The BIGGEST Options! -- 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander vs. 2024 Volkswagen Atlas: Comparison 

I’m a soccer mum jajajaja. Sometimes I’ve needed space for 7. The interior space in Atlas is huge, the big advantage for Atlas is that (here in Mx) it’s the only one with AWD in that range of pricing.

The seats alone are the big selling point for me. The Atlas seats are amazing with that fold mechanism and adults fit in third row no problem. The vehicles with 3 seats in the back are meh for me because you cannot put 3 people there and the two seats you will use are diminished versus the Atlas.

But they’re polar opposite when talking about reliability. Atlas is one of the worst ranked SUV’s on the market for reliability.

@@pt192 And there's a recall on the 2024 Atlas and Cross Sport engine already.

@@fartman10284 So Toyota doesn't have recalls ?

@@great_deception not on the engine, or on the Grand Highlander yet.

I've got a 2021 Atlas and would gladly upgrade to a newer version because we love it. But no physical nobs for air or stereo? Ugh

Thank you very much! 😁

Atlas VR6 was reliable......see even ScottyKilmer reviewed it👍👍......but VW made it worse with a 2 lit engine.....next year VW will again downsize to 1 lit turbo🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

😭😭

This was true and funny 😂

Look. Volkswagen exists to none of us. Stupid scamming unreliable car company…

Scotty Kilmer did buy Atlas though.

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks!

Yeah mid 40s with ventilated seats is gonna sell them alone for many people. Toyota will also sell a lot though since it’s a Toyota and will probably last forever.

@@davewilson7602Germany itself doesn’t even exist to Toyota buyers lol But honestly they deserve it for making unreliable cars nowadays.

I agree. We purchased the SE Tech and it has so many features, the value for the combo is great and didn’t feel like the higher trims were necessary.

Not really!! If you can afford a vehicle it shouldn’t be an issue with fuel. People can easily spend $3 or $10 on useless things so they can afford fuel….. my opinion

I mean there’s the cx90 with an phev option that even the grand Highlander doesn’t have

@@masterzaga44 they can afford it but when head to head I'm still going to choose a car which is more reliable, has less maintenance and thus less headache, and less fuel costs over the long run. I can afford a Porsche or BMW but I'm getting a Honda, Toyota or Lexus over it all day for that reason.

@@sentryion3106 true, but the size factor also plays a role for families. The CX90 has a much smaller trunk space than the GH, Traverse or the Atlas.

It’s also 20k more in Canada So what are you really saving for fuel ? Are you going to save more then 20k in 10 years and how long will you have the car ? People worry about fuel but are actually paying tons more for hybrid which means it’s the money you will never save on fuel or make it up you will sell it way before you save even 10k in fuel In Canada xle is 53k and hybrid over 70k These dealers and companies not making any sense at all So now you want to pay over 17k extra to save fuel ? People are tricked with these options before thinking and seeing the real numbers

So glad you found the comparison helpful! Welcome to the Car Confections family!

My wife and I just picked up a 2024 Atlas and I'd agree with the elbow room. With my 9 month old's seat in the back I could be comfortable in the driver's seat. Which I couldn't be in my parent's LX600! 6 foot tall for reference.

Thanks for watching!

Glad we could help and thanks for watching!

Agreed that’s why I bought a Mazda

as a Toyota fanboy. I wholeheartedly agree with your assessment as to where Toyota is going with its "quality." Toyota better not sleeping on its "reliability reputation" that it worked so hard to achieve decades ago.

What's 46k miles? Not enough time has passed for any issues.

@@TheUMIA 🤣 There are plenty of vehicles that have a number of issues well before 46,000 miles. The Tundra’s had their turbo going out, seat frames cracking, window trim falling off, etc. in less than 5,000 miles.

@gransport4246 We both know I'm talking about power train issues. In the end, you bought a VW and we are all laughing at you.

