The Volkswagen Atlas is a well-rounded midsize three-row crossover with comfortable accommodations, appealing features, and abundant practicality. It's one of the segment's roomiest options, with ample room in all three rows and a cavernous max cargo capacity. A midcycle refresh makes VW's flagship SUV even better for 2024, with upgraded performance, more standard amenities, and handsome styling. The 2024 VW Atlas is one of the most compelling options in its class. To give some examples, here's a look at how it compares to another prominent competitor, the Toyota Highlander.
2024 VW Atlas vs. Toyota Highlander: Performance
The VW Atlas and Toyota Highlander have closely matched turbocharged four-cylinder engines. The Atlas generates 269 horsepower, slightly more than the Highlander's 265. However, Car and Driver testing showed the two SUVs dead even for acceleration, with each reaching 60 mph from a standstill in 7.2 seconds. Both models send power to the front wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission. However, four of the Atlas's six configurations – SEL, SEL Premium R-Line, and two Peak Edition variants – come standard with all-wheel-drive. The Highlander doesn't offer standard AWD for any trim.
The 2024 VW Atlas introduced new Peak Edition variants for SE w/ Technology and SEL trim levels, accentuating the SUV's rugged character. While these appearance packages don't turn the Atlas into a trail-roaming adventure machine, they do include standard 4Motion® AWD and all-terrain tires, providing better grip on low-traction surfaces.
2024 VW Atlas vs. Toyota Highlander: Accommodations
Both models offer stylish and comfortable cabins with modern design details, cozy seats, and ample room for first and second-row passengers. However, Killeen families will appreciate the extra personal space provided by the Atlas's third row. The Atlas allows even adults to ride comfortably in the very back, with 2.2 inches more headroom and nearly six more inches of legroom, making the Highlander feel cramped in comparison.
The Atlas's space advantage continues into the cargo area with 20.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 55.5 cubic feet with the third row folded. The Highlander offers 16 cubes behind the third row and 48.4 behind the second. When your Georgetown outings or errands require maximum carrying capacity, the Atlas provides a cavernous 96.8 cubic feet with all rear seats folded, while the Highlander is limited to 84.3.
2024 VW Atlas vs. Toyota Highlander: Features
The VW Atlas's 2024 refresh moved many desirable amenities to the base trim level, including several that competitors typically reserve for the highest tiers. Here are some examples:
- The Atlas has standard steering-responsive headlights. These are reserved for the Highlander's highest "Platinum" trim.
- The Atlas has standard heated and ventilated front seats. The Highlander reserves heated seats for the third-tier XLE, while cooled seats are limited to the top two trims.
- The VW Atlas has a standard 12-inch infotainment touchscreen, plus wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a wireless charging pad, providing cable-free connectivity. It also includes a customizable 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrument panel. The Highlander has a standard 8-inch touchscreen and a 7-inch driver display between analog gauges. You can get a 12-inch infotainment display and a fully digital gauge cluster, but they're limited to the Highlander's two highest trims. A wireless charging pad requires the third-tier XLE.
- The VW Atlas comes standard with USB charge ports in all three rows. The Highlander doesn't provide USB ports for rear-seat passengers.
- Both models come standard with advanced driver aids like collision mitigation, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Atlas's base trim also includes blind spot warning and intervention and rear traffic alert. The Highlander reserves blind spot and rear traffic warning for a higher trim and doesn't offer blind spot intervention.
Test-Drive the 2024 VW Atlas near Horseshoe Bay, TX
Get in touch with Vanguard Volkswagen to learn more about the refreshed 2024 VW Atlas, including its configuration options, financing opportunities, and available offers and incentives. If you'd like to experience the Atlas's accommodations, amenities, and drivability firsthand, we invite you to stop by our dealership in Austin to browse our new VW inventory. We'd love to give you a tour.
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