2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid rockets ahead with efficiency, achieving an exceptional 35 MPG combined, sharply contrasting the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport's 23 MPG combined figure. The Atlas Cross Sport counters with sheer muscle, delivering 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque compared to the Highlander's 243 hp hybrid output. This performance difference, coupled with a substantial $9,630 MSRP gap—the Atlas starts at $37,190 versus the Highlander's $46,820—defines the battle. While the Highlander shines in frugality, the Atlas boasts superior practicality, offering an enormous 40.3 cu ft of cargo capacity against the Highlander’s tight 16 cu ft. Enthusiasts seeking immediate power will favor the Atlas's slightly higher output, but commuters prioritizing stretching fuel dollars will certainly appreciate the Highlander’s dominant 35 MPG rating on its all-wheel-drive platform.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The Highlander Hybrid wins for commuters due to its superb 35 MPG combined fuel economy, significantly reducing running costs.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
The Atlas Cross Sport offers vastly superior family utility with 40.3 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Highlander's 16 cu ft.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Enthusiasts will prefer the Atlas Cross Sport’s slightly higher 269 horsepower and greater torque output for a more spirited drive.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
The Atlas Cross Sport provides significantly more power and cargo space while saving buyers $9,630 at the base MSRP.
Choose the Toyota Highlander Hybrid if...
- Your top priority is maximizing fuel efficiency, leveraging the Highlander Hybrid's exceptional 35 MPG combined rating.
- You require all-wheel drive (AWD) for consistent traction in varied road conditions.
- You prefer the smooth, predictable acceleration of a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.
Choose the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport if...
- You need maximum hauling capability, evidenced by the Atlas Cross Sport's cavernous 40.3 cu ft cargo capacity.
- You want more immediate power, benefiting from the 269 horsepower engine.
- You are looking to save $9,630 upfront, as the Atlas Cross Sport has a significantly lower base MSRP of $37,190.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Highlander Hybrid | Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.9" | 195.6" |
| Width | 76.0" | 78.3" |
| Height | 68.1" | 68.1" |
| Wheelbase | 112.2" | 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 Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Toyota | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 243 hp @ 6000 rpm | 269 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Torque | — | 273 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
Drive Train
| Feature | Toyota | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Toyota | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 35/35 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 35 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 598.5/598.5 mi. | 372.0/483.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.1 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Toyota | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 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 | — |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Toyota | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.6 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.0 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.0 in. | 61.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 57.2 in. | 58.4 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Toyota | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.4 in. | 37.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.7 in. | 40.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.4 in. | 60.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.0 in. | 58.7 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P235/65R18 | 245/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | — |
| 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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 8 yr./ 100000 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 Highlander Hybrid and 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.
How much better is the fuel economy for the Highlander Hybrid?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is substantially more efficient, achieving 35 MPG combined, which is 12 MPG better than the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport's 23 MPG combined rating.
Which crossover has the higher starting price?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid carries a higher starting MSRP of $46,820, while the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport starts much lower at $37,190, representing a $9,630 price difference.
Is the Atlas Cross Sport more powerful than the Highlander Hybrid?
Yes, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport generates 269 horsepower, outpacing the Highlander Hybrid’s 243 hp output, although the Highlander uses a hybrid system.
Which vehicle is better equipped for hauling large items?
The Atlas Cross Sport is the clear winner for cargo space, offering 40.3 cu ft behind the second row, whereas the Highlander Hybrid provides only 16 cu ft.
What is the difference in drivetrain setup?
The Highlander Hybrid comes standard with all-wheel drive, whereas the comparison model of the Atlas Cross Sport utilizes front-wheel drive.
Do both vehicles use regular unleaded gasoline?
Both the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid and the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport are designed to run on regular unleaded fuel.
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