2025 Toyota Grand Highlander vs 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

$40,860 · Crossover

$38,300 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander immediately stands out with its sheer bulk, measuring 201.4 inches long, promising cavernous interior space, even though its 20.6 cu ft of cargo space (with all seats up) feels comparatively modest next to the Atlas. It offers slightly better fuel efficiency at 24 combined MPG, running on standard regular unleaded. Conversely, the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport charms with a tauter exterior at 195.6 inches and boasts a remarkable 40.3 cu ft of standard cargo capacity. While the Atlas nudges ahead slightly in power with 269 hp versus the Toyota's 265 hp, the Grand Highlander compensates with higher torque at 310 lb-ft versus the VW's 273 lb-ft. Both FWD crossovers utilize 8-speed automatics, but the Atlas Cross Sport undercuts the starting MSRP significantly at $38,300 compared to the Grand Highlander's $40,860.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota Grand Highlander

The Grand Highlander offers a marginally better combined fuel economy of 24 MPG for daily running costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The Atlas Cross Sport offers significantly more usable standard cargo capacity at 40.3 cu ft compared to the Grand Highlander's 20.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The Atlas Cross Sport achieves a slightly higher peak horsepower rating of 269 hp for a more spirited performance feel.

💰 Best Value

2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is the clear value leader with a lower MSRP of $38,300 against the Toyota's $40,860.

Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...

You prioritize maximum low-end pull, given the Grand Highlander's superior 310 lb-ft of torque.
You require the slightly better highway cruising efficiency rated at 28 MPG.
You prefer the commanding road presence offered by its longer 201.4-inch body length.

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport if...

Hauling maximum gear is essential, benefiting from the class-leading 40.3 cu ft of standard cargo space.
You are aiming for the lowest upfront cost with an MSRP starting at $38,300.
You desire the marginally higher peak power 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	20/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	373.8/498.4 mi.	372.0/502.2 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 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.

How much bigger is the 2026 VW Atlas Cross Sport's cargo area than the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander?

The Atlas Cross Sport boasts a massive advantage in standard cargo capacity, offering 40.3 cu ft behind the second row. This nearly doubles the Grand Highlander's 20.6 cu ft, making the VW significantly more practical for large hauls.

Which crossover delivers better fuel economy for the daily commute?

The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander pulls ahead slightly in efficiency, achieving 24 combined MPG and 28 MPG on the highway. The Atlas Cross Sport trails just behind at 23 combined MPG and 27 MPG highway.

Is there a significant difference in engine output between these two FWD models?

Yes, though both use 8-speed automatics, the Atlas Cross Sport leads in peak power with 269 hp, while the Grand Highlander counters with stronger pulling capability via 310 lb-ft of torque versus the VW's 273 lb-ft.

What is the price difference between the base models of the Grand Highlander and the Atlas Cross Sport?

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport enters the ring with a more aggressive starting MSRP of $38,300. The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander has a higher entry price point, beginning at $40,860.

How does the physical size of the two vehicles compare?

The Toyota Grand Highlander is the larger vehicle overall, measuring 201.4 inches long and 70.1 inches tall. The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is shorter in length at 195.6 inches and noticeably lower in height at 68.1 inches.