2018 Volkswagen Atlas vs. 2018 Toyota Highlander
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas and 2018 Toyota Highlander contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas and the 2018 Toyota Highlander.
When we compare the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas's and the 2018 Toyota Highlander's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency, interior volume and base engine power. The 2018 Toyota Highlander has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas's and the 2018 Toyota Highlander's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas is a better car than the 2018 Toyota Highlander.
Pricing: A used 2018 Volkswagen Atlas ranges from $15,366 to $27,897 while a used 2018 Toyota Highlander is priced between $20,950 to $33,994.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas loses 48.2 percent of its value and the 2018 Toyota Highlander loses 39.2 percent of its value. This means the 2018 Toyota Highlander retains 9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Volkswagen Atlas is 7.4 out of 10 while the Toyota Highlander's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the Volkswagen Atlas being ranked 20 out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs and the Toyota Highlander being ranked 10 out of 32. Out of 39 Best SUVs with 3 Rows, the Volkswagen Atlas is ranked 26 and the Toyota Highlander is ranked 9. The Volkswagen Atlas is also ranked 44 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs while the Toyota Highlander is ranked 10 out of 67.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Volkswagen Atlas is 5.7 out of 10. For the Toyota Highlander the reliability rating is 8.9 out of 10. This gives the Toyota Highlander a substantial advantage in reliability compared to the Volkswagen Atlas.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas’s base engine makes 235 horsepower, and the 2018 Toyota Highlander base engine makes 185 horsepower. The Atlas is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 484 miles. The Highlander is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 461 miles. This gives the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2018 Toyota Highlander. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The 2018 Toyota Highlander has the advantage in the area of rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas and the 2018 Toyota Highlander have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$30,750
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$30,126
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$22,995 - $34,810
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$31,230
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$30,126
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$22,995 - $34,810
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$21,256
Price Range:
$15,366 - $27,897
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$22,710
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$14,757 - $32,004
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
431
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
90,615
# Good or Great Deals:
238
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$27,256
Price Range:
$20,950 - $33,994
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$22,710
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$14,757 - $32,004
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
559
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
89,500
# Good or Great Deals:
215
Volkswagen Atlas Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.4 / 10
Reliability:
5.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Toyota Highlander Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.9 / 10
Retained Value:
8.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Volkswagen Atlas
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.6 - 7.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Toyota Highlander
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.6 - 7.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
67.9%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
16.3
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.1 - 16.3
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.8
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.1 - 16.3
Volkswagen Atlas Rankings
Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 10Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 39Ranking
9 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 17Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 28Ranking
13 out of / 18Ranking
14 out of / 34Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
17 out of / 39Ranking
17 out of / 39Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 39Ranking
19 out of / 39Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 39Ranking
24 out of / 32Ranking
25 out of / 32Ranking
26 out of / 39Ranking
26 out of / 39Ranking
27 out of / 32Ranking
30 out of / 39Ranking
33 out of / 39Ranking
38 out of / 67Ranking
43 out of / 67Ranking
44 out of / 67Ranking
46 out of / 59Ranking
47 out of / 67Ranking
47 out of / 67Ranking
60 out of / 67Toyota Highlander Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 16Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 18Ranking
5 out of / 17Ranking
6 out of / 39Ranking
6 out of / 21Ranking
7 out of / 39Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 39Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 39Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 39Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 39Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 30Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 28Ranking
19 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 39Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 39Ranking
27 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 32Ranking
28 out of / 39Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
31 out of / 39Ranking
38 out of / 67Ranking
52 out of / 59Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2018 Volkswagen Atlas Trim Levels
2.0T S, 2.0T SE, 2.0T SEL, V6 Launch Edition, V6 Launch Edition 4Motion, V6 S, V6 S 4Motion, V6 SE, V6 SE 4Motion, V6 SEL, V6 SEL 4Motion, V6 SEL Premium 4Motion
2018 Toyota Highlander Trim Levels
LE, LE Plus, Limited, Limited Platinum, SE, XLE
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
6 years / 72000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
6 years / 72000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years / 25000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
235 hp @ 4500 rpm
Torque:
258 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.056 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
185 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
184 foot-lbs @ 4200 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.044 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 26 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
409 / 484 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.7 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 24 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
384 / 461 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
45.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
60.8 inches
Cargo Space:
20.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
96.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
174.3 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.9 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
59.6 inches
Cargo Space:
13.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
83.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
158.7 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4222 lbs
Width:
78.3 inches
Height:
70 inches
Length:
198.3 inches
Wheelbase:
117.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4165 lbs
Width:
75.8 inches
Height:
68.1 inches
Length:
192.5 inches
Wheelbase:
109.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/60R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P245/60R18
Exterior Colors
Beige
Titanium Beige Metallic
Black
Deep Black Pearl
Blue
Tourmaline Blue Metallic
Gray
Platinum Gray Metallic
Red
Fortana Red Metallic
Silver
Reflex Silver Metallic
White
Pure White
Yellow
Kurkuma Yellow Metallic
Brown
Not available
Green
Not available
Exterior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Blue
Shoreline Blue Pearl
Gray
Predawn Gray Mica
Red
Ooh La La Rouge Mica
Silver
Celestial Silver Metallic
White
Blizzard Pearl
Yellow
Not available
Brown
Toasted Walnut Pearl
Green
Alumina Jade Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Titan Black
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Ash
