2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2026 Toyota Highlander

$37,190 · Crossover

$45,270 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport bursts onto the scene with a more robust torque figure of 273 lb-ft and an accessible starting MSRP of $37,190, making German engineering feel attainable. In contrast, the 2026 Toyota Highlander champions efficiency and grip, boasting superior 24 combined MPG and standard All-Wheel Drive, despite its higher $45,270 entry price. Performance parity is nearly a stalemate, with the VW offering 269 hp versus Toyota's 265 hp, though the Highlander pulls ahead with 310 lb-ft of torque. Size-wise, the Atlas Cross Sport is marginally larger at 195.6 inches long, yet surprises with significantly more utility, offering 40.3 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Highlander’s notably small 16 cu ft rear capacity. This comparison boils down to budget-conscious power versus premium, balanced efficiency.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Toyota Highlander

The 2026 Toyota Highlander offers better fuel economy at 24 combined MPG and superior all-weather traction with standard AWD.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport provides nearly double the usable space with 40.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Toyota Highlander

Despite slightly less horsepower, the Highlander’s substantial 310 lb-ft of torque promises stronger low-end acceleration pull.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The Atlas Cross Sport undercuts the Highlander by $8,080, offering 269 hp for substantially less money.

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport if...

You prioritize maximizing cargo volume, as the Atlas Cross Sport offers a cavernous 40.3 cubic feet.
Sticking strictly to a budget is essential, given the $37,190 starting MSRP which is significantly lower.
You need slightly more punch from the engine in the form of 273 lb-ft of torque versus the competition.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

All-weather confidence is mandatory, as the Highlander includes standard All-Wheel Drive.
You want the best achievable fuel economy, delivering 28 highway MPG versus the VW’s 26 MPG.
The higher torque figure of 310 lb-ft appeals more to your driving style than the VW's power output.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport	Toyota Highlander
Length	195.6"	194.9"
Width	78.3"	76.0"
Height	68.1"	68.1"
Wheelbase	117.3"	112.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Volkswagen	Toyota
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	✓	✓
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 Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Cornering Lights	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Volkswagen	Toyota
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	269 hp @ 5500 rpm	265 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	273 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	310 lb-ft @ 1700 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	Volkswagen	Toyota
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Volkswagen	Toyota
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/26 MPG	21/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	372.0/483.6 mi.	375.9/501.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.6 gal.	17.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Volkswagen	Toyota
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	—
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Volkswagen	Toyota
Infotainment Display	12.0 in	8.0 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	Volkswagen	Toyota
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
One-Touch Power Windows	—	4
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	Volkswagen	Toyota
Front Head Room	39.4 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.5 in.	59.0 in.
Front Hip Room	58.4 in.	57.2 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 Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way

Rearseats

Feature	Volkswagen	Toyota
Rear Head Room	37.8 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.4 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.4 in.	58.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.7 in.	57.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Volkswagen	Toyota
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R18	P235/65R V
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Volkswagen	Toyota
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Volkswagen	Toyota
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	2 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 20000 mi.	2 yr./ 25000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport and 2026 Toyota Highlander.

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

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport starts at an MSRP of $37,190, while the 2026 Toyota Highlander is priced higher at $45,270. This results in a notable difference of $8,080 separating the base models.

Which crossover is significantly larger for hauling gear?

The 2025 Atlas Cross Sport dominates in hauling capacity, providing a substantial 40.3 cubic feet of cargo space. Conversely, the 2026 Highlander offers only 16 cubic feet, making the VW the clear choice for maximum storage.

How do the horsepower and torque figures compare directly?

The VW Atlas Cross Sport edges out the Highlander in horsepower, generating 269 hp to Toyota's 265 hp. However, the Highlander fights back with superior torque, boasting 310 lb-ft compared to the VW's 273 lb-ft.

Is there a difference in fuel economy between the two models?

Yes, the 2026 Highlander is slightly thriftier, achieving 24 combined MPG (21 city/28 highway). The 2025 Atlas Cross Sport manages 23 combined MPG (20 city/26 highway).

Does one vehicle include better standard drivetrain technology?

The 2026 Toyota Highlander comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, suggesting better grip in varied conditions. The base 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is equipped with standard Front Wheel Drive.

Are both crossovers physically the same size?

They are very similar in footprint; the Atlas Cross Sport is slightly longer at 195.6 inches versus the Highlander's 194.9 inches, and both share the same 68.1-inch height.