Toyota Land Cruiser vs Volkswagen Atlas

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser was offered in two trim levels, with the base model named the 1958, a nod to the year it first hit the US market. This version had a retro aesthetic, featuring round headlights, cloth seats, and basic equipment, available in three paint colors. Priced at $58,195, it was a more affordable option, but the Land Cruiser model, priced at $62,965, offered a more modern and upscale look. This version came with additional color options, a nicer interior with larger screens, and essential off-roading hardware and software. The Premium Package added leather and more tech, enhancing the vehicle's appeal. The test vehicle featured the Premium Package, Heritage Blue and Grayscape paint, 20-inch wheels, and an accessory roof rack, bringing the total price to $71,004. Despite its utilitarian design, the Land Cruiser's interior was more refined than the 1958, with Java-colored leather providing a desirable contrast. The dual 12.3-inch digital screens added a touch of technological advancement, and the steering-wheel controls were notably intuitive.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas, particularly in the SEL Premium R-Line trim, exuded a sense of luxury. Starting with the base SE trim, the Atlas showcased full-LED lighting, power-adjustable heated side mirrors, and a sculpted silhouette. The SE with Technology added features like an illuminated logo and 20-inch alloys, while the Peak Edition introduced rugged elements and blackout trim pieces. The SEL Premium R-Line further enhanced the exterior with power-folding side mirrors and 21-inch alloy wheels. The test vehicle's Pure Gray paint maintained a clean appearance even after extensive winter driving. Inside, the Titan Black upholstery with silver underlay provided a sophisticated look. The Atlas was priced competitively, with the SEL Premium R-Line starting at $56,105, making it a more affordable option compared to some luxury competitors. The interior featured quilted diamond-pattern leather seats, metallic accents, and a 12-inch touchscreen, although the latter was more about form than function. Despite some functional shortcomings, the Atlas's design and upscale appointments made it stand out in its segment.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with Toyota’s i-Force Max hybrid system, combining a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission and an electric motor. This setup delivered 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, with a full-time four-wheel-drive system and electronic locking differentials. The Land Cruiser had a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds and featured standard Downhill Assist Control and Crawl Control. The more expensive model added Multi-Terrain Select off-roading modes and a front stabilizer bar disconnect feature. Despite an EPA rating of 23 mpg combined, real-world testing yielded only 15.7 mpg. The Land Cruiser excelled as a daily driver and off-road adventurer, with impressive suspension tuning that absorbed rough terrain. However, it struggled on twisty roads due to its tires and suspension. The vehicle offered a high driving position with excellent visibility, making it easy to maneuver. Off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like the front stabilizer bar disconnect and Multi-Terrain Monitor camera views.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas retained the same engine as previous models, a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder producing 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Atlas offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The engine was configured for flexibility, with peak torque arriving at 1,600 rpm and maintaining through 4,500 rpm. While initial acceleration felt adequate, the Atlas settled into a competent rhythm once in motion. Volkswagen claimed a zero-to-60 mph time of 8.3 seconds for the AWD model. The Atlas achieved 22 mpg during testing, slightly better than the EPA’s 21 mpg combined estimate. The 4Motion AWD system performed well in rain and light snow, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. However, ride quality was a concern, particularly with the SEL Premium R-Line’s 21-inch wheels, which transmitted vibrations on rough surfaces. Despite this, the Atlas offered confident steering and braking, with predictable body roll.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser offered SofTex artificial leather upholstery in the upgraded model, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Premium Package added real leather and a power sunroof. While the front seats were comfortable, the second-row seats lacked thigh support and had an uncomfortable backrest angle. The rear window design was less than ideal, and the center console's cool box seemed unnecessary. The Land Cruiser provided 46.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 82.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, the high load floor height required effort when loading heavy items.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in accommodating passengers and cargo. The SEL Premium R-Line’s front seats were heated, ventilated, and equipped with massage, with supportive seating for long drives. The driver’s seat offered 10-way power adjustment, while the passenger’s seat varied by trim level. Visibility was excellent, and the second-row captain’s chairs allowed easy access to the third row. The third-row seats provided decent leg support, and cargo capacity was a strong point. The Atlas offered 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 55.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a total of 96.6 cubic feet with all seats down.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 12.3-inch digital driver display and infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and access to Apple Music and Amazon Music accounts. Five connected service plans were available, including Drive Connect with a cloud-based navigation system and digital assistant. The Premium Package added a 14-speaker JBL sound system, wireless smartphone charger, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and digital key technology.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas came standard with a 12-inch touchscreen running VW’s MIB3 operating system, a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless charging. The SEL Premium R-Line added a Harman Kardon 12-speaker audio system, head-up display, and surround-view camera system. However, the MIB3 system was frustrating to use, with touch-sensitive controls that were invisible at night. The voice control system was unreliable, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto the preferred options. The Harman Kardon audio system delivered excellent sound quality, and the Digital Cockpit Pro offered configurable views.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist provided semi-autonomous highway driving. Additional safety features included a road sign reader, automatic high-beam headlights, and Predictive Driving Assist. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with five stars in side-impact testing and a three-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS for 2025. The IQ.Drive suite of driver assistance features was standard, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and Travel Assist. Emergency Assist was also included. The SEL Premium R-Line added Park Assist, although the Atlas was easy to maneuver without it.