of the turbocharged engine achieves EPA-estimated fuel-economy ratings of 21-22 MPG in the city and 28-29 MPG on the highway.

The all-wheel-drive model, with the same turbocharged engine, has ratings of 21 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway.

The Highlander’s hybrid models are notably more fuel-efficient, with the front-wheel-drive variant boasting impressive EPA ratings of 36 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway. However, real-world fuel efficiency test results for the new Highlander are yet to be evaluated.

Comparing the fuel economy of the VW Atlas and Toyota Highlander, it’s evident that both offer respectable efficiency figures in their respective powertrain configurations.

The four-cylinder Atlas excels in the city, making it a suitable choice for urban commuting, while the V6 model balances power and efficiency well.

On the other hand, Highlander’s hybrid option stands out as an eco-conscious choice for those seeking excellent fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance.

As fuel economy can significantly impact a vehicle’s operating costs over time, prospective buyers are encouraged to consider their typical driving habits and prioritize the engine that best aligns with their efficiency requirements.

Additionally, for the latest and most accurate fuel-economy ratings, consumers can refer to the EPA’s official website, where comprehensive information is available for both the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas and the 2023 Toyota Highlander.

Read also: Volkswagen Jetta vs Toyota Camry

Dimensions

The dimensions of a vehicle play a crucial role in determining its practicality, comfort, and overall functionality.

Below, we provide a detailed comparison of the dimensions of the Toyota Highlander vs VW Atlas, highlighting their respective lengths, widths, heights, wheelbases, interior volumes, cargo capacities, and seating dimensions.

– 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Dimensions:

Front Seat Dimensions:

Rear Seat Dimensions:

– 2023 Toyota Highlander Dimensions:

Front Seat Dimensions:

Rear Seat Dimensions:

In conclusion, the dimensions of the Volkswagen Atlas and Toyota Highlander are key factors for potential buyers to consider when choosing their ideal midsize SUV.

The Volkswagen Atlas offers a larger overall size, longer wheelbase, and greater interior volume, making it an excellent choice for families seeking ample space and cargo capacity.

On the other hand, the Toyota Highlander, while slightly smaller, still provides a spacious interior and versatile seating options.

The decision between the two SUVs ultimately depends on individual preferences and requirements.

Customers should carefully assess their specific needs in terms of passenger space, cargo capacity, and overall dimensions to choose the SUV that best suits their lifestyle and daily activities.

Whether it’s the roomy and versatile VW Atlas or the well-rounded and efficient Toyota Highlander, both vehicles aim to deliver comfort, convenience, and practicality for modern families and adventurers alike.

Color Options

The color palette of a vehicle can significantly influence its visual appeal and personalization options.

Both the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas and the 2023 Toyota Highlander offer a range of attractive exterior and interior color choices to cater to diverse tastes and preferences.

The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas presents a stylish array of exterior color options, allowing customers to choose from sophisticated shades like Platinum Gray Metallic and Deep Black Pearl, or opt for vibrant hues like Tourmaline Blue Metallic and Aurora Red Metallic.

The interior choices in leatherette upholstery offer a range of neutral and warm tones, providing a blend of luxury and comfort.

While the 2023 Toyota Highlander boasts an appealing assortment of exterior color options, including contemporary hues like Cypress and Blueprint, as well as classic tones like Magnetic Gray Metallic and Midnight Black Metallic.

The interior color choices, offered in comfortable leatherette upholstery, cater to various preferences, from the modern Graphite to the warm Harvest Beige and timeless Black.

When selecting the ideal color combination for their SUV, potential buyers can consider factors such as personal style, climate considerations, and the desired visual impact.

Whether opting for the elegant Volkswagen Atlas or the refined Toyota Highlander, customers are sure to find a color scheme that complements their taste and adds a touch of individuality to their driving experience.

Safety Features

The safety of passengers and drivers is of paramount importance when choosing a vehicle, and both the Volkswagen Atlas and Toyota Highlander prioritize safety by offering a range of advanced driver-assistance technologies.

The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard and optional safety features, enhancing overall driving confidence and providing peace of mind to occupants. Key safety features include:

• Standard Forward-Collision Warning and Automated Emergency Braking: This feature helps detect potential frontal collisions and can automatically apply the brakes to mitigate or avoid a collision.

• Standard Blind-Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: These technologies assist the driver by monitoring blind spots and alerting them to the presence of vehicles or obstacles in the adjacent lanes during lane changes or when reversing.

