Close Volkswagen Atlas Vs. Toyota Highlander Comparison Review
See why the stunning Volkswagen Atlas SUV deserves a spot in your driveway with our Volkswagen Atlas vs. Toyota Highlander comparison. Both SUVs offer third-row seating, but only the new VW Atlas offers wireless charging, a 12-inch touchscreen, and spacious third-row legroom in every trim.
In short, the Volkswagen Atlas reviews are in: When you need a family SUV with more innovative value, undeniable style, and room to enjoy the ride, you need the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas. Read on to see why the VW Atlas takes the midsize SUV crown, then visit us at Berge Volkswagen for a test-drive of your favorite Atlas model.
Volkswagen Atlas vs. Toyota Highlander Trims & Features
The 2024 model year brought a stylish makeover to the VW Atlas, introducing enhanced standard equipment, upgraded front fascia and headlights, and a new 2.0-liter turbo powertrain. So for 2025, the Volkswagen Atlas trims remain mostly unchanged. See which one catches your attention by reading their highlights below:
- 2025 VW Atlas SE: V-Tex leatherette seating, heated and ventilated front seats, wireless phone charging, Climatronic three-zone automatic climate control, and a 12-inch center touchscreen highlight this entry-level trim.
- 2025 VW Atlas SE with Technology: Gain a front grille with an integrated lightbar, remote start, a hands-free easy open/close power liftgate, and eight USB-C ports in this tech-centric upgrade.
- 2025 VW Atlas Peak Edition: Combining the best of the previous two trims, this edition offers signature interior styling, illuminated dash decor, and a power tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof.
- 2025 VW Atlas SEL: Enjoy leather upholstery, a Head-Up Display, multicolor adjustable ambient lighting, and a 12-inch Discover Pro touchscreen for navigation in this upper-level trim.
- 2025 VW Atlas SEL Premium R-Line: Top-notch form meets function with this trim's R-Line exterior styling, perforated Vienna leather seats, Harman Kardon® Premium Audio System, and Overhead View Camera.
The 2024 Toyota Highlander trims aren't quite as generous with their standard features, leaving drivers to lease or purchase an upper-level model to access the same features you'll find in a lower-level VW Atlas:
- 2025 Toyota Highlander LE: Inside this base trim, you'll find a smaller 8-inch multimedia screen, a power liftgate, and a leather-trimmed shifter and steering wheel.
- 2025 Toyota Highlander XLE: Though the VW Atlas offers wireless phone charging in every trim, you won't find it in the Highlander until the XLE model. Choose this Toyota trim for SofTex-trimmed seats, second-row sunshades, and a power tilt/slide moonroof.
- 2025 Toyota Highlander XSE: This trim primarily adds exterior updates like LED projector headlights and black roof rails. Ditch the tiny 8-inch display with an available 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen option.
- 2025 Toyota Highlander Limited: The upper-level Limited edition finally offers standard tech we can get behind, including a standard 12.3-inch multimedia screen, leather-trimmed front- and second-row seats, and driver's seat memory function.
- 2025 Toyota Highlander Platinum: Choose the Platinum trim for a Panoramic View Monitor, power-folding outside mirrors, a Head-Up Display, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
In an attempt to cater to a wider demographic, the new Toyota Highlander also offers five hybrid trims, which mirror their gas-powered counterparts in features but add a hybrid powertrain. While these hybrid trims do add fuel efficiency, be aware that the base model comes at a much higher price point than the VW Atlas entry-level model.
Volkswagen Atlas vs. Toyota Highlander Size, Space & Cargo
Most midsize SUV shoppers want a vehicle that's comfortable to drive and park. A quick scroll through the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs. Toyota Highlander dimensions reveals that the VW Atlas maximizes its interior space while providing an agile exterior size that doesn't make city driving a headache.
At 200.7 inches long and 78.3 inches wide with mirrors folded, the 2025 Atlas SUV makes a great commuter vehicle. Yet this easy-to-maneuver exterior doesn't compromise on interior space. In fact, the Volkswagen Atlas boasts more headroom in every row, more first- and second-row shoulder space, and spacious legroom (you'll gain an incredible 5.7 extra third-row inches in the VW Atlas!) to make sure every passenger is cozy, even on long drives.
2025 VW Atlas
- Max Headroom (First/Second/Third row): 41.3 / 40.4 / 38.3 inches
- Max Shoulder room (First/Second/Third row): 61.5 / 60.5 / 54.9 inches
- Max Legroom (First/Second/Third row): 41.7 / 37.6 / 33.7 inches
In comparison, the Highlander model carries over its 2024 measurements – 194.9 inches long and 76 inches wide – resulting in a more cramped cabin. Though the entry-level LE trim has a competitive 41.2 inches of front headroom, most other trims offer only 39.6 inches for front-seat passengers:
2025 Toyota Highlander
- Max Headroom (First/Second/Third row): 41.2 / 39.4 / 36.1 inches
- Max Shoulder room (First/Second/Third row): 59 / 58.7 / 55 inches
- Max Legroom (First/Second/Third row): 42 / 38.7 / 28 inches
The shorter Toyota exterior also has noticeable repercussions when you pop the trunk: While the Toyota Highlander gives you a minuscule 16 cubic feet of standard cargo space, the 2025 VW Atlas trunk is roomy and useful with 20.6 cubic feet of storage. If you're wondering about maximum cargo capacity for your weekend DIY projects, the Atlas SUV dominates there, too.
