Toyota Highlander Vs Atlas Cross Sport: Clash Of The Titans In The Suv Arena!

The Toyota Highlander and the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport are two of the most popular midsize SUVs on the market today. Both vehicles offer a spacious interior, a comfortable ride, and a variety of features that make them ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. But which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll take a closer look at the Toyota Highlander vs Atlas Cross Sport to help you make an informed decision.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency: A Close Race

Under the hood, the Toyota Highlander offers a choice of two engines: a 3.5-liter V6 with 295 horsepower and a 2.5-liter hybrid with 243 horsepower. The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, on the other hand, comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 235 horsepower.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Toyota Highlander hybrid takes the lead with an impressive EPA-estimated 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, with its smaller engine, offers a slightly lower EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

Interior Space and Comfort: Room for Everyone

Both the Toyota Highlander and the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offer a spacious interior with ample seating for up to seven passengers. The Highlander has a slightly larger cargo capacity behind the third row of seats, with 16.1 cubic feet of space compared to the Atlas Cross Sport’s 14.5 cubic feet. However, with the second and third rows folded down, the Atlas Cross Sport offers a more generous cargo capacity of 77.8 cubic feet compared to the Highlander’s 84.3 cubic feet.

In terms of comfort, both SUVs offer supportive seats and a quiet ride. The Highlander has a slightly more upscale interior with higher-quality materials, while the Atlas Cross Sport offers more standard features, including a panoramic sunroof and a digital instrument cluster.

Safety Features: A Tie for Peace of Mind

When it comes to safety, both the Toyota Highlander and the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. Both vehicles also offer a variety of advanced safety features, such as lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking.

In terms of crash test ratings, the Toyota Highlander received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received a four-star overall safety rating.

Technology and Connectivity: Keeping You Connected

Both the Toyota Highlander and the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offer a wide range of technology and connectivity features to keep you entertained and connected on the road. Both vehicles come standard with a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. The Highlander has a slightly larger touchscreen (8 inches compared to the Atlas Cross Sport’s 6.5 inches), but the Atlas Cross Sport offers more standard features, such as a navigation system and a premium audio system.

Price and Value: A Matter of Perspective

The Toyota Highlander has a starting price of $35,420, while the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport starts at $32,555. However, the Highlander offers more standard features, such as a larger touchscreen, a more powerful engine, and a hybrid powertrain option. The Atlas Cross Sport, on the other hand, offers a lower price point and more standard technology features.

Which SUV is Right for You?

Ultimately, the best SUV for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a spacious and fuel-efficient SUV with a comfortable interior and a long list of standard features, the Toyota Highlander is a great choice. If you’re looking for a more affordable SUV with a sporty design and a variety of technology features, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is worth considering.

The Verdict: A Tale of Two SUVs

The Toyota Highlander and the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport are both excellent choices for midsize SUV buyers. The Highlander offers a more powerful engine, a hybrid powertrain option, and a more upscale interior, while the Atlas Cross Sport offers a lower price point, more standard technology features, and a sportier design. Ultimately, the best SUV for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Which SUV has better fuel efficiency, the Toyota Highlander or the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport?

A: The Toyota Highlander hybrid has better fuel efficiency than the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, with an EPA-estimated 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway compared to the Atlas Cross Sport’s 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

Q: Which SUV has a larger cargo capacity, the Toyota Highlander or the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport?

A: With the second and third rows folded down, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offers a more generous cargo capacity of 77.8 cubic feet compared to the Highlander’s 84.3 cubic feet.

Q: Which SUV has a higher safety rating, the Toyota Highlander or the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport?

A: The Toyota Highlander received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received a four-star overall safety rating.