• Available Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go Technology: This adaptive cruise control system can adjust the vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead. It can also bring the vehicle to a complete stop and resume acceleration in stop-and-go traffic.

However, Toyota is renowned for its commitment to safety, and the 2023 Toyota Highlander exemplifies this with its standard suite of advanced driver-assistance features. Key safety features include:

• Standard Automated Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection: This system can detect both vehicles and pedestrians in front of the Highlander and can automatically apply the brakes if a potential collision is detected.

• Standard Blind-Spot Monitoring with Rear-Cross-Traffic Alert: Similar to the Volkswagen Atlas, this feature aids in detecting vehicles in blind spots and alerts the driver to potential risks during lane changes or reversing maneuvers.

• Standard Lane-Departure Warning with Lane-Keeping Assist: The Highlander’s lane-departure warning system notifies the driver if the vehicle drifts out of its lane unintentionally. The lane-keeping assist feature can gently steer the vehicle back into the lane if necessary.

Both the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas and the 2023 Toyota Highlander are designed to provide a high level of active safety assistance, helping to reduce the risk of collisions and enhancing overall vehicle stability and control.

However, it’s essential for potential buyers to thoroughly review the safety features offered and choose the model that aligns with their safety priorities and preferences.

For comprehensive information about the crash-test results and safety ratings of the VW Atlas and Toyota Highlander, consumers can visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

These resources provide valuable insights into the vehicles’ safety performance and can aid buyers in making informed decisions when selecting a safe and reliable midsize SUV.

Read also: Volkswagen Tiguan vs Mazda CX 5

Warranty

Warranty coverage is an essential consideration for buyers, as it provides reassurance regarding the reliability and support offered by the manufacturer.

Both the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas and the 2023 Toyota Highlander come with warranty packages that cater to different aspects of vehicle ownership.

Volkswagen offers a limited warranty that provides coverage for four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.

While this warranty is on par with industry standards, the powertrain warranty provided by Volkswagen falls short compared to some competitors, also lasting four years or 50,000 miles.

However, to sweeten the deal, Volkswagen offers complimentary scheduled maintenance for two years or 20,000 miles. This additional perk is similar to what Toyota provides with its warranty.

• Limited Warranty: Four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain Warranty: Four years or 50,000 miles
• Complimentary Maintenance: Two years or 20,000 miles

However, Toyota’s warranty coverage aligns with industry norms, offering a limited warranty for three years or 36,000 miles.

The powertrain warranty is more extensive, lasting for five years or 60,000 miles. Additionally, buyers of the electrified Highlander, which includes the hybrid model, benefit from a separate hybrid-component warranty, providing eight years or 100,000 miles of coverage.

Similar to Volkswagen, Toyota also provides two years of complimentary scheduled maintenance or 25,000 miles.

• Limited Warranty: Three years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain Warranty: Five years or 60,000 miles
• Hybrid-Component Warranty (Hybrid Models): Eight years or 100,000 miles
• Complimentary Maintenance: Two years or 25,000 miles

In comparison, both the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas and the 2023 Toyota Highlander offer competitive warranty packages, with slight variations in coverage duration and mileage limits.

Potential buyers should carefully assess their preferences and driving habits to choose the warranty that best suits their needs.

The complimentary scheduled maintenance offered by both manufacturers is a valuable perk that can help reduce routine maintenance costs during the initial ownership period.

Regardless of the chosen SUV, Volkswagen and Toyota aim to provide confidence and peace of mind to their customers by backing their vehicles with comprehensive warranty coverage.

As with any major purchase, it is advisable for buyers to review and understand the specifics of the warranty coverage to make an informed decision when selecting their preferred midsize SUV.

Specifications

The specifications of a vehicle provide crucial information about its performance capabilities and mechanical attributes.

Below are the specifications of the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2023 Toyota Highlander, including engine details, transmission, drive type, horsepower, torque, towing capacity, and payload capacity.

– 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Specs:

The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas is equipped with a robust 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque.

The engine’s Double overhead cam (DOHC) design with variable valve timing enhances efficiency and performance.

The Atlas comes standard with all-wheel drive, offering improved traction and stability on various road conditions.

With a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. and a payload capacity of 1,146 lbs., the Volkswagen Atlas proves to be a capable midsize SUV for towing and carrying cargo.

