2025 Toyota Grand Highlander vs 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

$40,860 · Crossover

$37,190 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the three-row utility of the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander and the sharper styling of the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport often comes down to space versus upfront cost. The Atlas Cross Sport immediately grabs attention with a lower MSRP of $37,190 compared to the Grand Highlander’s $40,860, a savings of $3,670. However, you are sacrificing significant capacity; the Toyota boasts 201.4 inches in length and 20.6 cu ft of cargo space behind the third row (though the VW has more with 40.3 cu ft behind its second row). While the VW technically has slightly more peak power at 269 hp versus the Toyota's 265 hp, the Grand Highlander counters with better fuel efficiency, achieving 24 MPG combined versus the Atlas Cross Sport's 23 MPG combined. Ultimately, buyers must weigh the Toyota’s slight efficiency edge and larger overall footprint against the VW’s immediate cost savings and impressive standard cargo volume.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota Grand Highlander

The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 24 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota Grand Highlander

The Grand Highlander is the choice for families needing maximum bulk, evidenced by its greater overall length of 201.4 inches.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earns the enthusiast nod by producing slightly higher peak horsepower at 269 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The Atlas Cross Sport offers better initial value with a significantly lower MSRP of $37,190.

Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...

You prioritize a 24 MPG combined fuel rating for daily driving.
You need the longer body at 201.4 inches to maximize passenger or third-row accommodation.
You prefer the Grand Highlander’s higher torque rating of 310 lb-ft for pulling power.

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport if...

Saving $3,670 upfront is important, as the Atlas Cross Sport starts at $37,190.
You require substantial cargo space, benefitting from the 40.3 cu ft figure behind the second row.
You want the marginally higher peak engine output of 269 horsepower.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Toyota Grand Highlander	Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Length	201.4"	195.6"
Width	78.3"	78.3"
Height	70.1"	68.1"
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	23 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	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
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.	39.4 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.	37.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.5 in.	40.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.8 in.	60.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.0 in.	58.7 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 Cross Sport.

Which SUV is more fuel-efficient for highway driving?

The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander edges out the competition here, offering 28 MPG on the highway compared to the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport's 26 MPG highway rating. This difference could save noticeable fuel dollars over a year of commuting.

How much does the difference in size impact practicality?

The Grand Highlander is over 5 inches longer (201.4 inches vs 195.6 inches), suggesting more generous third-row or overall passenger volume, even though the Atlas boasts more dedicated cargo space when the rear seats are folded down (40.3 cu ft vs 20.6 cu ft).

Is the Atlas Cross Sport significantly cheaper than the Grand Highlander?

Yes, the difference in starting MSRP is substantial, with the Volkswagen beginning at $37,190 versus the Toyota's $40,860. That's a difference of $3,670 right at the showroom floor.

Do either of these vehicles use premium gasoline?

Fortunately, neither vehicle demands premium fuel for their standard engines; both the Toyota Grand Highlander and the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport are specified to run on regular unleaded gasoline.

Which vehicle offers more initial power?

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport technically leads in raw horsepower with 269 hp, slightly surpassing the Grand Highlander's 265 hp, although the Toyota compensates with greater torque (310 lb-ft vs 273 lb-ft).

Are the dimensions very different for parking?

While both are large crossovers, the Grand Highlander is slightly wider (78.3 inches for both) and taller (70.1 inches vs 68.1 inches for the VW), which might make navigating very tight urban garages slightly easier in the Atlas Cross Sport.