Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs Volkswagen Atlas

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was priced at just over $50,000 for the base Hybrid LE, with the Limited trim reaching $61,800 in Canada. It featured minimal appearance changes, with a new Cypress Green paint colour. The design was described as over-styled, with exaggerated forms and a lack of subtlety both inside and out. The interior was criticized for its mismatched textures and tones, and the quality of materials was deemed dubious. Despite these issues, the Highlander Hybrid was noted for its quiet ride on the road.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh, adding new lighting elements and a more Americanized "face." It featured new wheel designs across all trim levels, with the Atlas Peak Edition introducing a more rugged look. The interior saw a revised design, with a freestanding infotainment touchscreen and a minimalist approach that contrasted with the exterior. Volkswagen aimed to make the interior feel more upscale, with improved materials and stitching, although some areas still appeared cheaper than expected for a top model.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with electric motor-generators, producing 243 combined horsepower. It offered standard AWD and was designed for fuel efficiency, with a Predictive Efficient Drive system. However, the driving experience was described as uninspiring, with soft suspension and a lack of high-speed passing power. The Highlander Hybrid was best suited for city and suburban driving, with a focus on reliability and safety.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas featured a single powertrain option: a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine producing 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD in Canada. The Atlas was quicker than its predecessor, with a 0-100 km/h time of approximately 8.5 seconds. While the driving experience prioritized comfort over performance, the Atlas offered a smooth ride and decent towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid accommodated seven or eight passengers, with most models featuring second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seat was best for occasional use, and the interior offered standard three-zone climate control and heated front seats. Cargo space was generous, with up to 2,387 litres available with the second-row seats folded. However, the storage console design was criticized for being unnecessarily complex.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas provided seating for seven, with a three-seat second-row bench that could be replaced by captain's chairs on higher trims. The Atlas offered competitive headroom and legroom across all rows, with the third-row legroom being the best in its class. Cargo space was ample, with up to 2,735 litres available with the second and third rows folded. The Atlas excelled in balancing passenger and cargo space, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment systems. The Limited trim featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered over-the-air updates and connected services, although the controls were not intuitive. The JBL sound system provided decent audio quality, and the platform was user-friendly with an active Drive Connect subscription.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas came with a 12-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster as standard. It included wireless phone charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and up to eight USB-C ports. The Execline trim featured a head-up display and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The infotainment system was easy to use, with sharp graphics and a map view in the digital cluster. However, the reliance on haptic touchpads for controls was less user-friendly.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. It included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist, among others. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, making it a safe choice for families.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with strong performance in side crash tests. It featured standard driver assistance equipment, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Execline trim added park assist and a surround-view camera system. The Atlas also included emergency features like automatic post-collision braking and a crash response system.