2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was part of a diverse lineup of Toyota crossovers and SUVs, offering both all-gas and hybrid options. Built on the TNGA-K platform, it shared its underpinnings with models like the Highlander and RAV4, distinguishing itself from the body-on-frame Sequoia. With a length of 201.4 inches and a wheelbase of 116.1 inches, it provided a spacious interior, surpassing competitors like the Kia Telluride. Its design, inspired by rugged vehicles, featured a blockier style with a trapezoidal grille and narrow headlights, reminiscent of the Toyota 4Runner.

Inside, the Grand Highlander offered three trims: XLE, Limited, and Platinum, with Softex synthetic leather or real leather upholstery. The interior boasted features like a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, heated front seats, and a large center console. Second-row sunshades and a removable center console enhanced comfort, while the third row was easily accessible. With 13 cupholders and seven USB-C ports, it excelled as a road-trip vehicle, showcasing high-quality materials and seamless construction.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas was available in five trims, including the sporty SEL Premium R-Line. Its design featured polished aluminum detailing, light bars, and 21-inch wheels, giving it a chiseled, upscale appearance. The Mountain Lake Blue color resisted dirt, maintaining its clean look. Inside, diamond-stitched leather, metallic accents, and artificial wood created a warm environment. The digital instrumentation and large infotainment touchscreen promised a high-tech experience, though touch-sensitive controls for temperature and volume were less satisfying.

The Atlas excelled in comfort, with heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats. Visibility was excellent, aided by a surround-view camera system. The second-row bench seat offered ample space, and the third-row seat was notably comfortable. Storage was generous, with 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 96.6 cubic feet with seats folded. Despite some ride quality issues, the Atlas provided predictable handling and effective brakes.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander offered three engine options. The 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produced 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. A 2.5-liter hybrid option delivered 245 combined horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. The top-tier Hybrid Max powertrain generated 362 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. Both gas and hybrid engines were available with FWD and AWD, while the Hybrid Max was AWD only. The Hybrid Max achieved a 0-60 time of 6.3 seconds. The Grand Highlander was noted for its solid brakes and adequate acceleration, though steering feel was somewhat numb. It featured three drive modes: Sport, Eco, and Normal, with additional modes for AWD models.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas replaced its previous engines with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, producing 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission was standard, with FWD or 4Motion AWD. Despite initial concerns, the engine proved refined and satisfying for daily driving. The Atlas returned 15.5 mpg in urban conditions and 19.2 mpg overall, slightly below EPA ratings. Ride quality was less impressive, with a brittle suspension and excessive body motions. However, handling was predictable, and the brakes performed well under stress.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was larger than most rivals, with a length of 201.4 inches and a wheelbase of 116.1 inches. It offered 97.5 cubic feet of cargo space, with 57.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 20.6 cubic feet with all seats up. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with ample head, leg, and shoulder room in all rows.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in comfort and space, with a notably comfortable third-row seat. The SEL Premium R-Line model featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats. Visibility was excellent, and the second-row bench seat offered significant space. The third-row seat provided adequate leg support, and storage was commendable. The Atlas offered 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 96.6 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included dual-device Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. An intelligent assistant and cloud-based navigation were available via subscription. The 11-speaker JBL stereo was standard on higher trims, offering good sound quality.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used the MIB3 operating system with a 12-inch touchscreen. It lacked traditional controls, relying on touch-sensitive buttons. The native voice assistant was unreliable, but wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided better functionality. The Harman Kardon audio system delivered excellent sound quality, though the MIB3 system had user-experience glitches.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, featuring automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, lane-tracing assist, road-sign recognition, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control with four following-distance settings was standard.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured IQ.Drive, including Front Assist, Active Side Assist, Lane Assist, Emergency Assist, and Travel Assist. It also offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Atlas earned a five-star safety rating from NHTSA and was a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick.