2025 Toyota Highlander vs 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

$40,320 · Crossover

$38,300 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport (Car 2) and the 2025 Toyota Highlander (Car 1) lies in cargo capacity, where Car 2 offers 40.3 cubic feet compared to Car 1's 16 cubic feet, a massive 24.3 cubic foot advantage. Regarding performance, the Atlas Cross Sport edges out the Highlander in power with 269 hp versus 265 hp, although the Highlander claims superior torque at 310 lb-ft to Car 2's 273 lb-ft. Fuel efficiency favors the Highlander, achieving a 25 MPG combined rating against the Atlas Cross Sport's 23 MPG combined. Price comparison shows Car 2 starting at a lower $38,300 MSRP, undercutting Car 1's $40,320 by $2,020. Both vehicles share the same height dimension at 68.1 inches, but Car 2 is slightly longer (195.6 inches vs. 194.9 inches) and significantly wider (78.3 inches vs. 76.0 inches).

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 25 MPG versus the Atlas Cross Sport's 23 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The Atlas Cross Sport is the better choice for families, offering substantially more cargo space at 40.3 cu ft compared to the Highlander's 16 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Toyota Highlander

Enthusiasts will prefer the Highlander due to its higher torque output of 310 lb-ft, compared to the Atlas Cross Sport's 273 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The Atlas Cross Sport presents better entry value with an MSRP of $38,300, which is $2,020 less than the Highlander's starting price.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

Fuel economy is a priority, as the Highlander achieves 25 MPG combined.
Maximizing pulling capability is important, evidenced by its 310 lb-ft of torque.
A slightly more conventional exterior width is preferred, measuring 76.0 inches versus the Atlas Cross Sport's 78.3 inches.

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport if...

Maximum utility is essential, due to its leading 40.3 cu ft of cargo capacity.
Seeking the lowest upfront cost, as its MSRP is $38,300, saving $2,020 over Car 1.
Prioritizing peak horsepower, as it delivers 269 hp compared to Car 1's 265 hp.

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	20/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	393.8/519.1 mi.	372.0/502.2 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 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.

How much greater is the cargo capacity of the 2026 Atlas Cross Sport compared to the 2025 Highlander?

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport provides 40.3 cubic feet of cargo room, which is 24.3 cubic feet more than the 2025 Toyota Highlander's 16 cubic feet.

Which vehicle offers better fuel efficiency for daily driving?

The 2025 Toyota Highlander is more efficient, delivering a combined 25 MPG versus the Atlas Cross Sport's 23 MPG combined. The Highlander also has superior highway rating at 29 MPG versus 27 MPG.

Is there a significant difference in horsepower and torque between these two crossovers?

Yes, the Atlas Cross Sport leads slightly in horsepower with 269 hp (compared to the Highlander's 265 hp), but the Highlander counters with significantly more low-end pulling power at 310 lb-ft of torque versus 273 lb-ft.

What is the starting price difference between the 2025 Highlander and the 2026 Atlas Cross Sport?

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport has a lower starting MSRP of $38,300, making it $2,020 more affordable than the 2025 Toyota Highlander, which starts at $40,320.

Are both models comparable in exterior size dimensions?

While both share the same height (68.1 inches), the Atlas Cross Sport is marginally longer at 195.6 inches versus 194.9 inches, and notably wider at 78.3 inches compared to the Highlander's 76.0 inches.