2018 Toyota Highlander vs. 2018 Volkswagen Atlas

Size Difference

First, let's look at the size of these two vehicles. The 2018 Highlander has a total length of 192.5 inches, a width of 75.8 inches, and a height of 68.1 inches. The 2018 Atlas has an overall length of 198.3 inches, a width of 78.3 inches, and a height of 70 inches.

As for cargo space, the Toyota Highlander gives you 13.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats, 42.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and 83.7 cubic feet behind the first row.

The Atlas SEL Premium gives you 20.6 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the third row of seats, 55.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 96.8 cubic feet behind the first row.

The 2018 Atlas is a little bit bigger than the Highlander overall, and it does offer you slightly more cargo space.

Performance

Next, let's look at what is under the hood for these two vehicles. The 2018 Toyota Highlander Limited Platinum has a 3.5-liter V6 engine. This engine produces 295-horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. For fuel efficiency, the Highlander gives you 20 city miles per gallon and 27 highway miles per gallon.

The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium has a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 276-horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. This vehicle gives you 17 city and 23 highway miles per gallon.

When it comes to performance, the Highlander has the more powerful engine option, and the more fuel efficient one.

Interior Features and Technology

The Highlander Limited Platinum and the Atlas SEL Premium both bring a lot of features and technology to the table. Let's take a closer look at what you can get from these vehicles.

The Limited Platinum is the highest trim level on the 2018 Toyota Highlander. This vehicle gives you interior technology like five USB ports, HD Radio, an Entune audio system with Connected Navigation, an 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, and voice recognition. For comfort you get features like heated and ventilated front row seats, heated second row seats, a heated steering wheel, and more. This vehicle also features a panoramic moonroof.

As for safety features. All new Toyota vehicles come standard with Toyota Safety Sense which includes Lane Departure with Steering Assist, Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beams, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, and Road Sign Assist. The Limited Platinum also adds Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Blind Spot Monitoring.

The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium also gives you some great features. This vehicle gives you a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 360-degree camera, a navigation system, and Fender premium audio with 12 speakers. For added comfort, the 2018 SEL Premium gives you leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated second row seats.

The SEL Premium also gives you some safety features standard like automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping assist. However, in all of the other Atlas trims, these safety features will cost extra.

Pricing

The 2018 Toyota Highlander Limited Platinum trim will cost you $46,860. The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium will cost $48,740. These prices are pretty similar, but the Highlander is less expensive, and it also seems to give you a lot for your money.

Which is Right for You?

These two vehicles are both great midsize SUV options. Which one is best? Well, the Atlas is slightly bigger and offers slightly more cargo space. However, the Highlander offers you better performance and fuel efficiency. As for interior features, these vehicles have some similar features, but the Highlander seems to offer you more safety features for a lower price. The 2018 Toyota Highlander Limited Platinum seems to be the best option for your money in this comparison.