2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2025 Toyota Highlander
The three-row SUV market offers no shortage of robust choices, but the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas and the 2025 Toyota Highlander stand out as two of the most compelling. Both vehicles blend practicality with refined comfort, delivering options that appeal to families and active drivers alike. Cardinale Volkswagen Salinas is pleased to highlight why the latest Atlas, now available in Salinas, CA, outshines the competition for those comparing the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2025 Toyota Highlander. With the Atlas, Volkswagen focuses on generous cargo space, modern connectivity, and next-level driver assistance, all wrapped in a bold, sophisticated exterior that turns heads in Monterey or on the roads to Pebble Beach. The Highlander, on the other hand, maintains its reputation for a smooth ride and advanced safety, but for buyers seeking an SUV that elevates daily usability, technology integration, and long-term ownership peace of mind, the Atlas emerges as the more thoughtful choice. Let’s explore what sets these vehicles apart and why smart buyers in Salinas, CA are selecting Cardinale Volkswagen Salinas for their next SUV.
| Feature | 2025 Volkswagen Atlas | 2025 Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Turbocharged Engine (Standard) | Yes | Yes |
| 5,000 lb. Towing Capacity | Yes | Yes |
| Maximum Cargo Capacity Over 95 cu ft | Yes | No |
| 12-inch Touchscreen Display (Available) | Yes | No |
| Panoramic Sunroof (Available) | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Smartphone Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Hands-Free Power Liftgate | Yes | Yes |
| Harman Kardon® or Premium Audio (Available) | Yes | Yes |
| Semi-Automated Driving Assistance (IQ.DRIVE®) | Yes | No |
| 5-Year Connected Services (Car-Net® Safe & Secure) | Yes | No |
Exterior - Volkswagen Dealer serving Salinas, CA
Aesthetically, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas delivers a bold, assertive stance with crisp lines, a prominent front grille, and striking LED lighting, including available illuminated grille and emblem features. Wheel options range from 18-inch to impressive 21-inch machined alloys, offering both style and presence. The available Atlas Peak Edition adds distinctive cladding and rugged details for those seeking an adventurous edge. Buyers will appreciate the hands-free Easy Open liftgate and available roof rails, facilitating seamless loading of everything from groceries to sports equipment for family outings or weekends in Pebble Beach. While the 2025 Toyota Highlander showcases a modern, sculpted body with a choice of vibrant colors and a commanding front fascia, it still leans more toward the conservative side of SUV design. Rain-sensing wipers and a twin-tip exhaust add subtle touches, but the overall silhouette is less striking than the Atlas. The Volkswagen’s aerodynamic accents, practical exterior lighting, and PANORAMIC power sunroof—designed to bring light and airiness to the cabin—combine to create a standout look that consistently garners attention in Salinas, CA and beyond.
Interior - 2025 Volkswagen Atlas in Salinas, CA
Within the cabin, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas stands out for its versatile, amply appointed interior that blends comfort with cutting-edge technology. Whether accommodating family or friends, the Atlas provides truly generous space in all three rows—passengers will appreciate the class-leading legroom and supportive seating surfaces available in V-Tex leatherette or premium Vienna leather. An available 12-inch touchscreen navigation display takes center stage, offering crisp graphics and effortless access to essential controls, while the Harman Kardon® premium audio system envelops the cabin in rich, immersive sound. Multi-color adjustable ambient lighting, heated and ventilated seats, and a panoramic sunroof underscore the upscale vibe. The Highlander offers an available 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and an 8- or 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen (dependent on trim level), but its cargo layout and third-row comfort remain less flexible than the Atlas. Only the Atlas boasts up to 96.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded, making it ideal for gear-heavy excursions around Salinas, CA, or road trips to Monterey. Integrated wireless App-Connect, a Wi-Fi Hotspot, multiple USB-C ports, and thoughtfully placed storage solutions cement the Atlas as a leader in convenience and family-friendly versatility.
Volkswagen Atlas vs Toyota Highlander Mechanical Specs
Engineered for strength and precision, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas rides on a purpose-built platform designed to deliver dynamic handling and solid stability under all conditions. Its four-wheel independent suspension delivers a composed ride with minimal body roll, while the available Peak Edition upgrades provide all-terrain capabilities perfect for adventure-minded drivers. The steering is both responsive and reassuring, ideal for navigating city streets or open highways in Monterey. The Highlander, conversely, offers an XSE sport-tuned suspension on certain trims and available Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive, which helps optimize traction and performance. Nevertheless, the Atlas’s chassis calibration provides a more direct feel and steady road manners. Notably, Volkswagen’s signature emphasis on driver confidence is further enhanced by advanced driver-assistance systems and robust structural integrity, making the Atlas a trusted companion at Cardinale Volkswagen Salinas for families who refuse to compromise on control and comfort.
Powertrain - Volkswagen Dealership in Salinas, CA
Under the hood, the Atlas draws power from a robust 2.0-liter TSI® turbocharged engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, efficiently managed through a smooth-shifting automatic transmission. This drivetrain achieves impressive acceleration for highway merging or swift city responses while maintaining excellent towing capabilities up to 5,000 pounds, suited to trailers, boats, or recreational vehicles. Toyota meets this challenge with a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine delivering 265 horsepower and a higher torque figure, mated to its own automatic transmission. Both models are available with all-wheel-drive, but the Atlas stands out for its seamless power delivery and intuitive drive modes tailored to a variety of road surfaces. The Volkswagen engine’s notable refinement and balanced yet spirited performance ensure that traveling through the hills outside Salinas, CA or along the Central Coast remains effortless and engaging, all while preserving the fuel efficiency expected from a modern SUV.
Safety - Volkswagen Atlas vs Toyota Highlander
Safety remains paramount for families shopping at Cardinale Volkswagen Salinas, which is why the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard and available safety features. Front and rear Park Distance Control, an Overhead View Camera (Area View), and IQ.DRIVE® hands-on, semi-automated capability all work together to maximize awareness and minimize driver stress, especially in busy city or suburban environments. Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Traffic Alert, and Exit Warning System come standard or are widely available across the trim range. The Toyota Highlander matches up with its Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ suite, offering Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Lane Departure Alert, but lacks a semi-automated driving assistant comparable to IQ.DRIVE®. Volkswagen’s 5-year Car-Net® Safe & Secure plan ensures occupants are protected even after leaving the dealership, providing remote access and emergency services for long-term peace of mind—a clear advantage for drivers in and around Salinas, CA.
Request more 2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2025 Toyota Highlander in Salinas, CA information
When considering the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2025 Toyota Highlander, those searching for a premium, spacious, and technologically advanced SUV consistently find the Atlas the most compelling solution at Cardinale Volkswagen Salinas. The Atlas excels across cargo capacity, cutting-edge interior appointments, connected services, and driving ease, backed by the peace of mind that comes from semi-automated safety features and exceptional owner support through Car-Net® Safe & Secure. For drivers in Salinas, CA and throughout the Central Coast, the Atlas represents a smart purchase that delivers above expectations whether you’re navigating local suburbs or embarking on weekend adventures to Monterey or Pebble Beach. Visit our dealership to experience the new gold standard in three-row SUVs.