What To Know
- The Highlander and Atlas Cross Sport come loaded with a wide range of standard features, including an infotainment system, climate control, and advanced safety systems.
- The Toyota Highlander and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport are both excellent midsize SUVs that offer a compelling blend of space, power, and amenities.
- Both the Toyota Highlander and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offer a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
When it comes to midsize SUVs, two titans emerge as fierce competitors: the Toyota Highlander and the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of space, power, and amenities, making them highly sought-after choices in the automotive market. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the intricacies of these two SUVs to determine which one reigns supreme.
Performance
Engine and Power:
The Highlander boasts a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the Atlas Cross Sport offers a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. While the Highlander has a slight edge in power, the Atlas Cross Sport’s turbocharger provides impressive acceleration.
Fuel Economy:
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Highlander shines with an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. The Atlas Cross Sport trails slightly with an EPA-estimated 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.
Handling and Ride Quality
Handling:
The Highlander offers a balanced and predictable handling experience, while the Atlas Cross Sport‘s sportier suspension provides more agility and cornering stability.
Ride Quality:
Both vehicles offer a comfortable ride quality, with the Highlander providing a slightly more plush experience due to its longer wheelbase.
Interior
Space and Comfort:
Both the Highlander and Atlas Cross Sport offer spacious interiors with ample legroom and headroom for passengers. However, the Highlander has a slight advantage in cargo space, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row compared to 11.3 cubic feet in the Atlas Cross Sport.
Features and Amenities:
The Highlander and Atlas Cross Sport come loaded with a wide range of standard features, including an infotainment system, climate control, and advanced safety systems. However, the Atlas Cross Sport offers some unique features, such as a panoramic sunroof and a digital instrument cluster.
Safety
Both vehicles have earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Highlander and Atlas Cross Sport offer a comprehensive suite of safety features, including:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
- Adaptive cruise control
Technology
Infotainment System:
The Highlander features an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Atlas Cross Sport offers a slightly larger 10.1-inch touchscreen with a more intuitive interface and wireless smartphone connectivity.
Driver Assistance Features:
Both vehicles offer a range of driver assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Atlas Cross Sport offers a more advanced semi-autonomous driving system called Travel Assist.
Price and Value
The Toyota Highlander starts at around $35,000, while the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport has a slightly higher starting price of around $36,000. Both vehicles offer a good value for the money, with a balanced combination of features, performance, and safety.
The Verdict: Which One to Choose?
The Toyota Highlander and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport are both excellent midsize SUVs that offer a compelling blend of space, power, and amenities. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual priorities. If you prioritize fuel economy, a spacious interior, and a plush ride quality, the Highlander is a solid choice. However, if you seek a sportier handling experience, advanced technology, and a more premium interior, the Atlas Cross Sport is worth considering.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Which vehicle has better towing capacity?
A: The Toyota Highlander has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, while the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport can tow up to 5,600 pounds.
Q: Which vehicle has a longer warranty?
A: Both the Toyota Highlander and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offer a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Q: Which vehicle offers more customization options?
A: The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offers a wider range of customization options, including different trim levels, exterior colors, and interior materials.