Toyota Highlander 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 HighlanderXLE | Volkswagen AtlasSE |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | XLE | SE |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | all 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 HighlanderXLE | Volkswagen AtlasSE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $45,270 | $39,310 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Toyota HighlanderXLE | Volkswagen AtlasSE |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 24 MPG (best) | 22 MPG |
| City MPG | 21 MPG (best) | 20 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 28 MPG (best) | 26 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 17.9 gal | 18.6 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Toyota HighlanderXLE | Volkswagen AtlasSE |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 265 hp | 269 hp (best) |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft (best) | 273 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 2.4 L (best) | 2 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Toyota HighlanderXLE | Volkswagen AtlasSE |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 7 seats | 7 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 84.3 cu ft | 96.6 cu ft (best) |
| Towing capacity | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Payload | 1,225 lbs (best) | 1,102 lbs |
| Curb weight | 4,376 lbs | 4,317 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 8 in (best) | 6.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 in | 117.3 in (best) |
| Length | 194.9 in | 200.7 in (best) |
| Width | 76 in | 78.3 in (best) |
| Height | 68.1 in | 70.4 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Toyota HighlanderXLE | Volkswagen AtlasSE |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| 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 | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
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 Highlander | Volkswagen Atlas |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | XLE $45,270 MSRP(Currently comparing) | SE $39,310 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | XLE $47,020 MSRP | SE $41,210 MSRP |
| 3 | XSE $47,340 MSRP | SE w/Technology $43,730 MSRP |
| 4 | Limited $49,725 MSRP | SE w/Technology $45,630 MSRP |
| 5 | Limited $51,475 MSRP | Peak Edition $48,060 MSRP |
| 6 | Platinum $52,925 MSRP | SEL $49,620 MSRP |
| 7 | Platinum $54,675 MSRP | SEL Premium R-Line $54,630 MSRP |