Comparison - Volkswagen Atlas SEL 2018 - vs - Toyota Highlander Platinum 2020

General

Other Names:

Also called:

Volkswagen Teramont

Also called:

Kluger

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Average Price: 
41,140
Updated: 
01 Jan 2018
$
48,800
Updated: 
19 Dec 2019
Car Type: 
SUV
SUV
Drive Type: 
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Year: 
2018
2020
Total Seating: 
7
7
Transmission: 
8-speed Shiftable Automatic
8-speed Shiftable Automatic
Bluetooth: 
yes
yes
Heated seats: 
yes
yes
Navigation: 
yes
yes
Doors: 
5
5
Fuel Tank Capacity: 
18.60gals
17.90gals
Exterior Colors: 
Color: 
Reflex silver metallic
#848487
Platinum grey metallic
#4D5760
Deep black pearl
#0B0B0C
Tourmaline blue metallic
#1B3D58
Kurkuma yellow metallic
#BC9900
Fortana red metallic
#7E0825
Color: 
MOON DUST
#8898AC
BLIZZARD PEARL
#F3F2F2
MAGNETIC GRAY METALLIC
#494848
CELESTIAL SILVER METALLIC
#828387
MIDNIGHT BLACK METALLIC
#00031E
RUBY FLARE PEARL
#740000
OPULENT AMBER
#6F6459
BLUEPRINT
#323F7B

Expert Reviews

Expert reviews: 

Volkswagen is dressing up the 2018 Atlas with its ubiquitous R-Line trim, which adds interior and exterior upgrades over the more basic models. The features include: 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels, snazzier bumpers, side skirts, and R-Line badges. The cabin gets stainless steel pedal covers and an R-Line steering wheel piece. The Atlas R-Line will be revealed next week at the Detroit Auto Show, and its features build on the SE and SEL trims.

The Atlas sport utility vehicle is VW's most anticipated vehicle in years. It goes on sale this spring and offers a 3.6-liter V6 with 276 horsepower or a turbo four-cylinder making 235 hp, which are each paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is also an option.

The three-row SUV is the linchpin of VW's plans to move beyond its diesel-emissions scandal and capture new customers in the United States. It takes aim at entrenched competitors like the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and others.

The Atlas is based on VW's MQB architecture and will be built at the company's Chattanooga, Tenn., factory. The R-Line will be available in late 2018, and pricing has not been released for any of the Atlas trims.

By: 
autoblog.com

Making its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas R-Line adds aggressive edge to the automaker’s soon-to-launch midsize 3-row SUV that will be built in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Available on Atlas SE and SEL models, the tasteful R-Line upfit brings a selection of subtle performance-inspired cosmetic and functional tweaks and will be introduced shortly after the 2018 VW Atlas arrives in showrooms here this spring.

Key exterior changes to R-Line Atlas models include bolder fascias with larger air intakes up front and a unique gloss black rear diffuser as well as more deeply contoured side skirts, 20-inch aluminum wheels and R-Line badges. Inside, the package adds R-Line logos on the steering wheel and start screen on the infotainment package as well as stainless-steel sport pedal covers.

Like buyers of the standard 2018 VW Atlas, R-Line customers can choose from either a 235-horsepower/2.0-liter 4-cylinder TSI Turbo and front-wheel drive or a 276-horse/3.6-liter naturally aspirated V6 that’s available in FWD or AWD configurations. The sole transmission is an 8-speed automatic transmission.

By: 
kbb.com

There's a lot riding on its burly shoulders.

It is fitting that the all-new Volkswagen Atlas takes its name from the Greek god tasked with keeping the sky from falling on mortals. Coming off the hugely publicized diesel-emissions scandal, VW needs an emotional win. Despite the media and consumer kerfuffle, sales for the people’s brand are actually up so far in 2017, but that is mostly due to the arrival of the Golf Alltrack, a boomlet that eventually could fizzle. Hence the need for the Atlas to prop up the brand.

