VW Atlas vs. Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot - Which Midsize SUV Is Best?

Midsize SUVs are great for families, because they seat several people and have lots of cargo space. Their high ground clearance and available all-wheel drive are ideal for powering through snow-packed roads in Sioux City, IA. They also have many safety features that help you drive more confidently. The new Volkswagen Atlas has more cargo space than most SUVs in its class. It also has easy to use infotainment technology that lets you stay connected on the road.

The new Toyota Highlander and the new Honda Pilot are both similar in size to the Atlas. But we think that once you compare all three vehicles more closely, the Atlas outdoes the others in several important areas. We're partial to the Atlas at Volkswagen of Sioux City, so we've written out a comparison of all three models to help Vermillion drivers decide which SUV is best for them.

Volkswagen Atlas vs. Toyota Highlander

Cargo Space

The Volkswagen Atlas has plenty of room for your suitcases, camping equipment or sports gear. It has 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind its third-row seats, 55.5 cubic feet with these seats folded down, and 96.8 cubic feet of room with all the rear seats folded. The Toyota Highlander only has 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind its third-row seats, 48.4 cubic feet with the last row folded down, and a maximum of 84.3 cubic feet of cargo room with all its rear seats down.

Passenger Space

Both the Volkswagen Atlas and the Toyota Highlander can seat seven people, but the Atlas offers more wiggle room. People in Le Mars will like that the Atlas has 33.7 inches of third-row legroom, while the Highlander only has 28 inches of legroom in back. Both SUVs have spacious first and second rows.

Handling

The VW Atlas has a balanced ride, with stable, composed handling on curvy roads. It's accurate, easy steering and stout brakes minimize body roll around turns, while its four-wheel independent suspension soaks up bumps for smooth cruising in Sioux City. The Toyota Highlander rides comfortably on most roads, but there's little steering feedback, so it's not as agile as the Atlas.

Price

The new Volkswagen Atlas has a base price of $31,545. The new Toyota Highlander starts at $34,810. Vermillion drivers can save over $3,000 by going with the Atlas.

Volkswagen Atlas vs. Honda Pilot

Interior Features

The Volkswagen Atlas comes standard with many more features than does the Honda Pilot. The base Atlas model comes with a responsive 6.5-inch touch screen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and remote keyless entry. The Pilot only comes with a 5-inch display, Bluetooth, and tri-zone automatic climate control.

Passenger Space

The Honda Pilot actually seats eight, compared to just seven for the Volkswagen Atlas. However, the Volkswagen Atlas has roomier first- and third-row seats, so people in Le Mars will have more space to stretch out in the Atlas.

Reliability

You can count on the Volkswagen Atlas to get you to work and back every day in Sioux City because it gets a solid, three out of five predicted reliability rating from J.D. Power. The Honda Pilot has the lowest-possible predicted reliability rating of two out of five.

Price

The new Volkswagen Atlas starts at $31,545, and its highest trim costs over $47,000. The Honda Pilot has a starting price of $32,250, and its top-tier model costs just under $50,000.

 

Test Drive the New Volkswagen Atlas at Volkswagen of Sioux City

The new Volkswagen Atlas is a spacious three-row SUV with a cushioned ride and a slew of standard features. Visit Volkswagen of Sioux City and test drive it today.