Hybrid powerhouse vs german precision: toyota highlander vs atlas cross sport head-to-head

When it comes to family-friendly SUVs, the Toyota Highlander and the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport stand out as two of the most popular options on the market. Both vehicles offer spacious seating, advanced safety features, and impressive performance. But which one is the right choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between the Toyota Highlander and the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport to help you make an informed decision.

Performance and Fuel Economy

The Toyota Highlander comes with a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The Atlas Cross Sport, on the other hand, offers a choice of two engines: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, or a 3.6-liter V6 with 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and are available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

In terms of fuel economy, the Toyota Highlander has a slight edge over the Atlas Cross Sport. With front-wheel drive, the Highlander gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The Atlas Cross Sport with the 2.0-liter engine gets 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, while the V6 model gets 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

Interior and Cargo Space

Both the Highlander and the Atlas Cross Sport offer spacious interiors with comfortable seating for up to eight passengers. The Highlander has a slight advantage in terms of headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats. However, the Atlas Cross Sport has a larger cargo capacity than the Highlander, with 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row of seats compared to 16.1 cubic feet in the Highlander.

Features and Technology

When it comes to features and technology, both the Highlander and the Atlas Cross Sport offer a wide range of options to keep you connected and entertained on the road. The Highlander comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker sound system. The Atlas Cross Sport has a slightly larger 8-inch touchscreen display, as well as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium Fender sound system.

In terms of safety features, both vehicles come standard with a suite of airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control. The Highlander also offers a blind-spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning as standard, while the Atlas Cross Sport offers these features as options.

Price and Value

The Toyota Highlander has a starting price of $36,420 for the base L trim level. The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport starts at $31,595 for the base S trim level. However, the Highlander comes with a more comprehensive list of standard features than the Atlas Cross Sport, which means that the Highlander offers a better value proposition overall.

Pros and Cons

Toyota Highlander

Pros:

• Spacious and comfortable interior
• Good fuel economy
• Comprehensive list of standard safety features
• Strong resale value

Cons:

• Less cargo space than the Atlas Cross Sport
• Some interior materials feel cheap
• Not as sporty to drive as the Atlas Cross Sport

Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Pros:

• Larger cargo capacity than the Highlander
• More powerful engine options
• More premium interior materials
• Sportier to drive than the Highlander

Cons:

• Higher starting price
• Less fuel-efficient than the Highlander
• Not as many standard safety features as the Highlander

Which One Should You Choose?

Ultimately, the decision between the Toyota Highlander and the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a spacious and fuel-efficient SUV with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, the Toyota Highlander is a great choice. If you’re looking for a more powerful and sporty SUV with a larger cargo capacity and more premium interior materials, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is a better option.

The Verdict: Toyota Highlander vs Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Both the Toyota Highlander and the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport are excellent choices for family-friendly SUVs. The Highlander offers a better value proposition overall, while the Atlas Cross Sport is a more premium and sporty option. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Which SUV has a better fuel economy, the Toyota Highlander or the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport?
A: The Toyota Highlander has a slightly better fuel economy than the Atlas Cross Sport.

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

Q: Which SUV has a more powerful engine, the Toyota Highlander or the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport?
A: The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport has more powerful engine options than the Highlander.

Q: Which SUV has a more comprehensive list of standard safety features, the Toyota Highlander or the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport?
A: The Toyota Highlander has a more comprehensive list of standard safety features than the Atlas Cross Sport.

Q: Which SUV has a higher starting price, the Toyota Highlander or the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport?
A: The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport has a higher starting price than the Highlander.