Riding on the same flexible architecture that underpins the Golf, the Tennessee-built Atlas is a medium-large three-row SUV that fills a major gap in VW’s portfolio. Not since the Routan—a rebadged Dodge Grand Caravan that VW last sold in 2013—has there been a Volkswagen with more than five seatbelts. Buyers have been forced to look elsewhere for their family-hauling needs.

The Atlas struts into dealerships this June, fully capable of shouldering the responsibility of transporting families and all their stuff as well as a big chunk of VW’s future in America. Like its namesake, this VW is strong enough to handle heavy lifting.

By: 
caranddriver.com

Everything. The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas is an all-new model for the 2018 model year. Though the SUV shares its MQB chassis and drivetrains with other Volkswagen Group products, this is the brand’s first three-row crossover offered in the U.S

The Volkswagen Atlas is the German automaker’s all-new three-row midsize crossover that, in size, slots above the two-row midsize Touareg and compact Tiguan SUVs as well as the Golf Alltrack and Golf SportWagen in the automaker’s people and cargo carrying lineup. The Atlas competes in a crowded segment that includes the Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Highlander, Mazda CX-9, and Dodge Durango.

LED headlights, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are all standard.

The 2018 Atlas comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 rated at 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, while a 3.6-liter VR6 rated at 276 hp and 266 lb-ft is optional. Both engines use an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-drive is standard with both engines, and the automaker’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is optional with the 3.6-liter engine. EPA-rated fuel economy hasn’t been revealed for the turbo 2.0-liter, but the 3.6-liter is EPA-rated 18/25 mpg city/highway for the front-drive model and 17/23 mpg with all-wheel drive.

By: 
motortrend.com

With three rows of seating and plenty of cargo space, the 2020 Toyota Highlander is a practical choice for families. Toyota's mid-size SUV is all new for 2020 and offers many useful improvements and extra features not found in the outgoing 2019 model.
For 2020, the Highlander gets an interior makeover to match its updated exterior styling. Base L and mid-range LE Highlander models can seat eight passengers using bench seats in both the second and third rows, but a seven-seat arrangement with second-row captain's chairs is available on higher trims. An 8.0-inch infotainment system with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability is standard but the Highlander Limited and Platinum both get a larger 12.3-inch display; onboard Wi-Fi and an 11-speaker JBL audio system are both available as well.

By: 
caranddriver.com

The 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid’s impressive fuel economy may win us over.

Pros
Spacious interior
High-mpg hybrid
Upgraded infotainment

Cons
Busy styling
Rivals’ turbos may be faster
Stiff competition

By: 
thecarconnection.com

Fully redesigned for 2020.Increased cargo room behind the third row.Android Auto and Apple Car Play finally added.Part of the fourth Highlander generation introduced for 2020.

Pros
Comfortable, quiet ride
Good power and response from standard V6 engine
Upscale interior materials
Increased number of standard and optional safety features

Cons
Third row is kids-only
No seat height adjustment for front passenger
Evolutionary cabin design
Doesn't feel like a redesign from the ground up

By: 
edmunds.com

Fuel

Fuel Type: 
Regular Unleaded
Regular Unleaded
Fuel Economy City USA: 
18.00mpg
20.00mpg
Fuel Economy HWY: 
25.00mpg
27.00mpg
Engine type: 
Petrol/Gas
Petrol/Gas

Engine and Performance

Valves: 
24
24
Cylinders: 
6
V
6
V
Engine Size/Displacement: 
3.60L
3.50L
Torque: 
266ft-lbs
at 2 750rpm
263ft-lbs
at 4 700rpm
Horsepower: 
276hp
at 6 200rpm
295hp
at 6 600rpm
Cam Type: 
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Turning Circle: 
38.10Feet
37.40Feet