– 2023 Toyota Highlander Specs:

The 2023 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a capable 2.4-liter Inline 4 engine, delivering 265 horsepower and an impressive 310 lb-ft of torque.

The engine features a Double overhead cam (DOHC) design with variable valve timing, enhancing performance and fuel efficiency.

The Toyota Highlander comes standard with front-wheel drive, providing a balance of efficiency and handling.

With a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. and a payload capacity of 1,635 lbs., the Toyota Highlander proves to be a versatile midsize SUV for towing and hauling needs.

In conclusion, the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas and 2023 Toyota Highlander offer distinct specifications, with the Atlas featuring a powerful V6 engine and all-wheel drive, while the Highlander comes with an efficient Inline 4 engine and front-wheel drive.

Both SUVs provide competitive towing and payload capacities, making them suitable choices for families and adventurers seeking versatile and capable midsize SUVs.

Read also: Volkswagen Passat vs Toyota Camry

Pros and Cons

The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas and 2023 Toyota Highlander are popular choices in the midsize SUV segment, offering a range of features and capabilities.

Below are the pros and cons of each model, highlighting their respective strengths and areas for improvement.

2023 Volkswagen Atlas Pros:

• Spacious Interior: The Volkswagen Atlas boasts a generous and versatile interior, providing ample passenger room in all three rows. This makes it an excellent option for families and those who require a roomy cabin for both passengers and cargo.

• Handling and Comfort: The Atlas strikes a great balance between precise handling and everyday comfort. Its well-tuned suspension system ensures a smooth and comfortable ride, even on long journeys.

• User-Friendly Cabin: The cabin design of the Atlas is straightforward and easy to use, featuring intuitive controls and a user-friendly infotainment system. This simplicity enhances the overall driving experience.

Cons:

• Lackluster Acceleration: One area where the Atlas falls short is in acceleration, even with the optional V6 engine. Some competitors offer more powerful engines that deliver a quicker and more responsive driving experience.

• Lower Fuel Economy: The fuel economy of the Atlas is not as impressive as that of some of its rivals. While it offers a spacious and comfortable ride, it may not be the most fuel-efficient choice in the midsize SUV class.

2023 Toyota Highlander Pros:

• Comfortable and Quiet Ride: The Toyota Highlander excels in providing a comfortable and quiet ride, making it ideal for long trips and daily commutes. The well-insulated cabin ensures a serene driving experience.

• Visibility: The Highlander offers excellent visibility from the driver’s seat, allowing for better awareness of the surroundings and safer maneuvering in various driving conditions.

• Above-Average Fuel Efficiency: The Highlander stands out with above-average fuel efficiency for a three-row SUV, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balance between performance and fuel economy.

Cons:

• Limited Third-Row Space: While the Highlander can accommodate up to eight passengers, the third row is best suited for children due to limited legroom and space. Adults may find it less comfortable on extended journeys.

• Limited Cargo Space Behind Third Row: When all seats are in use, the Highlander offers less cargo space compared to some competitors. This may be a consideration for those frequently carrying a full passenger load and requiring ample storage capacity.

In summary, the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas impresses with its spacious interior, well-balanced handling, and user-friendly cabin design.

However, its acceleration and fuel economy may not match some competitors. On the other hand, the 2023 Toyota Highlander offers a comfortable ride, good visibility, and above-average fuel efficiency.

While its third-row space is limited, it compensates with a quiet and refined driving experience.

Prospective buyers should consider their specific needs and priorities to determine which SUV aligns best with their lifestyle and preferences.

Conclusion

The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas and 2023 Toyota Highlander are both commendable midsize SUVs, each with its own set of strengths and features to cater to different consumer preferences.

The Volkswagen Atlas stands out with its spacious interior and robust V6 engine option, making it an ideal choice for families seeking a versatile SUV for daily use and occasional adventures.

On the other hand, the Toyota Highlander impresses with its remarkable fuel efficiency, safety features, and hybrid option, appealing to eco-conscious consumers who prioritize fuel economy and innovative technology.

Ultimately, the choice between the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas and the 2023 Toyota Highlander comes down to individual needs, preferences, and budget.

Interested buyers are encouraged to visit local dealerships, test drive both models and carefully consider their priorities before making an informed decision that aligns with their lifestyle and driving requirements.

Whether one chooses the VW Atlas or Toyota Highlander, both vehicles showcase the commitment of their respective manufacturers to provide reliable, comfortable, and safe midsize SUVs for the modern family.

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