2024 Toyota Highlander vs. 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Review

Picture of the 2024 Toyota Highlander

2024 Toyota
Highlander

MSRP*: $39,270 to $51,675
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Picture of the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas

2024 Volkswagen
Atlas

MSRP*: $37,995 to $52,890
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MPG - City 21 - 22 MPG 18 - 20 MPG
MPG - Hwy 28 - 29 MPG 24 - 27 MPG
Seating Capacity 7 - 8 seats 6 - 7 seats
Cargo Space 84.3 ft3 96.8 ft3
Engine
  • 265-hp, 2.4-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 269-hp, 2.0-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Automatic Automatic
Drivetrain All Wheel Drive, Front Wheel Drive All Wheel Drive, Front Wheel Drive
Horsepower 265 hp 269 hp
Towing Capacity 5,000 lbs 2,000 - 5,000 lbs
Exterior Length 194.9 - 197.4 in 200.7 in
Exterior Width 76.0 in 78.3 in
Leg Room Front 42.0 in
Rear 38.7 in
Front 41.7 in
Rear 37.6 in
Head Room Front 38.4 - 41.2 in
Rear 37.1 - 39.4 in
Front 41.3 in
Rear 40.4 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
The Toyota Highlander offers rear passengers about the same room to stretch out as the Volkswagen Atlas, with comparable head- and legroom. The Volkswagen Atlas offers just a little more front head- and legroom than the Toyota Highlander, offering the driver and front passenger a bit more room and comfort.

Convenience
You'll be making about the same number of stops at the gas station with the Toyota Highlander as you will with the Volkswagen Atlas, as they are both able to travel similar distances on a tank of gas.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). Whether you pick the Toyota Highlander or the Volkswagen Atlas, it's going to cost you about the same.

Dimensions
Since the Toyota Highlander is much slimmer than the Volkswagen Atlas, it'll be much easier to find a wide enough space in a crowded parking lot. The Toyota Highlander is slightly shorter than the Volkswagen Atlas, which may make it easier to park.

Handling
The Toyota Highlander has a smaller turning radius than the Volkswagen Atlas, allowing you to more easily maneuver in and out of tight spots.

Performance
If you've got something you need to pull, the Toyota Highlander will do just as well as the Volkswagen Atlas, since they have about the same towing capacity. In terms of horsepower, it's a virtual tie between the Toyota Highlander and the Volkswagen Atlas.

Powertrain
With somewhat higher torque, the Toyota Highlander transmits power to its wheels a bit more effectively than the Volkswagen Atlas.

Utility
The Toyota Highlander offers greater seating capacity than the Volkswagen Atlas, making it a better choice for those who find themselves chauffeuring others around. The Toyota Highlander has less cargo space than the Volkswagen Atlas, which is okay if you don't need to move a lot in one trip.