Toyota 4Runner vs Volkswagen Atlas
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Volkswagen Atlas
Overview
| Spec | Toyota 4RunnerSR5 | Volkswagen AtlasSE |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | SR5 | SE |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Toyota 4RunnerSR5 | Volkswagen AtlasSE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $42,270 | $39,310 (best) |
| Lowest listing price | — | $28,999 (best) |
| Median listing price | — | $28,999 (best) |
| Highest listing price | — | $28,999 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 1 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Toyota 4RunnerSR5 | Volkswagen AtlasSE |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 22 MPG | 23 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 20 MPG | 20 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 26 MPG | 27 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 19 gal (best) | 18.6 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Toyota 4RunnerSR5 | Volkswagen AtlasSE |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 278 hp (best) | 269 hp |
| Torque | 317 lb-ft (best) | 273 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 2.4 L (best) | 2 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Toyota 4RunnerSR5 | Volkswagen AtlasSE |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 7 seats (best) |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 90.2 cu ft | 96.6 cu ft (best) |
| Towing capacity | 6,000 lbs (best) | 5,000 lbs |
| Payload | — | 1,102 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 4,455 lbs | 4,317 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 8.1 in (best) | 6.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 in | 117.3 in (best) |
| Length | 194.9 in | 200.7 in (best) |
| Width | 78 in | 78.3 in (best) |
| Height | 72.6 in (best) | 70.4 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Toyota 4RunnerSR5 | Volkswagen AtlasSE |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 4 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side pole | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Rollover | 3 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | 2 | 2 |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Toyota 4Runner | Volkswagen Atlas |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SR5 $42,270 MSRP(Currently comparing) | SE $39,310 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | SR5 $44,270 MSRP | SE $41,210 MSRP |
| 3 | TRD Sport $48,750 MSRP | SE w/Technology $43,730 MSRP |
| 4 | TRD Sport $50,750 MSRP | SE w/Technology $45,630 MSRP |
| 5 | TRD Off-Road $50,690 MSRP | Peak Edition $48,060 MSRP |
| 6 | TRD Off-Road $53,490 MSRP | SEL $49,620 MSRP |
| 7 | TRD Sport Premium $54,110 MSRP | SEL Premium R-Line $54,630 MSRP |
| 8 | TRD Sport Premium $56,110 MSRP | — |
| 9 | TRD Off-Road Premium $56,470 MSRP | — |
| 10 | TRD Off-Road Premium $59,270 MSRP | — |
| 11 | Limited $56,900 MSRP | — |
| 12 | Limited $58,900 MSRP | — |
| 13 | Limited $61,700 MSRP | — |
| 14 | Platinum $64,360 MSRP | — |
| 15 | Trailhunter $68,400 MSRP | — |
| 16 | TRD Pro $68,600 MSRP | — |
Live inventory
Toyota 4Runner vs Volkswagen Atlas FAQ
- Which is better: 2026 Toyota 4Runner or 2026 Volkswagen Atlas?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Toyota 4Runner vs 2026 Volkswagen Atlas on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2026 Toyota 4Runner or 2026 Volkswagen Atlas?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas starts lower at $39,310. Live Volkswagen Atlas listings start at $28,999.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Toyota 4Runner or 2026 Volkswagen Atlas?
- The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (39,310).
- Which has better horsepower: 2026 Toyota 4Runner or 2026 Volkswagen Atlas?
- The 2026 Toyota 4Runner leads on horsepower in this comparison (326).
- Which has better seats: 2026 Toyota 4Runner or 2026 Volkswagen Atlas?
- The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas leads on seats in this comparison (7).
- Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2026 Toyota 4Runner or 2026 Volkswagen Atlas?
- The 2026 Toyota 4Runner leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (6,000).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 Toyota 4Runner vs 2026 Volkswagen Atlas?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Toyota 4Runner (4/5 NHTSA overall); Volkswagen Atlas (5/5 NHTSA overall).