VW Atlas vs Toyota Highlander Comparison Review | Which is Better | Find Out

One of its main rivals is the Mid-Sized front wheel drive (FWD) Toyota Highlander SUV (all wheel drive is optional). All-new for 2020, the Highlander is the fourth-generation of this popular SUV from Toyota and carries with it an impeccable reputation for quality and reliability. In the article below we will do a side-by-side vehicle comparison to help you make a better informed decision.

The Volkswagen Atlas features a conservative, yet bold look at the modern SUV. Introduced as a 2018 model, the new Atlas shows off a generous ride height and an available 4Motion all-wheel-drive (AWD) system that is capable of taking you off-road as needed.

Both the Atlas and Highlander are fairly contemporary in appearance. Still, we give the Volkswagen the edge, thanks to its massively bulging fenders that give it a bolder look than the more fluid appearance found on the Highlander.

For 2023, the Atlas includes VW's Car-Net telematics that is now standard. The available SE Technology R-Line models add the 10.25-inch fully configurable Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pr.

The Highlander features a new wider-mouthed grille topped off with the brand's new winged logo to crown it from above.

The Volkswagen Atlas gets its power from a choice of 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 235 horsepower @ 5,400 rpm  and 258 lb-ft @1,600 rpm of torque. That power is sent from the engine to an eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers it to the front-wheel-drive powertrain.

A second choice for the Atlas is a naturally-aspirated 3.6-liter VR6® engine that delivers 276 horsepower @6,200 rpm and 266 lb-ft of torque @ 3,600 rpm. It, too, is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Power can go to the front wheels only or if so outfitted to all four wheels via the Atlas's optional 4Motion all-wheel-drive system.

The Toyota Highlander is driven by a 3.5-liter naturally-aspirated V6 engine making 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. It, too, uses an eight-speed automatic transmission to deliver that power and, just like the Volkswagen Atlas, is capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds.

Depending on how you order your new Volkswagen Atlas, it will be equipped with seating for six or seven passengers which makes it a great family vehicle both for the city and for weekend getaways. That's because if purchased with the full bench seat in the second row, three passengers will fit, shoulder to shoulder.

Opt instead for the second-row captain's chairs, and you'll carry one less passenger, but will likely avoid the "Mom, he's touching me," comments from the children in the middle. When equipped with the bench seat, you will receive 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. Fold both rear rows down for a very generous cargo payload of 96.8-cubic feet.

Audio systems in the Atlas range start with a base 6.5-inch touchscreen system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. There is plenty of technology available, including a premium Fender Premium Audio system in the top-line SEL Premium version. The Toyota Highlander includes an 8-inch touchscreen display system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa. At the top of the list is an available JBL Premium Audio system with navigation.

Volkswagen's Car-Net infotainment system is included on the Atlas at no charge for the first five years of ownership. This Subscription-based Security & Service feature provides remote vehicle lock/unlock, automatic crash notification and last parked locations.

The system grows to include the range-topping Guide & Inform feature, which includes built-in navigation, plus SiriusXM Travel Link that includes traffic and weather info, local fuel prices, movie information and sports scores. The Toyota Highlander includes Toyota's Safety Sense 2.0, which includes the latest advanced driving-assistance system (ADAS).

The Volkswagen Atlas has received a 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. The Highlander receives an IIHS Top Safety Pick rating.

The Volkswagen Atlas is equipped with a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and a four-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Toyota RAV4 includes a basic 3-year/36,000-mile warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.