Convenience

Cruise Control: 
yes
yes
Door Pockets: 
yes
yes
Cupholders: 
yes
yes
Overhead console: 
yes
yes
Seatback Storage: 
yes
yes
Power Steering: 
yes
yes
Parking sensors: 
yes
yes
Steering Wheel Tilt: 
yes
yes
Telescopic steering wheel: 
yes
yes
Rear View Camera: 
yes
yes
Front view Camera: 
no
yes
Side view Camera: 
no
yes
On steering wheel: 
Audio Controls On Steering Wheel
Audio And Cruise Controls On Steering Wheel
More in Convenience: 
Keyless Ignition
Turn Signal In Mirrors
Electric Power Steering
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry
Universal Remote Transmitter (For Garage Door, Security System, Etc.)
Birds eye camera
Leather Steering Wheel
Keyless Ignition
Universal Remote Transmitter (For Garage Door, Security System, Etc.)
Heated Steering Wheel
Automatic Parking Assist

Exterior Dimensions

Length: 
198.30in
194.90in
Width: 
78.30in
76.00in
Height: 
70.00in
68.10in
Ground Clearance: 
8.00in
8.00in
Front Track: 
67.20in
65.30in
Rear Track: 
67.80in
65.40in
Wheel Base: 
117.30in
112.20in

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room: 
41.30
38.40
Rear Head Room: 
40.40
37.10
Front Leg Room: 
41.50in
42.00in
Rear leg room: 
37.60in
41.00in
Front Hip Room: 
58.20in
57.20in
Front Shoulder Room: 
61.50in
59.00in
Rear Hip Room: 
58.00in
57.00in
Rear Shoulder room: 
60.80in
58.40in

Weights and capacites

Cargo Capacity: 
96.80cu.ft
84.30cu.ft
Maximum Towing Capacity un-break: 
5000lbs
5000lbs
Cargo Capacity with Seats in Place: 
20.60cu.ft
16.00cu.ft
Angle of Approach: 
20.40degrees
18.10degrees
Angle of Departure: 
22.40degrees
22.90degrees
Curb Weight: 
4336.00lbs
4450.00lbs

Instruments

External Temperature Display: 
yes
yes
Clock: 
yes
yes
Trip computer: 
yes
yes
Techometer: 
yes
yes
Compass: 
no
yes

Power Features

Power windows: 
yes
yes
Remote Keyless doors: 
yes
yes
More Power Features: 
power steering
Heated Mirrors
Reverse Tilt Passenger Only Provides Curb View When Vehicle In Reverse
Hands-free power liftgate
120V 2nd-row power outlet
Reverse Tilt Passenger Only Provides Curb View When Vehicle In Reverse
4 One-Touch Power Windows
Heated Mirrors

Seats

Rear Seat Collapsible: 
yes
yes
Front Seats Features: 
10-Way Power Driver Seat
8 -Way Power Passenger Seat
Bucket Front Seats
Height-Adjustable Driver Seat
cloth
Leatherette
Multi-Level Heating Driver Seat
Multi-Level Heating Passenger Seat
Bucket Front Seats
Multi-Level Heating Driver Seat
Ventilated Driver Seat
Ventilated Passenger Seat
Leather
Height Adjustable Driver Seat
Multi-Level Heating Passenger Seat
Driver Seat With Power Adjustable Lumbar Support
8 -Way Power Driver Seat
4 -Way Power Passenger Seat
Rear Seats Features: 
Folds Into Floor Third Row Seats
Rear Ventilation Ducts
Folding center armrest
Rear Ventilation Ducts With Fan Control
Reclining Rear Seats
Manual Folding Bench Third Row Seats
Folding Rear Seatback
Multi-Level Heating

Suspension

Front Suspension: 
Stabilizer Bar
Front Stabilizer Bar
Rear Suspension: 
Stabilizer Bar
Rear Stabilizer Bar
Suspension Info: 
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension

