Toyota
Highlander
Volkswagen
Atlas
Toyota Highlander vs Volkswagen Atlas: 2023 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Toyota Highlander comes out ahead of the Volkswagen Atlas on fuel economy and power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Highlander
Overall
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on model year and powertrain. The Highlander is widely recognized as a reliable, practical, and comfortable family SUV, praised for its solid build quality, good ride comfort, and strong resale value. Long-term owners of older generations, particularly those with V6 engines and 6-speed automatics, report exceptional reliability with minimal issues.
Best version to buy
For gas models, the 2015-2016 model years are very frequently recommended as the peak of reliability, featuring a proven V6 and 6-speed automatic. For newer models, the Hybrid variant is overwhelmingly recommended over the gas-only version due to its reliable eCVT transmission, superior fuel economy, and avoidance of the problematic 8-speed automatic.
Known issues
- ⚠8-speed automatic transmission failures (whining, complete failure): Primarily affects non-hybrid (gas) models from approximately 2017-2022. Repair costs are reported to be around $7,000+. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Transmission problems in gas models: General reports of issues, clunkiness, and unreliability with the 8-speed automatic in model years 2017-2022, and isolated mentions for 2023. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Engine transition concerns: Apprehension about the long-term reliability of the newer turbocharged 2.4L 4-cylinder engine compared to the older, proven 3.5L V6. Frequency: recurrent.
Atlas
Overall
Mixed to negative sentiment overall, with a sharp divide between satisfied and dissatisfied owners. The vehicle is consistently praised for its exceptionally spacious and comfortable interior, smooth ride quality, and practical family-friendly layout, including easy-to-use third-row seating. Positive experiences highlight good long-term reliability with proper maintenance, particularly with the V6 engine.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a definitive "best" trim or version. Feedback suggests the V6 engine (3.6L) is preferred over the 2.0L turbo four-cylinder for adequate power, especially in earlier model years.
Known issues
- ⚠Severe infotainment/software glitches: system freezes, failure to connect to phones, loss of audio, random reboots required, forgotten satellite radio subscriptions, unresponsive touchscreen. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠General electrical/electronic malfunctions: random activation of windshield wipers, faulty hands-free liftgate sensors, backup camera failures, battery drain issues. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Higher maintenance and repair costs: more expensive parts and labor compared to mainstream Asian and American brands, cited as a general ownership characteristic. Frequency: very frequent.
The verdict
The Toyota Highlander is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Volkswagen Atlas, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Volkswagen Atlas is worth a closer look instead.
Explore further
Common problems by model year
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Toyota Highlander or the Volkswagen Atlas?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Toyota Highlander and the Volkswagen Atlas. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Toyota Highlander or the Volkswagen Atlas?
The Toyota Highlander seats more passengers than the Volkswagen Atlas on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Toyota Highlander is classed as a SUV, the Volkswagen Atlas as a SUV.
Which has better fuel economy, the Toyota Highlander or the Volkswagen Atlas?
The Toyota Highlander is more fuel-efficient on paper: 10.2 L/100km combined versus 12.4 L/100km for the Volkswagen Atlas, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Toyota Highlander or the Volkswagen Atlas?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.