2023 Toyota Highlander vs. 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Review

Are you in the market for an SUV and considering the 2023 Toyota Highlander and the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas?

In this review, we will explore and compare the performance and gas mileage, towing capacity, off-road capabilities, passenger and cargo space, safety features, and price of both vehicles to help you make an informed decision.

Toyota VS Volkswagen 

Both of these automotive companies are giants in the auto industry so you can not really go wrong with either of them. Which car is better for you depends on your interests and requirements. This blog will help you identify those. 

Both cars come with a range of standard features, which we will discuss in our comparison below.

Interior

The interior quality of both Toyota Highlander and Volkwagen Atlas are pretty much equal, and eventually it would pretty much boil down to personal preference. 

The Grand Highlander's cabin has bronze-colored accents and suede-look seats, while the Atlas has satin-finish wood-look trim and 30-color configurable ambient lighting.

The Grand Highlander's center console appeared more spacious than the Atlas', but both vehicles possess a short gear-selector lever which makes it easier to access cupholders and the wireless charging pad.

The Grand Highlander has a rollback console-bin lid, so its center armrest isn't as well cushioned as the Atlas' flip-up center console-bin lid.

Finally, the Grand Highlander features a convenient horizontal storage shelf built into the passenger side of the dashboard, while the Atlas has an open storage compartment beneath the center console.

Performance and Gas Mileage

The 2023 Toyota Highlander comes with a standard 3.5L V6 engine option, yielding up to 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. This powerful engine provides a smooth and responsive driving experience, whether you're navigating city streets or cruising on the highway.

The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas, on the other hand, offers a 2.0L four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. While it may not have the same power as the Highlander, it still offers a comfortable ride and decent performance.

When it comes to fuel economy, the Toyota Highlander takes the lead. It offers an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, making it an ideal choice for those long road trips or daily commutes.

The Volkswagen Atlas, on the other hand, has an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. While its fuel efficiency is still commendable for an SUV of its size, it falls slightly behind the Highlander in this category.

That said, you will essentially be making the same number of trips to the gas station with either of these cars, as the difference in mileage is not too much.

Handling

The Toyota Highlander has a smaller turning radius compared to the Volkswagen Atlas, enabling the driver to easily maneuver in and out of tight spots.

Towing

If you're planning on towing trailers, boats, or other heavy loads, the Toyota Highlander stands out with its impressive towing capacity of 5000 pounds. This makes it an excellent choice for those who require the ability to haul larger items.

The Volkswagen Atlas, on the other hand, has a towing capacity of 2000 pounds. While it may not match the Highlander's towing capacity, it is still suitable for lighter towing needs.

Off-Roading Capabilities

For those seeking adventure off the beaten path, the Toyota Highlander offers an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system with a Multi-Terrain Select feature.

This system allows you to customize the performance of your Highlander based on the terrain you're traversing. Whether it's mud, sand, or snow, Highlander's AWD system will provide you with the traction and control you need.

On the other hand, the Volkswagen Atlas also offers an AWD system, but it lacks the selectable feature found in the Highlander. While it still provides enhanced stability and handling in various conditions, it may not be as well-suited for more challenging off-road adventures.

Passenger and Cargo Space

Both the 2023 Toyota Highlander and the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas offer spacious interiors with comfortable seating for passengers.

The Highlander can seat up to 8 passengers, making it an excellent choice for larger families or those who frequently have passengers.

The Atlas, on the other hand, seats 7 passengers, which can still accommodate most families comfortably.

The Toyota Grand Highlander offers up to 20.6 ft³ with all seats in place, with a maximum of 97.5 ft³ with the second row of seats folded. The Volkswagen Atlas also has 20.6 ft³ with the seats in place and a maximum of 97.5 ft³ with the second-row seats folded. SUVs with the third-row seat option will have less cargo room.

As for interior space, the Toyota Grand Highlander has the same legroom and more second-row legroom than the Volkswagen Atlas. The Toyota Grand Highlander has 42 inches of front-row legroom vs. 41.7 inches in the Volkswagen Atlas, and 39.5 inches of second-row legroom in comparison to the Volkswagen Atlas' 37.6 inches.

In terms of cargo capacity, the Toyota Highlander offers 16 cubic feet of passenger volume and storage behind the third row. This provides ample room for groceries, luggage, or sports equipment.

If you need to haul larger items, the Highlander features a versatile seating configuration that allows you to easily fold down the rear seats for additional cargo capacity.

On the other hand, the Volkswagen Atlas offers 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, giving it a slight edge in terms of pure cargo capacity.

Safety Features

Both the 2023 Toyota Highlander and the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas come equipped with various safety features.

The Highlander comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane tracing assist.

Meanwhile, the Volkswagen Atlas comes standard with the usual assortment of airbags and a rearview camera.

Price

The base price for the 2023 Toyota Highlander is around $37,000 with a maintenance warranty, while the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas starts at around $32,500 with a basic warranty.

However, higher trims including the hybrid models of the Toyota Highlander can reach the $50,000 range, so it's still a good idea to consider your budget and desired features before making a final decision.

Conclusion

Both the 2023 Toyota Highlander and the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas offer many features, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.

If you prioritize towing and off-road capabilities, the Toyota Highlander can offer more power and versatility. Meanwhile, if you prefer more advanced safety features and a lower price point, the Volkswagen Atlas might be a better option.

In addition, in case the standard models do not suit your needs, you can also look at the Toyota Highlander hybrid models, or other 2023 Volkswagen Atlas trims.

Ultimately, it all comes down to your personal preferences, priorities, and budget. We recommend visiting your local dealership to test-drive both vehicles and determine which one feels right for you.

Remember, safety, performance, and comfort should be your top considerations when making your decision.