Comfort

Interior air Filtration: 
no
yes
Climate Control: 
yes
yes
More Comfort Features: 
Electrochromatic Inside Rearview Mirror
Dual Illuminating Vanity Mirrors
3-zone automatic climate control
Dual Illuminating Vanity Mirrors
Turn Signal In Mirrors
Electrochromatic Inside Rearview Mirror

Entertainment

DVD player: 
no
no
AM/FM Radio: 
yes
yes
Satellite radio: 
yes
yes
Video monitor: 
no
no
More Entertainment: 
8 Total Speakers
USB Connection
Auxiliary Audio Input And USB With External Media Control
1200 Watts Stereo Output
11-speaker
3 Months Of Provided Satellite Radio Service
JBL Premium Brand Speakers
1 Subwoofer(S)
USB With External Media Control

Exterior Features

Sunroof: 
yes
yes
Rear defogger: 
yes
yes
More in Glass and Roof: 
Rain-sensing windshield wipers
High-output LED fog lights
Rear liftgate windshield defogger
Alloy Wheels: 
yes
yes
Wheel size: 
18 X 8.0-In
20-in
Wheels more: 
All-Season Tires
All Season Tires
Spare — temporary spare tire
Underbody Mounted Spare Tire
Wheel Dimensions: 
Width: 
255.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
50
Diameter: 
R16
Width: 
235.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
55
Diameter: 
R20

Safety Features

ABS: 
yes
yes
Front head airbags: 
yes
yes
Rear head airbags: 
yes
yes
Dual front side-mounted airbags: 
yes
yes
Emergency braking assist: 
yes
yes
Traction control: 
yes
yes
Child seat anchors: 
yes
yes
Front brakes: 
Ventilated Front Disc
Ventilated Front Disc
Stability control: 
yes
yes
Rear brakes: 
Solid Rear Disc Brakes
Solid Rear Disc Brakes
Rear door child safety locks: 
yes
yes
Daytime running lights: 
yes
yes
Engine immobilizer: 
yes
yes
Front fog lights: 
yes
yes
Dusk sensing headlamps: 
yes
yes
Auto delay off headlamps: 
yes
yes
Front headrests: 
yes
yes
Rear headrests: 
yes
yes
Tire pressure monitoring: 
yes
yes
More Safety Features: 
Rear Door Child Safety Locks
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation
Post-Collision Safety System
Dual Front With Head Protection Chambers Side-Mounted Airbags
Front, Rear And Third Row Head Airbags
LED Headlamp
Pre-Collision Safety System
Blind-Spot And Lane Departure Warnings Accident Avoidance System
Rear Center 3-Point Belt
Cornering Lights
Turn Signal Mirrors
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests
Remote Anti-Theft Alarm System
Pre-Collision Safety System
Self-Leveling Headlights
Post-Collision Safety System
Blind Spot And Lane Departure Warnings Accident Avoidance System
LED Headlamp

Options

Packages: 
All-Weather Floor Liner Package
Four Season Floor Liner/Mat Package
Preferred Accessory Package
Exterior Options: 
Wheel Locks
Splash Guards
Paint Protection
Trailer Hitch
Hood Deflector
Bumper Applique
Roof Rack
Alloy Wheel Locks
Special Color
Door Edge Guards
Rear Bumper Protector - Chrome
Body Side Moldings
Running Boards
Roof Rack Cross Bars
Paint Protection Film
Interior Options: 
Roadside Assistance Kit
Rubber Mat Kit
First Aid Kit
Luggage Net
Rearview Mirror W/Homelink
Universal Tablet Holder
Cargo Net - Envelope
Cargo Tote
Carpet Floor Mats And Cargo Liner Package
Carpet Mat Package

Colors

Interior Colors: 
Color: 
#000000
Color: 
Black, leather
#191919
Graphite, leather
#404042
Harvest Beige, leather
#C0AB91
Glazed Caramel, leather
#8A582F