2021 Toyota Highlander vs. 2021 Volkswagen Atlas 2021: Better Tech, Efficiency, and Power

The Highlander isn't your typical SUV. It's designed to drive and handle like a car while offering a spacious interior, admired efficiency, advanced technology and more standard features across the lineup. 

The segment is filled with different types of SUVs with different characteristics. Here, we compare the latest model to the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. 

The 2021 Toyota Highlander uses less to make more power

The Highlander includes a choice of two powertrains that focus on power and efficiency. Five gas trims feature a 3.5-litre six-cylinder that produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. It achieves a fuel economy rating of 11.8/8.6 L/100 km (city/highway), which is admirable for an engine of this type. 

Three Highlander models include an advanced hybrid engine. Consisting of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder and electric motor system, it delivers 243 net horsepower and a combined fuel efficiency of 6.7 L/100 km. If you want outstanding efficiency in a family SUV, look no further.

However, the Volkswagen Atlas falls short with its two available powertrains. A 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder produces 235 horsepower, and a 3.6-litre six-cylinder outputs 276 horsepower. Both are lower in power than their respective Highlander competitors, but also leave questions about efficiency. The six-cylinder is rated as high as 13.8 L/100 km in the city and 10.2 L/100 km on the highway. 

The Highlander offers better power and efficiency in its model lineup. 

The 2021 Toyota Highlander offers more safety 

The Highlander upgrades its standard driver assistance systems with the addition of Toyota Safety Sense 2.5. The refined driving technologies sense and do more, adding safety on every trip. However, the Volkswagen Atlas doesn't make all its systems available across all model levels. You have to upgrade to gain access to more technology. 

Every Highlander includes: Lane Tracing Assist, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control,  Automatic High Beam, Risk Avoidance (Semi-Automated Emergency Steering to Avoid Pedestrian, Bicyclist or Vehicle),Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Left Turn Intersection Support, Front-to-Front Risk Detection, and Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and Bicycle Detection.

It's also important that your crew feels comfortable inside, too. The Highlander beats the Atlas with more legroom in the first and second rows. Feel free to stretch out on long trips. 

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