The Toyota SUV does win points for its 1.7 extra inches of ground clearance, but if off-roading likely isn't on your bucket list of driving locations, this spec likely won't affect your decision. Get the most for your money in a new VW Atlas trim. Check out the chart below for an in-depth Highlander vs. Volkswagen Atlas review, or use our online Volkswagen Atlas specs guide to gain more insight about this three-row SUV to your heart's content!
| 2025 Volkswagen Atlas SE | 2025 Toyota Highlander LE | |
| Engine | 2.0L Turbo 4-Cyl | 2.4L Turbo 4-Cyl |
| Horsepower | 269 | 265 |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Available AWD | Y | Y |
| Max Cargo Capacity | 96.6 cu ft | 84.3 cu ft |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs1 | 5,000 lbs2 |
| EPA-Est. MPG (City / Hwy) | 20 / 26 MPG3 | 22 / 29 MPG4 |
| Passenger Seating | 7 | 8 |
Toyota Highlander vs. VW Atlas Performance & Towing Specs
Volkswagen vehicles are known for their straightforward design, user-friendly technology, and reliable performance, and the 2025 VW Atlas is a shining example of this automaker's commitment to excellence. Every trim now sports a muscular 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder that generates 269 horsepower.
Sign on for a new Atlas lease special to gain standard front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive, a retuned eight-speed auto transmission with improved throttle response, and a peppy jump off the line. Steering is responsive, the ride is smooth, and the VW SUV's 5,000-pound towing capacity1 means you can bring boats, campers, and other outdoor gear for your weekend adventures. You can even take a closer look at what makes the Volkswagen Atlas towing capacity possible with our helpful online info.
Beneath the hood of a new Toyota Highlander, you'll find one gas engine: a 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder that makes a slightly lesser 265 horsepower in its FWD and AWD configurations. This SUV can also tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Volkswagen Atlas vs. Toyota Highlander Fuel Efficiency
Fun performance factors are important when choosing a vehicle, but fuel economy is no less crucial. The Toyota Highlander vs. VW Atlas fuel efficiency comparison shows these two SUVs offer tightly matched MPG specs. The Highlander SUV delivers a slightly higher EPA-estimated MPG of 22/29 (City/Highway)4 with its gas-powered FWD engine, and the Atlas model produces an EPA-estimated 20/26 (City/Highway)3 in front-wheel drive configurations.
Keep in mind, however, that the VW Atlas offers an 18.6-gallon fuel tank, while the Toyota Highlander is limited to a 17.9-gallon fuel tank. These specs tell us that although the Toyota SUV gets a marginally better fuel economy, the VW Atlas tank size will likely even the score.
Choose Your 2025 VW Atlas at Berge Volkswagen
From Volkswagen Atlas vs. Toyota Highlander cabin features to cargo capacity, it's easy to see why the three-row VW SUV is such a popular choice. Slide into luxury and experience all the incredible benefits of the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas when you visit Berge Volkswagen, your local Volkswagen dealer. While you're here, take your favorite Atlas trim for a test drive around town and start living the midsize SUV dream!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger: the VW Atlas or the Toyota Highlander?
The VW Atlas is larger than the Highlander, inside and out. The Atlas is 200.7 inches long, 78.3 inches wide, and 70.4 inches tall, while the Highlander is 194.9 inches long, 76 inches wide, and 68.1 inches tall. Inside the Atlas cabin, you'll find extra headroom in all three rows, 5.7 inches of extra third-row legroom, and more standard and maximum cargo space.
How much can a VW Atlas tow?
The 2025 VW Atlas can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. This gives you more than enough power to haul various gear and supplies for your next adventure, including towing a camper for your next camping trip, towing a trailer for moving equipment, or even hauling tools to your next work site. Just make sure to purchase the appropriate hitch.
Does the VW Atlas have a third row?
Yes, the VW Atlas has a standard third row of seats with roomier specs than its Toyota competition. For example, the Toyota Highlander only offers 28 inches of third-row legroom, while the VW Atlas offers 33.7 inches to its third-row passengers. Adults will enjoy the VW Atlas cabin's spacious dimensions, while teen or adult Toyota Highlander passengers will likely feel more constricted.
Additional Volkswagen Resources
1Maximum tow rating when equipped with 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine and factory-installed towing hitch. Vehicle load, other accessories, and options may reduce maximum towing capacity. See vehicle Owner’s Manual for details.
2Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings and follow all instructions in your Owner's Manual. The maximum you can tow depends on base curb weight plus the total weight of any cargo, occupants, and added vehicle equipment. "Added vehicle equipment" includes additional standard/optional equipment and accessories added by the manufacturer, dealers, and/or vehicle owners. The only way to be certain of your vehicle's exact curb weight is to weigh your vehicle without passengers or cargo. [Calculated with the new SAE J2807 method.] Installation of a tow hitch receiver or other accessories located near the rear bumper or side-door kick sensors may require disabling or removing the kick sensor, and the sensor operation setting in your vehicle should be turned off. See Owner's Manual for limitations.
320 city/26 highway mpg (2025 Volkswagen Atlas SE 2.0-liter turbo, 8-speed automatic). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.
4Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.