2022 VW Atlas vs. Toyota Highlander: Which Should You Buy?

With exceptionally refined interior materials, sharp design, and user-friendly tech, the VW Atlas and Toyota Highlander both bring a similar spirit with modern amenities car shoppers will appreciate. But which of these midsize SUVs is ideal for you? We’ve compared the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs. Toyota Highlander below to help you make an informed buying decision.

Polished Performance

Atlas: The 2022 VW Atlas offers a choice of powertrains, the first being a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 that develops 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Shoppers also have the option of a 3.6-liter V6 with 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. Every 2022 Atlas comes standard with an 8-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive; all-wheel-drive is available.

When appropriately equipped, the 2022 VW Atlas can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Highlander: The 2022 Toyota Highlander is powered exclusively by a 3.5-liter V6 engine making 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. This engine links to an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard front-wheel drive; all-wheel-drive is available.

Like the VW Atlas, the 2022 Highlander has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

Comfortable, Practical Interior

Atlas: The 2022 VW Atlas interior offers the perfect mix of comfort and practicality, with the vehicle equipped as standard with dual-zone climate control, simulated leather upholstery, heated front seats, heated front seats, 60/40 split-folding second-row seats, keyless ignition, power-adjustable driver’s seat, and 50/50 split-folding third-row seats. In terms of cargo space, the new Atlas boasts an outstanding 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the third-row seats upright, 55.5 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded flat, and 96.8 cubic feet with the third- and second-row seats folded.

Highlander: The 2022 Toyota Highlander is fitted as standard with a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a tri-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, as well as second-and third-row 60/40-split folding seats.

In terms of cargo room, the new Highlander has 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 48.4 cubic feet behind the second row and a maximum of 84.3 cubic feet with both the third- and second-row seats folded flat.

Myriad Impressive Tech Features

Atlas: The 2022 VW Atlas comes standard with an array of easy-to-use tech, including a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay^®, Android Auto™, Bluetooth connectivity, two USB ports, a digital gauge cluster, and a six-speaker audio system.
Highlander: With the Highlander, you get an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay^® and Android Auto™, satellite radio, Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, five USB ports, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a six-speaker sound system.

Advanced Safety Features

Atlas: For the 2022 model year, the VW Atlas comes with an integrated suite of class-leading standard driver assistance systems, including a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and forward automatic emergency braking.

Highlander: For its part, the Highlander offers a standard rearview camera, a rear-seat reminder, forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane trace assist, and automatic high-beam headlights.

Explore the 2022 VW Atlas at Group 1 Volkswagen of Panama City

Now that you know how the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas compares to the Toyota Highlander, we would like to invite you for a free test drive at Group 1 Volkswagen of Panama City, Panama City, FL, where we offer a large selection of new and pre-owned Volkswagen models that will impress you.

Please feel free to schedule a test drive with us at your earliest convenience!