Comparison - Volkswagen Atlas V6 SEL 4MOTION 2021 - vs - Toyota Highlander Platinum 2020

General

Other Names:

Also called:

Volkswagen Teramont

Also called:

Kluger

Is the updated 2021 VW Atlas a BETTER SUV than the Kia Telluride?
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We Welcome Our 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
2021 Volkswagen Atlas Review & Drive
The 2020 Atlas Cross Sport Is A Sleek Family Hauler, But Which Should You Buy: 2.0L Turbo or V6?
The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Interior is Super Spacious
The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Still Drives Great, but is that Enough?
2021 Volkswagen ATLAS – In-Depth Walkaround – Features, Design, Interior
2020 Highlander Hybrid | Fuel Sipping 3-Row With 8 Seats
2020 Toyota Highlander | Refining The 3-Row SUV
Is the 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid the ULTIMATE 3-row SUV?
My Week with the 2020 Toyota Highlander
Is the ALL NEW 2020 Toyota Highlander XLE the PERFECT 3-row SUV
Desert Test
2020 Toyota Highlander Review — Release Date, Price, Interior and Mor
Review and Road Test
Average Price: 
$
44,195
Updated: 
07 Feb 2020
$
48,800
Updated: 
19 Dec 2019
Car Type: 
SUV
SUV
Drive Type: 
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Year: 
2021
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: 
Tourmaline Blue Metallic
#063956
Platinum Gray Metallic
#686C6F
Pacific Blue Metallic
#016BA6
Deep Black Pearl
#000000
Pure White
#FFFFFF
Racing Green
#25412B
Aurora Red Metallic
#D60118
Pyrite Silver Metallic
#9E9E98
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: 

The 2021 VW Atlas is a competent family hauler that assimilates into the daily routine without fuss.

Pros
Plenty of space
Good warranty
Good tech
Relative value among competitors
Solid powertrains

Cons
A little boring
Base touchscreen is on the small side
Not fuel-efficient
Cross Sport gets lost

By: 
thecarconnection.com

VW refreshes the 2021 Atlas by adding updated front and rear ends that increase its overall length by almost three inches. Its face is graced by a more attractive three-bar grille and revised headlights, which now feature standard LED elements that continue out back. Models with the R-Line option also get new looks courtesy of its special badging, body kit, and 20- or 21-inch rims. Inside, there's a new steering wheel, updated stitching on the seats, an 8.0-inch touchscreen on most models, and the latest iteration of the company's Car-Net smartphone app. The four-cylinder Atlas is now available with all-wheel drive for the first time.

Pros
No shortage of cargo or passenger space, reassuring driving manners, hard-to-beat value.

Cons
Uninspired interior aesthetic, less fuel efficient than advertised, rides rough on broken surfaces.

By: 
caranddriver.com

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas comes with front wheel drive, and all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed shiftable automatic.Restyled front and rear bodywork.Upgraded interior appointments.

Pros
Spacious interior offers ample room for passengers in all three rows
Great compromise between precise handling and everyday comfort
Straightforward, easy-to-use cabin design

Cons
Lackluster acceleration, even with the optional V6
Fuel economy lags that of most competitors

By: 
edmunds.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: 
16.00mpg
20.00mpg
Fuel Economy HWY: 
22.00mpg
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 And Cruise Controls On Steering Wheel
Audio And Cruise Controls On Steering Wheel
More in Convenience: 
Leather Steering Wheel
Keyless Ignition
Heated Steering Wheel
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry
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: 
65.30in
Rear Track: 
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: 
4450.00lbs

Instruments

External Temperature Display: 
yes
yes
Clock: 
yes
yes
Trip computer: 
yes
yes
Techometer: 
yes
yes
Compass: 
yes
yes

Power Features

Power windows: 
yes
yes
Remote Keyless doors: 
yes
yes
More Power Features: 
Hands-Free Entry
Reverse Tilt Passenger Only Provides Curb View When Vehicle In Reverse
Heated Mirrors
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: 
Bucket Front Seats
Height Adjustable Passenger Seat
Multi-Level Heating Driver Seat
Leatherette
Height Adjustable Driver Seat
Multi-Level Heating Passenger Seat
Driver Seat With Power Adjustable Lumbar Support
8 -Way Power Driver Seat
Passenger Seat With Power Adjustable Lumbar Support
6 -Way Power 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: 
Folding center armrest
Manual Folding Split-Bench Third Row Seats
Rear Ventilation Ducts With Fan Control
Split-Folding Rear Seatback
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: 
yes
yes
Climate Control: 
yes
yes
More Comfort Features: 
Turn Signal In Mirrors
Three Zone Climate Control
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: 
3 Months Of Provided Satellite Radio Service
Memory Card Slot
USB With External Media Control
USB Connection
6 Total Speakers
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: 
20 X 8.0 In.
20-in
Wheels more: 
Inside Mounted Spare Tire
Temporary Spare Tire
All Season Tires
Spare — temporary spare tire
Underbody Mounted Spare Tire
Wheel Dimensions: 
Width: 
255.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
50
Diameter: 
R20
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: 
Cornering Lights
Turn Signal Mirrors
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests
Remote Anti-Theft Alarm System
Pre-Collision Safety System
Rear Center 3-Point Belt
Post-Collision Safety System
LED Headlamp
Blind Spot And Lane Departure Warnings Accident Avoidance System
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: 
VW Care
Combination Assistance Kit
Roadside Assistance Kit
2nd-Row Dual Captain's Chairs
All-Weather Floor Liner Package
Four Season Floor Liner/Mat Package
Preferred Accessory Package
Exterior Options: 
Side Steps
Wheel Locks
Rear Bumper Applique
Trailer Hatch Extras
Roof Rack
Hood Deflector
Splash Guards
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: 
Carpeted Mats (Bench Seats)
Rearview Mirror W/HomeLink
Rubber Mats Kit (Captain's Chairs)
Luggage Net
Privacy Cover
Rubber Mats Kit (Bench Seats)
Carpeted Mats (Captain's Chairs)
Universal Tablet Holder
Cargo Net - Envelope
Cargo Tote
Carpet Floor Mats And Cargo Liner Package
Carpet Mat Package

Colors

Interior Colors: 
Color: 
Titan Black, leatherette
#000000
Mauro Brown, leatherette
#4B3B37
Shetland Beige, leatherette
#D2CAC3
Color: 
Black, leather
#191919
Graphite, leather
#404042
Harvest Beige, leather
#C0AB91
Glazed Caramel, leather
#8A582F