2025 Toyota Highlander vs 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Highlander brings Toyota's legendary dependability wrapped in a familiar, refined package, exciting drivers with 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque from its efficient powertrain, achieving a commendable 25 combined MPG. Conversely, the 2025 Atlas Cross Sport immediately grabs attention with its slightly broader stance (78.3 inches wide) and superior raw power, boasting 269 hp, though it sacrifices some efficiency for a 23 combined MPG rating. While the Highlander holds an advantage in torque and fuel economy, the Atlas Cross Sport dominates utility, offering a cavernous 40.3 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Highlander's 16 cu ft in the rear. Starting at $40,320, the Highlander carries a $3,130 premium over the Atlas Cross Sport's $37,190 entry price, setting up a compelling battle between proven efficiency and sheer space.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Highlander
The Highlander wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, netting 25 combined MPG versus the Atlas Cross Sport's 23 MPG.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
The Atlas Cross Sport is the definitive choice for families, offering more than double the usable cargo space at 40.3 cu ft against the Highlander's 16 cu ft.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Enthusiasts will appreciate the Atlas Cross Sport's slightly higher horsepower rating of 269 hp over the Highlander's 265 hp.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
The Atlas Cross Sport delivers more horsepower and significantly more cargo capacity for $3,130 less than the Highlander.
Choose the Toyota Highlander if...
- You prioritize maximum fuel efficiency, highlighted by its 25 combined MPG rating.
- You prefer the reassurance of higher low-end pulling power, evidenced by 310 lb-ft of torque.
- You want the smaller exterior footprint, measuring 194.9 inches in length for easier urban maneuvering.
Choose the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport if...
- You need maximum hauling capability, demonstrated by its massive 40.3 cu ft of standard cargo space.
- You want the absolute lowest starting price point at $37,190.
- You desire slightly more peak engine output with 269 horsepower available.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Highlander | 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 | 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 | 23 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 | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| 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. | 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: 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. | 37.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.7 in. | 40.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.7 in. | 60.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.0 in. | 58.7 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 Cross Sport.
Which crossover is better for highway driving efficiency between the two?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander (car1) is slightly better on the highway, achieving 29 MPG highway compared to the Atlas Cross Sport's 26 MPG highway rating. This efficiency edge results in fewer stops for gas on long road trips.
How significant is the cargo space difference for weekly errands?
The difference is substantial; the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport (car2) offers 40.3 cu ft of space, dwarfing the Highlander's 16 cu ft cargo capacity. If you frequently haul large items or gear, the Atlas Cross Sport is vastly superior.
Is the Atlas Cross Sport significantly larger overall than the Highlander?
The Atlas Cross Sport (car2) is slightly longer at 195.6 inches versus the Highlander's 194.9 inches, but it is noticeably wider at 78.3 inches compared to the Highlander's 76.0 inches, which might affect tight garage parking.
Does the price difference justify the performance trade-offs?
The Atlas Cross Sport (car2) saves you $3,130 off the MSRP and delivers 4 more horsepower (269 hp vs 265 hp). Given that the Highlander only offers slightly more torque (310 lb-ft vs 273 lb-ft), the Atlas Cross Sport presents a compelling performance-to-price ratio.
What engine type and transmission do both vehicles share?
Both the 2025 Toyota Highlander and the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport utilize a regular unleaded fuel type and are equipped with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Which vehicle has more responsive low-speed power delivery?
The Toyota Highlander (car1) produces 310 lb-ft of torque, which is substantially higher than the Atlas Cross Sport's 273 lb-ft. This extra torque should provide a slightly stronger feeling during initial acceleration from a stop.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool