2025 Toyota Grand Highlander vs 2025 Volkswagen Atlas

$40,860 · Crossover

$38,200 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Picking between the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander and the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas often comes down to prioritizing fuel economy versus upfront savings in the competitive three-row crossover segment. If squeezing every mile out of your fuel budget matters, the Grand Highlander pulls ahead with a superior Combined MPG of 24 compared to the Atlas's 22 MPG. However, the Atlas offers a slightly lower entry price, starting at $38,200 against the Toyota's $40,860 MSRP. While performance metrics are close, the Atlas boasts marginally more horsepower at 269 hp versus the Grand Highlander's 265 hp, though the Toyota counters with higher torque at 310 lb-ft versus the VW's 273 lb-ft. Both vehicles are similarly sized outsiders, both measuring 201.4 and 200.7 inches long respectively, and surprisingly offer identical base cargo capacity at 20.6 cu ft, making this decision hinge on long-term running costs versus initial purchase price.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota Grand Highlander

The 2025 Grand Highlander is better for daily commuting due to its higher combined fuel economy of 24 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota Grand Highlander

Both offer the same 20.6 cu ft of cargo space, but the Toyota's slight MPG advantage eases overall family transportation costs.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2025 Atlas delivers slightly more peak horsepower (269 hp) for spirited driving compared to the Grand Highlander's 265 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas offers better immediate value with a significantly lower starting MSRP of $38,200.

Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...

You prioritize long-term running costs, as the Grand Highlander achieves 24 MPG combined.
You prefer stronger pulling power, as the Grand Highlander leads with 310 lb-ft of torque.
You need the assurance of Toyota's reputation for reliability in a large crossover format.

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas if...

Sticking to a strict initial budget is crucial, given the Atlas's lower $38,200 MSRP.
You prefer a vehicle that offers a bit more raw horsepower at 269 hp.
You appreciate a slightly smaller footprint, as the Atlas is marginally shorter at 200.7 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Toyota Grand Highlander	Volkswagen Atlas
Length	201.4"	200.7"
Width	78.3"	78.3"
Height	70.1"	70.4"
Wheelbase	116.1"	117.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Toyota	Volkswagen
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Automatic Headlights	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Daytime Running Lights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Toyota	Volkswagen
Base Engine Displacement	2.4 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	265 hp @ 6000 rpm	269 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	310 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm	273 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Toyota	Volkswagen
Transmission Type	8-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Toyota	Volkswagen
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/28 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	373.8/498.4 mi.	372.0/483.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.8 gal.	18.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Toyota	Volkswagen
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Toyota	Volkswagen
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	12.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Toyota	Volkswagen
One-Touch Power Windows	4	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Toyota	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	41.5 in.	41.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.2 in.	61.5 in.
Front Hip Room	56.5 in.	58.4 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	6-way
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Toyota	Volkswagen
Rear Head Room	40.2 in.	40.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.5 in.	37.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.8 in.	60.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.0 in.	58.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Toyota	Volkswagen
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/65R18	245/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	—	18 x 8.0 in

Suspension

Feature	Toyota	Volkswagen
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Toyota	Volkswagen
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	2 yr./ unlimited mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 25000 mi.	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander and 2025 Volkswagen Atlas.

Is there a noticeable difference in fuel economy between the 2025 Grand Highlander and Atlas?

Yes, the Toyota Grand Highlander is the more fuel-efficient option, achieving 24 MPG combined, whereas the VW Atlas comes in at 22 MPG combined. This small difference can add up over the lifespan of the vehicle.

Which SUV has a better engine for towing or acceleration based on specs?

The Grand Highlander technically offers more pulling force with 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the Atlas's 273 lb-ft, suggesting better low-end grunt. However, the Atlas has slightly higher peak horsepower at 269 hp versus the Toyota's 265 hp.

How do the starting prices for these two crossovers compare?

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas has a clear upfront advantage, starting at an MSRP of $38,200. The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander is priced higher, beginning at $40,860.

Are the physical sizes of the 2025 Grand Highlander and Atlas similar for parking?

They are extremely close in exterior dimensions; the Grand Highlander is 201.4 inches long while the Atlas is 200.7 inches long, meaning maneuverability and garage fitment should be nearly identical.

Do these two vehicles offer the same amount of space for luggage?

Both the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander and the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas are listed with an identical base cargo capacity of 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row.

Do either of these models require premium fuel?

No, both the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander and the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas are designed to run on regular unleaded fuel, which keeps running costs lower.