Baseball, hamburgers, and midsize SUVs — these are a few of America’s favorite things. But deciding on a favorite team or whether you should add bacon is much easier than choosing the right family hauler.
The Volkswagen Atlas joined the market as a 2018 model and received a makeover for 2024, which retained its contemporary look. Now in its seventh year, the Atlas offers a refined German drive and is one of the biggest and most family-friendly 3-row SUVs around.
The Toyota Grand Highlander is a 3-row SUV that launched last year. As the name suggests, it’s bigger than a regular Highlander (it’s longer by 6.5 inches), with that extra space added where people want it: the third row and cargo capacity.
These two 3-row SUVs look quite similar on paper, so let’s see how they compare.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas
2024 model shown
Available in front- (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) with a 269-horsepower, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, the Atlas delivers almost minivan-like capability to busy families. The third row fits even the gangliest teenagers (or adults), and it’s one of the easiest third rows to access in the class. Wireless phone charging gets added to the extensive list of high-end features and safety equipment that come standard for 2025. The top-of-the-line SEL Premium R-Line enjoys a new 4-way lumbar support with a massage function for the front driver’s seat. Pricing starts at $39,625.
Volkswagen Atlas Highlights
Lower price: The Atlas gives buyers a hefty amount of versatility and great standard features on par with the newer Grand Highlander, but for several thousand dollars less. Sometimes there’s no arguing with the bottom line.
Stylish looks: A new front end with wraparound LED daytime running lights gives the Atlas a bold, modern face. Its chiseled sides and overall shape cut an imposing profile, one that has more swagger than the Grand Highlander.
Longer basic warranty: Volkswagen’s bumper-to-bumper warranty is longer than Toyota’s, covering potential problems with almost anything that might go wrong for four years or 50,000 miles. The Grand Highlander has coverage that lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
2024 model shown
Toyota’s Grand Highlander provides three powertrain options in a new body that is longer, taller, and wider than the standard Highlander. Third-row legroom and cargo space are among the best in the class, though fiddly seat folding can hamper access. Well-equipped with comfort, convenience, and safety features, the Grand Highlander also becomes more affordable for 2025 courtesy of a new LE trim. Pricing starts at $42,310.
Toyota Grand Highlander Highlights
Hybrid powertrains: In addition to the base powertrain, a turbo 2.4-liter with 265 hp, the Grand Highlander offers a choice of not just one, but two different hybrid powertrains. The entry-level hybrid offers 243 hp and returns an impressive 36 combined mpg with front-wheel drive. The second, the Hybrid Max, is an all-wheel-drive model with 362 hp and 27 combined mpg. The Atlas has only one engine, a 2.0-liter turbo, that returns 22 mpg combined.
Physical controls: Toyota realizes the benefits of giving the driver buttons and knobs to control vital systems. The Grand Highlander has physical switchgear for audio volume, climate control, seat heaters, and the drive mode selector. The Atlas requires looking away from the road to navigate through the infotainment touchscreen to access all those features.
Better resale value: Toyota has won KBB’s Best Resale Value: Brand award six times in the last seven years. When it comes time to move on to your next ride, you’ll almost certainly get more for your used Grand Highlander than your used Atlas.
Similarities
Exterior size, third-row legroom, and cargo space are nearly the same.
Conclusion
The Volkswagen Atlas, though well into its current lifecycle, remains a comfortable and practical choice. It’s nicer to look at, more interesting to drive, and offers a bit of extra assurance with its longer-than-average basic warranty. Third-row comfort and access are excellent, and it all costs less than the Grand Highlander. But Volkswagen’s decision to nix almost every physical control knob and button from the center console might be a deal-breaker for some. How you interact with your vehicle while driving deserves consideration.
Toyota’s efficient hybrid offerings bring fuel savings to the table, while the higher-horsepower Hybrid Max adds remarkably perky performance. If the maximum number of occupants matters, the Grand Highlander can fit eight, while the Atlas seats only seven.
The Atlas and Grand Highlander have an almost equal amount of space and versatility, so your decision may come down to looks, feel, and price — all strong categories for the VW. While the Toyota costs more upfront, its stellar brand reputation and higher resale values make it an attractive proposition that gets even sweeter when you consider its extra seating capacity, easier-to-use switchgear, and two fuel-efficient hybrid models.
New 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Prices
New 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Prices
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 Grand 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 Grand Highlander | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder | 2.4-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 269 hp @ 5,500-6,500 rpm | 265 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft @ 1,600-4,750 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 1,700-3,600 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 20 city/26 highway/22 combined mpg | 21 city/28 highway/24 combined mpg |
| Also Available | AWD | AWD, hybrid drivetrains |
| 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 | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 7 | 8 |
| Wheelbase | 117.3 inches | 116.1 inches |
| Overall Length | 200.7 inches | 201.4 inches |
| Width | 78.3 inches | 78.3 inches |
| Height | 70.4 inches | 72.1 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 40.0 feet | 38.1 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 41.3 inches | 41.5 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 40.4 inches | 40.2 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 38.3 inches | 37.2 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.7 inches | 41.7 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 37.6 inches | 39.5 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 33.7 inches | 33.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 61.5 inches | 60.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 60.8 inches | 58.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 54.9 inches | 57.5 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 20.6/55.5/96.6 cubic feet | 20.6/57.9/97.5 cubic feet |