The Volkswagen Atlas has only been around for a few years, but it's already taken the world of three-row SUVs by storm. It's spacious, comfortable, refined, and affordable! Though it costs less than competitors like the 2020 Toyota Highlander, the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas still provides remarkable quality and greater value. On this page, you'll see just how these two compare. Once you've read more, head to McKenna Volkswagen Huntington Beach for a test drive.
2020 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2020 Toyota Highlander: Space
Three-row SUVs are meant for people who need more space, and the 2020 VW Atlas delivers! It has 153.7 cubic feet of passenger volume in its three rows. By comparison, the 2020 Toyota Highlander has just 141.3 cubic feet. This roominess extends to the cargo space, as well. The 2020 VW Atlas has 20.6 cubic feet behind the third rows of seats. Fold down this row to get 55.5 cubic feet, or fold down both the second and third rows for 96.8 cubic feet of cargo space! The Toyota Highlander, on the other hand, has only 16 cubic feet behind the third row, 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.3 cubic feet with the second and third rows down. The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas is even equipped with roof rails to help you carry even more cargo or oversized gear. These are available upgrades only on the Toyota Highlander.
2020 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2020 Toyota Highlander: Interior Technology Features
The technology you'll get in the Volkswagen Atlas is a step above that in the Toyota. Take the audio systems, for example. The 2020 Toyota Highlander offers an available 11-speaker system, which seems impressive . . . until you consider the optional 12-speaker Fender Premium Audio System you can get in the 2020 VW Atlas. But perhaps the most impressive available feature in the VW Atlas is the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit. This 10-inch high-resolution digital display screen replaces the traditional instrument cluster and is easy to customize. You can even enter full-screen navigation mode, with your current speed kept to a corner of the screen so you can get a better look at the directions. This is much more impressive than the 4.2-inch or 7-inch LCD multi-information display you'll get in the Toyota Highlander.
2020 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2020 Toyota Highlander: Performance
The engine in the 2020 Toyota Highlander has greater horsepower than either of the two available engines in the VW Atlas, but that's not the whole story. Choose the optional V6 engine in the Volkswagen Atlas and you'll get the benefit of increased torque. Other than that, these SUVs are both impressive for their capability. They both have 8 inches of ground clearance and up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity, which means that both are perfectly suited to longer trips and off-road adventures. Both even offer all-wheel drive as an available option.
2020 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2020 Toyota Highlander: Driver Assistance Technology
These are both family SUVs, and you can expect your family to be safe in both. Driver assistance features like forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking are standard in both the Toyota Highlander and the VW Atlas. However, the 2020 VW Atlas also comes with standard Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Traffic Alert features, which can help avoid accidents caused by poor visibility. To get these features in the 2020 Toyota Highlander, you have to upgrade to a higher trim level; they're not even options on the entry-level model.
2020 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2020 Toyota Highlander:
You've seen that there are some areas where these vehicles are similar, and many other areas where the Volkswagen Atlas is better. Despite this, the 2020 VW Atlas has a starting MSRP that's $3,055 less than that of the 2020 Toyota Highlander! That's such a large difference that even the upgraded Volkswagen Atlas SE trim is less than the entry-level Highlander. This model includes standard features like heated front seats, three-zone climate control, and leatherette seating surfaces. When it comes to getting the most value for your money, Volkswagen is the way to go.
| 2020 Volkswagen Atlas |  | 2020 Toyota Highlander |
| $31,545 | Starting MSRP* | $34,600 |
| 235 | Horsepower | 295 |
| 258 lb-ft | Torque | 263 lb-ft |
| 5,000 | Maximum Towing Capacity | 5,000 |
| 276-hp V6 | Engine Upgrade | None Available |
| Standard Feature | Roof Rails | Available Upgrade |
| 153.7 cu. ft. | Passenger Volume | 141.3 cu. ft. |
| 20.6 cu. ft. | Cargo Volume | 16 cu. ft. |
| 96.8 cu. ft. | Maximum Cargo Volume | 84.3 cu. ft. |
| Standard Feature | Blind Spot Monitor | Available Upgrade |
*Prices exclude destination, taxes, title, other options, and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.
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