Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs. Toyota Highlander
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport and 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 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport and the Toyota Highlander.
In comparing the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport's and the Toyota Highlander's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and base engine power. The Toyota Highlander has the advantage in the areas of resale value and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport's and the Toyota Highlander's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is a better car than the Toyota Highlander.
Pricing: A used 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport ranges from $36,912 to $52,309 while a used 2025 Toyota Highlander is priced between $42,944 to $56,895. For a new model, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport's price is between $37,713 and $54,845, with the Toyota Highlander priced between $44,569 and $56,389.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport loses 51.3 percent of its value and the Toyota Highlander loses 41.8 percent of its value. This means the Toyota Highlander retains 9.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport’s base engine makes 269 horsepower, and the Toyota Highlander base engine makes 265 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the Toyota Highlander has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front leg room and rear head room. The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport and the Toyota Highlander have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
37713 - 54845
Starting MSRP:
37190
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
38382
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
31990 - 43000
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
44569 - 56389
Starting MSRP:
40320
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
38382
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
31990 - 43000
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
42135
Price Range:
36912 - 52309
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
45804
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
36966 - 59949
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
49825
Price Range:
42944 - 56895
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
45804
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
36966 - 59949
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
Depreciation %:
Resale Value $:
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.48432299
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.30530799 - 0.56163117
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
17002
Depreciation %:
0.4216697
Resale Value $:
23318
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.48432299
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.30530799 - 0.56163117
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.7 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Toyota Highlander Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
8.3 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.7 - 16.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota Highlander
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
13.8
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.7 - 16.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.387
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
8.83469556219626
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.5 - 39.2
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.499754929635315
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.5 - 39.2
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Rankings
Ranking
6 out of / 26Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
10 out of / 66Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
13 out of / 31Ranking
14 out of / 66Ranking
17 out of / 66Ranking
19 out of / 66Ranking
19 out of / 31Ranking
22 out of / 31Ranking
24 out of / 66Ranking
26 out of / 31Ranking
26 out of / 31Ranking
28 out of / 31Ranking
30 out of / 31Ranking
36 out of / 54Ranking
45 out of / 66Ranking
45 out of / 66Ranking
56 out of / 66Ranking
61 out of / 66Toyota Highlander Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 31Ranking
2 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 33Ranking
3 out of / 33Ranking
3 out of / 33Ranking
3 out of / 29Ranking
3 out of / 26Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 33Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 33Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 33Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
18 out of / 33Ranking
18 out of / 31Ranking
18 out of / 29Ranking
19 out of / 31Ranking
20 out of / 54Ranking
21 out of / 31Ranking
24 out of / 33Ranking
25 out of / 33Ranking
25 out of / 26Ranking
26 out of / 33Ranking
26 out of / 33Ranking
27 out of / 66Ranking
27 out of / 31Ranking
29 out of / 66Ranking
29 out of / 33Ranking
29 out of / 33Ranking
29 out of / 31Ranking
30 out of / 66Ranking
32 out of / 66Ranking
36 out of / 66Ranking
44 out of / 66Ranking
54 out of / 54Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Trim Levels
SE, SE 4Motion, SEL 4Motion, SEL Premium R-Line 4Motion, SEL R-Line Black 4Motion
Toyota Highlander Trim Levels
LE, Limited, Platinum, XLE, XSE
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 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
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 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
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
269 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
273 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.064 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
265 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 1700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.064 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):
20 / 26 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
372 / 484 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Massage Seats:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
40.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
60.6 inches
Cargo Space:
40.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
77.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
152.3 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
42 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.7 inches
Cargo Space:
16 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
84.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
157.8 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4173 lbs
Width:
88.5 inches
Height:
68.1 inches
Length:
195.6 inches
Wheelbase:
117.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4155 lbs
Width:
76 inches
Height:
68.1 inches
Length:
194.9 inches
Wheelbase:
112.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P245/60R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/65R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Deep Black Pearl
Blue
Mountain Lake Blue Metallic
Gray
Platinum Gray Metallic
Silver
Silver Mist Metallic
White
Pure White
Green
Not available
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Blue
Blueprint
Gray
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Silver
Celestial Silver Metallic
White
Wind Chill Pearl
Green
Cypress
Red
Ruby Flare Pearl
Interior Colors
Beige
Dark Beige/Titan Black
Black
Titan Black
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Black
Gray
Graphite
