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
When it comes to pricing, the Volkswagen Atlas starts at $33,475 while the Toyota Highlander starts at $35,855. So if you’re looking for a more affordable option, the Volkswagen Atlas may be the better option.
However, when comparing the Volkswagen Atlas vs Toyota Highlander, the latter offers more standard features for the price. Both vehicles come with a 3.6-liter V6 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas also has an optional 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 8-speed automatic transmission.
The 2019 Volkswagen Atlas vs. Toyota Highlander is a close comparison, with both having plenty of interior space and being great family SUVs. The 2022 Toyota Highlander has a hybrid option, which is not available on the Volkswagen Atlas.
But when it comes to driving dynamics, the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas has better handling and is much more fun to drive than the Toyota Highlander.
When looking at the Volkswagen Atlas vs Toyota Highlander, it’s worth noting that the Volkswagen Atlas has a lower starting price than the Toyota Highlander.
However, the Toyota Highlander has a few more features, including a driver-assistance package and a larger display screen.
The Volkswagen Atlas is also available in a Cross Sport trim level, which gives it a sportier look and feels than the Toyota Highlander. The Volkswagen Atlas vs Honda Pilot vs Toyota Highlander comparison is interesting as well.
The Honda Pilot offers plenty of features and cargo space, but it’s slightly pricier than the Volkswagen Atlas and Toyota Highlander.
The Volkswagen Atlas and Toyota Highlander offer similar levels of comfort and convenience, but the VW is slightly less expensive and offers better handling.
Finally, if you’re looking for something with more power or performance, you might want to compare the Volkswagen Atlas vs Toyota Highlander specs.
The Volkswagen Atlas offers better acceleration and higher top speeds than the Toyota Highlander, making it a great choice for those who want something fast and fun to drive.
When it comes to choosing between the Volkswagen Atlas and Toyota Highlander, it really depends on what you need from your SUV and how much you’re willing to spend.
Both are excellent vehicles, so make sure to consider your budget and lifestyle before making your final decision.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
When it comes to engine, transmission, and performance, the Volkswagen Atlas and Toyota Highlander offer a wide range of options for drivers.
The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas has 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.
If you’re looking for more power and better performance, the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offers a V6 turbocharged engine with up to 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque.
However, if you’re looking for an efficient option, both the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas and 2019 Toyota Highlander offer hybrid powertrains.
The Volkswagen Atlas Hybrid offers up to 31 mpg combined while the Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers up to 34 mpg combined.
When comparing the Volkswagen Atlas vs Honda Pilot vs Toyota Highlander, all three vehicles offer great engine and performance options.
The Volkswagen Atlas offers a powerful V6 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission for better performance.
The 2023 Honda Pilot offers a V6 engine with 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, as well as a 9-speed automatic transmission.
Finally, the Toyota Highlander offers a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, as well as an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Overall, when it comes to engine, transmission, and performance, the Volkswagen Atlas and Toyota Highlander offer great options for drivers.
Depending on your needs, you can choose between the powerful V6 turbocharged engine offered by the Volkswagen Atlas or the fuel-efficient hybrid powertrains offered by both models.
Read also: Volkswagen Jetta vs Toyota Camry
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
When comparing the Volkswagen Atlas vs Toyota Highlander 2022, fuel economy is an important factor. The Volkswagen Atlas has a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an available V6 engine.
The Toyota Highlander offers a standard V6 engine as well as hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The four-cylinder Atlas is EPA-rated at 22 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.
When properly equipped, the V6 has an EPA rating of 20 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. The base engine in the Highlander is EPA-rated at 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.
The hybrid model is rated for 36 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, while the plug-in hybrid model is estimated at 34 mpg combined.
When it comes to real-world testing, the Volkswagen Atlas performed similarly to its EPA estimates in our testing. On the other hand, the Toyota Highlander had slightly lower fuel economy than its EPA ratings in our testing.
In conclusion, the Volkswagen Atlas offers better fuel economy than the Toyota Highlander, but both models have their own strengths when it comes to fuel efficiency.
If you’re looking for the best overall fuel economy, the Highlander Hybrid is likely your best bet, while the Atlas offers a more traditional gasoline engine with good fuel economy.
Exterior Dimensions
When it comes to exterior dimensions, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas is slightly longer than the Toyota Highlander, but they are otherwise quite similar in size.
The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas measures 200.7 in length, while the 2022 Toyota Highlander is 194.9 inches in length.
