Often, buying a new vehicle comes down to just needing something different. Circumstances have changed, so your vehicle must accommodate the latest wrinkle in your life. Usually, that means you need a bigger vehicle. It could be your family has expanded, or your lifestyle has changed.
If you need more space, an SUV will often do the job. It doesn’t need to climb the side of a mountain or ford a river that’s three feet deep. If more space is on the bill, the Volkswagen Atlas and Toyota Highlander should be on your list of SUVs to check out.
Let’s take a closer look at these two midsize SUVs.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas
The Volkswagen Atlas is a well-mannered, tech-laden, spacious SUV with good looks to spare. VW learned a lot about the North American market, and the latest version of the Atlas reflects this.
After the Atlas received exterior and interior tweaks to make it look more like it should be prowling around outside in 2024, VW kept updates to a minimum in 2025. All versions now feature wireless phone charging as standard equipment. However, if you’re looking at the upscale SEL Premium R-Line model, you’ll enjoy new front seats with 4-way lumbar support and a massage function.
The Atlas is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder putting out 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive (AWD) is also available. The Volkswagen Atlas is an attractive-looking 7-seater with several cabin updates, including a bigger screen, 3-zone climate control, wireless charging, and more. Pricing starts at $39,625, including destination charge.
Volkswagen Atlas Highlights
Strong engine: This current generation of the Atlas gets an all-new and much more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder than the previously used V6. Not only is it more powerful, which is always nice to have in an SUV, it’s better on gas than the old V6.
Driver’s tech: The interior tech makes the cabin pleasant and safe, starting with its all-new IQ.DRIVE that has several new driver assistance technologies and simple convenience features like wireless charging, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.
Comfy cabin: With seating for seven, Volkswagen Atlas owners know there is plenty of room for everyone. Perhaps just as importantly, when you lower the second and third rows, there’s plenty of space for stuff. It boasts significantly more third-row legroom than the Highlander. It’s an absolute hauler.
Read our Volkswagen Atlas Expert Review or see 2025 Volkswagen Atlas models for sale near you.
2025 Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander offers plenty of space and great technology and has been a popular entry in this segment for a long time. It doesn’t hurt that it will carry up to eight passengers.
The Highlander derives power from an efficient turbocharged 4-cylinder producing 265 hp. That’s more than enough power to handle the daily tasks it deals with. It faces some internal competition with the all-new Grand Highlander; however, that is designed for a near-luxury or premium buyer.
With an open, comfortable interior and top-flight technology, including the XSE trim getting a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a Sport Mode startup screen standard in 2025, the Highlander is still a vehicle to benchmark in the segment. Pricing starts at $40,970, including the destination fees.
Toyota Highlander Highlights
All-wheel drive: The Highlander is available with two versions of all-wheel drive. In its higher trim levels, buyers can choose a Dynamic Torque Vectoring system that can manage torque distribution between the left and right rear wheels, as well as the front and back. It also provides additional inputs to improve driver response.
Connected: Need to connect several devices? All Highlander models have five USB ports throughout the cabin, plus two 12-volt power outlets to power other items.
Fuel efficient: Six-cylinder engines are a mainstay in this class, but the tide is changing. Toyota put a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder under the hood of the Highlander in 2023, and it posts an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined. It’s more efficient than the Volkswagen Atlas.
Read our Toyota Highlander Expert Review or see 2025 Toyota Highlander models for sale near you.
Similarities
The Volkswagen Atlas and Toyota Highlander feature classic SUV exterior design. They’re also available with strong powertrains, all-wheel drive, and a slew of driver assistance and convenience technologies.
New 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (94303)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$39,625 |
$36,982 |
|||
$41,525 |
$39,286 |
|||
$43,730 |
$41,123 |
|||
$45,630 |
$42,956 |
|||
$48,080 |
$45,421 |
|||
$49,625 |
$46,984 |
|||
$54,630 |
$51,969 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles and New 2025 Toyota Highlander vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Volkswagen Atlas | 2025 Toyota Highlander | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | 2.4-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 269 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 265 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 20 city/26 highway/22 combined | 22 city/29 highway/25 combined |
| Also Available | AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder hybrid/AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 7 | 8 |
| Wheelbase | 117.3 inches | 112.2 inches |
| Overall Length | 200.7 inches | 194.9 inches |
| Width | 78.3 inches | 76.0 inches |
| Height | 70.4 inches | 68.1 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 41.0 feet | 37.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 41.3 inches | 41.2 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 40.4 inches | 39.4 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 38.3 inches | 36.1 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.7 inches | 42.0 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 37.6 inches | 38.7 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 33.7 inches | 28.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 61.5 inches | 59.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 60.5 inches | 58.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 54.9 inches | 55.0 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 20.6 cubic feet | 16.0 cubic feet |
Conclusion
With each vehicle close in price, space, and capabilities, there’s no clear choice. The Volkswagen Atlas boasts more passenger and cargo space, plus a slightly lower starting price. However, the Toyota Highlander is more efficient and has better resale value. The best SUV for your family depends on your priorities.
