Toyota Highlander vs Atlas Cross Sport: Which One Offers the Best Value for Your Money? Discover Now!
What To Know
- Both the Highlander and the Atlas Cross Sport pack a punch in terms of technology and safety features.
- The Highlander’s reputation for reliability and resale value makes it a strong contender, while the Atlas Cross Sport’s stylish design and advanced technology features appeal to a different segment of buyers.
- The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offers a more stylish and technologically advanced experience, with a comfortable ride and a powerful turbocharged engine.
Choosing the right SUV can be a daunting task, especially when faced with two popular contenders like the Toyota Highlander and the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. Both offer spacious interiors, impressive features, and reliable performance, making the decision even tougher. This comprehensive guide will delve deep into the Toyota Highlander vs Atlas Cross Sport, comparing their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed choice.
Performance and Handling: A Tale of Two Engines
The Toyota Highlander offers two engine options: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 206 horsepower and a 3.5-liter V6 generating 295 horsepower. The base engine provides adequate power for daily commutes, while the V6 delivers a more spirited driving experience. The Atlas Cross Sport, on the other hand, comes with a single 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 235 horsepower. This engine offers a good balance of power and fuel efficiency.
Both vehicles offer smooth and comfortable rides. The Highlander’s suspension provides a balanced blend of comfort and handling, while the Atlas Cross Sport’s suspension leans towards a sportier feel. The Highlander’s available all-wheel drive system provides confident handling in various weather conditions, while the Atlas Cross Sport’s optional 4Motion all-wheel drive system offers similar capabilities.
Interior Space and Comfort: A Roomy Showdown
Both the Highlander and the Atlas Cross Sport excel in interior space and comfort. The Highlander offers seating for eight passengers, while the Atlas Cross Sport seats seven. Both vehicles provide ample legroom and headroom for all passengers, making long journeys comfortable.
The Highlander’s interior is known for its practicality and durability. Its cabin features high-quality materials and a user-friendly layout. The Atlas Cross Sport boasts a more modern and stylish interior with a focus on comfort and technology. Both SUVs offer a range of features like heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium sound system.
Technology and Safety: A Feature-Packed Battle
Both the Highlander and the Atlas Cross Sport pack a punch in terms of technology and safety features. The Highlander comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a suite of driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. The Atlas Cross Sport offers a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an optional head-up display.
Safety is paramount in both vehicles. Both the Highlander and the Atlas Cross Sport earn top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA. They come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Fuel Efficiency: A Close Race
Fuel efficiency is an important consideration for many SUV buyers. The Highlander’s base four-cylinder engine achieves an EPA-estimated 24 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined. The V6 engine delivers 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. The Atlas Cross Sport’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined.
While the Highlander’s four-cylinder engine offers slightly better fuel economy, the Atlas Cross Sport‘s turbocharged engine provides a good balance of power and efficiency. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your driving habits and priorities.
Price and Value: Finding the Best Deal
The Toyota Highlander starts at a lower price than the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. However, the price gap can be narrowed depending on the trim level and features you choose. The Highlander’s base price is around $36,000, while the Atlas Cross Sport starts at around $38,000.
Both SUVs offer a good value proposition, offering a balance of features, performance, and reliability. The Highlander’s reputation for reliability and resale value makes it a strong contender, while the Atlas Cross Sport’s stylish design and advanced technology features appeal to a different segment of buyers.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right SUV
Ultimately, the best SUV for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. The Toyota Highlander excels in reliability, practicality, and fuel efficiency. Its spacious interior and robust engine options make it a great family-oriented SUV. The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offers a more stylish and technologically advanced experience, with a comfortable ride and a powerful turbocharged engine. Its spacious interior and impressive safety features make it a strong contender for those seeking a modern and well-rounded SUV.
Beyond the Comparison: A Look at the Bigger Picture
While the Toyota Highlander and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport are both excellent choices, it’s important to consider other factors beyond the direct comparison. Your lifestyle, driving habits, and budget all play a crucial role in your decision.
If reliability and resale value are top priorities, the Toyota Highlander is a safe bet. If you prioritize style, technology, and a sporty driving experience, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport might be a better fit.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Which SUV has a better warranty?
A: The Toyota Highlander comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offers a 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 4-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Q: Which SUV is better for off-roading?
A: Both the Highlander and the Atlas Cross Sport offer optional all-wheel drive systems, but neither is specifically designed for off-roading. If you’re looking for an SUV with serious off-road capabilities, consider models like the Toyota 4Runner or the Jeep Wrangler.
Q: Which SUV is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Toyota Highlander‘s base four-cylinder engine offers slightly better fuel economy than the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport‘s turbocharged four-cylinder engine. However, the Atlas Cross Sport’s engine provides a good balance of power and efficiency.
Q: Which SUV has a better infotainment system?
A: The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport’s infotainment system features a larger touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, making it more user-friendly and technologically advanced.
Q: Which SUV is better for families?
A: Both the Toyota Highlander and the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offer spacious interiors and a range of family-friendly features. The Highlander’s reputation for reliability and safety makes it a strong contender for families, while the Atlas Cross Sport’s stylish design and advanced technology features might appeal to families seeking a more modern and sophisticated experience.