Volkswagen Atlas vs Toyota Highlander

Exterior Details

When it suddenly starts raining, your VW Atlas intuitively knows and will turn on the rain-sensing windshield wipers that come standard. Although the Highlander offers a similar device, it’s only an option for one of the trims in their lineup. As you travel on the stormy roadway, your available cornering lights in the VW Atlas will flick on when approaching turns, so others can see where you’re headed. No comparable feature exists for the Highlander.

The more often you use your SUV, the more dirt builds up on the exterior. So, turn on the available heated windshield washer nozzles in the VW Atlas to clear up any debris that remains. You won’t find the same option in the Highlander.

Standard Safety VW Atlas vs Highlander

The VW Atlas makes your safety its priority. Check out the many standard safety features Volkswagen offers to protect you and your family. A Blind Spot Monitor comes standard in the VW Atlas to alert you to what’s lurking in your blind spot. You can get a Blind Spot Monitor in your Highlander—it’s available—but not standard.

Managing to safely back up in a crowded parking lot or out of a narrow driveway presents challenges for even experienced drivers. Is a car coming? Is someone else backing out at the same time? Are you running into a prize rosebush? Rely on the standard VW Atlas Rear Traffic Alert to help you go in Reverse and avert obstacles. Yes, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert comes in the Highlander but only if you add it.

Another assist from your VW Atlas comes in the form of standard Autonomous Emergency Braking that applies your brakes for you if you do not sense an oncoming collision before the system does. The Highlander also features Automated Braking but only as an additional option.

Talk About the Dimensions

If you’re looking for an SUV that gives you ample dimensions, look at the outside of the VW Atlas. It’s a long vehicle at 200.7 inches, boasting a height of 70.1 inches, and a width of 78.4 inches. When you take the Highlander’s measurements, it comes up short compared to the VW Atlas. It measures 194.9 inches in length, stands at 68.1 inches in height, and is 76 inches wide.

The VW Atlas wheelbase that measures the distance from the center of the front and rear axles spans 117.3 inches. The wheelbase in the Toyota Highlander stretches out 112.2 inches. With a longer wheelbase, you’ll get greater stability on the road.

Of course, how much you can carry—whether that means fellow passengers or cargo—holds great weight (literally!). You’ll get 154 cubic feet of passenger volume in the VW Atlas, while the Highlander offers 141.3 cubic feet of the same. Dig deep into your VW Atlas cargo space and you’ll find 96.8 cubic feet of available space for oversized and bulky items. In the Highlander, you’ll have to fit your packages into just 84.3 cubic feet of space with all seats folded.