2025 Toyota Highlander vs 2025 Volkswagen Atlas
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Toyota Highlander electrifies its powertrain, delivering a spirited 265 horsepower and a punchy 310 lb-ft of torque, making it a competent daily driver focused on efficiency, achieving a respectable 25 MPG combined. Conversely, the considerably larger 2025 Volkswagen Atlas grabs attention with a broader, bolder presence (200.7 inches long) and marginally higher output at 269 horsepower, though its efficiency dips to 22 MPG combined. While the Highlander offers superior fuel economy, the Atlas counters with sheer utility, boasting 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space versus the Highlander's tighter 16 cubic feet. Priced slightly higher at $40,320 compared to the Atlas's $38,200 MSRP, the decision boils down to prioritizing the Highlander's efficiency gains or embracing the Atlas's cavernous dimensions and slight horsepower edge.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Highlander
The 2025 Highlander wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 25 MPG.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas
The 2025 Atlas is better for families, offering significantly more cargo capacity at 20.6 cubic feet compared to 16 cubic feet.
2025 Toyota Highlander
The Highlander provides substantially more low-end grunt with 310 lb-ft of torque versus the Atlas's 273 lb-ft.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas
The 2025 Atlas offers a lower starting MSRP of $38,200 and provides greater utility for the money.
Choose the Toyota Highlander if...
- You prioritize fuel economy, as the Highlander achieves a 25 MPG combined rating.
- You need the superior low-end punch delivered by its 310 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer a slightly more compact footprint, measuring 194.9 inches in length.
Choose the Volkswagen Atlas if...
- Maximum interior volume is critical, thanks to its class-leading 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space.
- You desire the most spacious exterior dimensions, standing taller at 70.4 inches.
- You want the lowest entry price point with an MSRP of $38,200.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Highlander | Volkswagen Atlas |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.9" | 200.7" |
| Width | 76.0" | 78.3" |
| Height | 68.1" | 70.4" |
| 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 | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | — | ✓ |
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 shiftable 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) | 22/29 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 393.8/519.1 mi. | 372.0/483.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.9 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
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 | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Toyota | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.2 in. | 41.3 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: 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 | 39.4 in. | 40.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.7 in. | 37.6 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.7 in. | 60.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.0 in. | 58.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P235/65R V | 245/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | — |
| 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 Highlander and 2025 Volkswagen Atlas.
Which SUV is better on gas for long highway drives?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander is the more frugal option, boasting a highway MPG rating of 29 compared to the Atlas's 26 MPG highway. This difference results in fewer stops at the pump during extended travel.
How much more interior space does the Volkswagen Atlas really offer?
The 2025 Atlas offers a noticeable advantage in the rear, with 20.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity versus the Highlander's 16 cubic feet. Additionally, the Atlas is physically larger in every dimension, measuring 2.1 inches taller and 2.3 inches wider.
Despite similar horsepower figures, which vehicle feels quicker off the line?
Enthusiasts will likely prefer the Highlander, as its 310 lb-ft of torque arrives more effectively than the Atlas's 273 lb-ft. Torque is crucial for immediate acceleration feel, even if the horsepower is close (265 hp vs 269 hp).
What is the price difference between the base models?
The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas starts at a more accessible $38,200 MSRP. The 2025 Toyota Highlander begins at $40,320, creating an initial cost savings of $2,120 for the Atlas.
Do these SUVs require premium gasoline?
Neither vehicle demands higher-cost fuel; both the 2025 Toyota Highlander and the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas are designed to run perfectly well on regular unleaded gasoline.
Are the driving dynamics significantly different based on length?
Yes, the Highlander at 194.9 inches is shorter than the Atlas at 200.7 inches, which may translate to easier maneuvering in tight city spots. Both utilize an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
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