The two SUVs also have similar widths, with the VW Atlas at 78.3 inches and the Toyota Highlander at 76.0 inches wide. However, the VW Atlas has a taller ride height of 70.1 in compared to the Highlander’s 68.1 inches.
For those interested in comparing the two models from previous years, the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas had a length of 198.3 inches, a width of 78.3 inches, and a height of 70 inches.
While the 2019 Toyota Highlander had a length of 192.5 in, a width of 75.8 in, and a height of 68.1 inches.
For more detailed specifications on the VW Atlas versus the Toyota Highlander, such as the wheelbase and ground clearance.
Check out the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2020 Toyota Highlander comparison or the VW Atlas vs Honda Pilot vs Toyota Highlander comparison.
Interior, and Comfort
The Volkswagen Atlas and Toyota Highlander both offer impressive cabins with plenty of room for passengers.
The Volkswagen Atlas has a standard three-row seating arrangement, while the Toyota Highlander offers a choice of a five- or seven-seat configuration.
In terms of space and comfort, the Volkswagen Atlas is a clear winner. It offers more legroom in the second and third rows and its large windows offer an airy cabin feel.
It also comes standard with cloth upholstery and leatherette, while the Toyota Highlander only offers cloth upholstery.
In terms of cargo capacity, the Volkswagen Atlas offers an impressive 21 cubic feet behind the third row, compared to the Highlander’s 16 cubic feet.
Both vehicles offer optional third-row stow-away seating that increases cargo capacity significantly. The VW Atlas offers nearly 40 cubic feet, while the Highlander offers around 33 cubic feet.
Read also: Volkswagen Tiguan vs Mazda CX 5
Infotainment
When it comes to infotainment, the Volkswagen Atlas and Toyota Highlander both offer a good selection of features.
The Volkswagen Atlas is equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and SiriusXM radio as standard features.
The Toyota Highlander has a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Wi-Fi Connect, and Amazon Alexa Auto. Both vehicles offer ample infotainment systems to suit all needs.
When comparing the Volkswagen Atlas vs Toyota Highlander for 2021, 2019, 2018, or even 2020 models, it’s important to note that both vehicles offer an impressive range of infotainment options.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
When it comes to safety, the Volkswagen Atlas and Toyota Highlander 2022 are both well-equipped.
Both vehicles come with a standard rearview camera and driver-assistance features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning.
The Volkswagen Atlas offers optional adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assistance, and an intelligent crash response system.
The Toyota Highlander, on the other hand, offers an available 360-degree view camera system and parking sensors.
Both vehicles offer similar levels of protection in crash tests. In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) evaluations, the Volkswagen Atlas achieved a “Good” rating in all areas except the headlights.
Where it was rated “Marginal.” The Toyota Highlander earned a “Good” rating in all areas. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave both vehicles a five-star overall rating.
Overall, both the Volkswagen Atlas and the Toyota Highlander offer a safe and secure ride with plenty of driver-assistance features.
Whether you choose the VW Atlas or the Toyota Highlander, you can rest assured that you’re getting a reliable vehicle with plenty of safety features to keep you and your family protected.
Towing and Hauling Capacity
When it comes to towing and hauling, the Volkswagen Atlas and the Toyota Highlander have both proven to be capable SUVs.
The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas can tow up to 2,000 to 5,000 lbs pounds with its V6 engine, while the Toyota Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds with its V6 engine as well.
However, when comparing the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas vs Toyota Highlander, the Atlas has a slightly higher towing capacity of 5,000 pounds compared to the Highlander’s 1,500 to 5,000 lbs-pound capacity.
Read also: Volkswagen Passat vs Toyota Camry
Verdict
When it comes to choosing between the Volkswagen Atlas vs Toyota Highlander 2022, it’s really a matter of personal preference.
Both SUVs offer great value for money and provide plenty of interior space and excellent fuel economy. The VW Atlas has a more spacious cabin and an impressive suite of driver-assistance features.
On the other hand, the Toyota Highlander offers excellent performance, a comfortable ride, and standard all-wheel drive.
So which one is the better choice? Well, it depends on what you need from your SUV. If you prioritize a spacious interior, driver assistance features, and comfort, then the VW Atlas should be at the top of your list.
However, if you prefer great performance and excellent reliability, then the Toyota Highlander is the way to go.
Ultimately, the decision between the Volkswagen Atlas vs Toyota Highlander 2022 will come down to what you prioritize in an SUV.