Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was available starting at $41,995, including the destination charge, for the base LE trim with front-wheel drive. Buyers could upgrade to higher trims like XLE, Bronze Edition, Limited, and Platinum, with all-wheel drive as an optional feature. The test vehicle was a top-tier Platinum trim with AWD, priced at $54,718. Changes for 2023 were minimal, with a new Cypress Green paint option and standard power-folding mirrors on Limited and Platinum trims. The Highlander Hybrid's design was bold, with exaggerated forms and a busy interior featuring a large touchscreen and oversized controls. However, the interior quality was questionable, with cheap-feeling controls and poorly fitted leather upholstery. Despite these issues, the Highlander Hybrid offered a quiet ride, thanks to acoustic front window glass in higher trims.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared styling updates with the three-row Atlas, featuring new lighting elements and illuminated VW logos. Built in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Cross Sport was designed for the U.S. market. It had a distinctive rear design with a lower roofline, giving it a sportier silhouette compared to other midsize crossovers. New wheel designs were introduced across all trims, with sizes ranging from 18 to 21 inches. The interior received updates, including a raised center console and a new electronic shifter. Standard features included leatherette upholstery, with higher trims offering leather and quilted leather options. Despite attempts to improve interior materials, the cabin still relied heavily on plastic.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing 243 combined horsepower. The AWD version added a third electric motor for the rear wheels. The Highlander Hybrid was designed for efficiency, with a Predictive Efficient Drive system learning driving habits to optimize fuel economy. However, the test vehicle returned only 28.7 mpg, below the EPA's 35 mpg estimate. The SUV's performance was lackluster, with limited high-speed passing power and a soft suspension that made for a dull driving experience. It was best suited for city and suburban driving, offering a smooth and quiet ride but lacking excitement.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport featured a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine replaced the previous VR6 option, offering more torque and better performance. The Cross Sport's ride quality was not impressive, partly due to the test vehicle's 21-inch wheels. The maximum towing capacity remained at 5,000 pounds, except for the base SE model, which was rated at 2,000 pounds. While the new engine provided adequate power, the driving experience was unremarkable, with a noisy engine and uninspiring handling.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was designed to accommodate family needs, seating seven or eight people depending on the configuration. Most models featured second-row captain's chairs, making the third row suitable only for occasional use. The interior offered three-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats. However, accessing the third row was challenging, and the seats were uncomfortable for adults. The Highlander Hybrid provided 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with the second row folded. Storage solutions were practical but lacked lining, leading to potential noise issues.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport added more standard equipment for 2024, including heated side mirrors, two-zone automatic climate control, and a heated steering wheel. The interior offered decent legroom but limited rear-seat headroom due to the sloping roofline. Cargo space was competitive, with 40.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 77.6 cubic feet with them folded. The cabin was functional, with ample storage space and well-designed cupholders. However, the rear-seat headroom was compromised by the vehicle's styling.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system. The system featured over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and various connected services. A head-up display and JBL sound system were also available. While the infotainment platform was user-friendly, the graphics lacked contrast, making it difficult to read in certain conditions.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came standard with a 12-inch touchscreen, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system was intuitive, but the haptic touchpads for controls were less user-friendly than traditional buttons. The Cross Sport offered up to six USB-C ports and a USB-C dash cam port on higher trims. The SEL trim included a head-up display, and the premium audio system was upgraded to a Harman Kardon setup.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. These included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, ensuring peace of mind for safety-conscious buyers.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with the IQ.Drive package, which included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Higher trims added features like predictive adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system. The Cross Sport was also equipped with post-collision braking and an emergency assist feature.