I believe your story if you have a early - mid 2018 production date. Chattanooga was NOT fully prepared to build it. There was dirty paint on some, connectors not fully “clicked”, poorly sourced suspension pieces, the list goes on. Basically it was sloppily put together, due to trying to save 💵, over projecting promised sales, and used mediocre grade plastic finishes. With that said…. This new Atlas is a totally new experience. The quality and attention to detail are phenomenal. It is extremely well put together and that new engine is 👌🏻👨🏼‍🍳💋. I’ve never had a VR6 VW, but I have had over 8 2.0 models from various brands within the VW Group. Including a Mercedes and BMW. I have NEVER had an issue with a 2.0 Motor. I had gotten 3 of them over 220k miles and are still running. The others I got bored and traded every 80k-100k miles. The secret to a turbo 2.0. Drive it like you stole it (higher RPM, Higher Heat.. burns off carbon on the turbo), do all recommended maintenance even the big expensive ones, use top tier fuel (Exon, Shell, BP, etc. Google top tier fuel and look at the full list) and always use the recommended fuel ratings (yes engine timing adapts itself, but truly the engines tolerances are built with a certain grade of fuel in mind). As far as VW reliability. 9/10 has been my experience. That $400 alignment… my Mercedes 4Matic was $200 at the dealer. I don’t know what kind of dealer you had…. but they definitely sounded shady ASF. and alignments are typically not covered by warranty unless reported before a determined mileage.. VW used to be 2k miles… other wise it’s considered a maintenance item. Go give the 2024 a spin, your opinion will change. 😎

I just got a 2023 Atlas V6 SEL...much better interior and quality than previous gen. The Toyota doesn't look as nice as the atlas in my opinion. I am a huge Toyota fan, but the atlas seemed like a nicer place to be

"wanted me to pay $400+ for an alignment" WTF, $400+ you lost all cred. Don't buy a horse do buy a Bull because your full of BS. Here's the Facts, "The average cost for a Volkswagen Atlas Wheel Alignment is between $152 and $191." So STOP SPEWING BS!

😅😅🐎

@@badalundhabad2083 I hope your new car lasts longer than other VWs but you should never trust Germen cars unless you are rich and don't mind sending your vehicle for expensive maintenance every few months, also you would need to get rid of your German car right before it reaches 70-80k miles, I have owned 2 benzes and one BMW and the BMW had 80k miles but had so many issues! I have heard many bad experiences with modern VWs & Audis as well.

😂😂

that ugly minivan no thank you :D just atlas look is worth those 50 k :D

@dinon367 we talk about 5 years after u has the atlas.... TOYOTA ALL THE WAY ..🎉

It's a no no. I'm not a Toyota owner but Highlander all day every day. Addition, Toyota have higher value in the second hand market.

@@TLG112009 Well I am not a Toyota fan.

Lol man we rented an atlas a few months back and had to call for tow because it was leaking oil, almost locked up the engine

@@TLG112009Found the Toyota apologist on here who can't stand when someone eyeballs anything other than a Toyota.

​@marceljohnson2215 2024 is different engine

VW is an amazing brand to drive, you tend to push it more great driving feel

Great feel and an engine that will probably last 40K miles

Oh darn. I was all ready to pounce about the horrific VW reliability. It appears that you are aware and don’t care. Maybe next time.😁

@@justpray365 🤣 🤣🤣Even If I told you I’ve gotten hundreds of thousands of minimal maintenance miles from several different VWs through out the years it wouldn’t matter however I’m aware of Subaru’s old head gaskets issues,Kia’s/Hyundai engines going up in smoke & Tesla’s body gap issues and poor build quality and the list goes on so just know there are 2 kinds of cars in the world VW and the rest 💯

I'm with you. No issue with VW comparison to my comrades on highlender 2021. Absolutely better driving experience on VW. All of us know VW Beattle but no one knows Toyota XYZ from that time ))) The out-of-the-door price on Toyo is higher + market Adjustment from a dealer -> Higher resale value... its just simple math.

The Toyota apologists here are something else, the VW owner chimes in with a reliable, great experience with their VWs (including me) and they pounce like a 8-year old child. It's so predictable but comedy, they cannot accept that someone buys a non-Toyota. Read all the experiences of actual owners of the two vehicles in question, the vast majority go with the Atlas for the interior design, features, comfort, space, etc. Can't say the same about the Toyota.

@@great_deception good point. This April we flew from Atlanta to Vegas with the intent to visit Grand Canyon. In the Atlanta area we were with Tiguan S (the lowest trim) and the Vegas we rented Rav4 xle (middle trim). The entire family was able to figure out the difference. Toyota was plush but hard to drive. The lane departure system tried to put us on the trajectory. With VW it’s even not the question as it keeps lanes as cemented in asphalt. The sound system is terrible and ugly on Toyota. Toyota proposed better fuel economy for sure but during the accelerations, it was noisy and not stable. While steering you most likely looking at the car body position than the steering wheel feedback. There always be a spinning moment during acceleration and delays on Toyota. Our experience with Toyota was ok but no one wanted back again from VW. Overall we spent +400miles.

Glad you liked it!

😂😂😂only rival…. There are a lot in this segment

@@kgindpls So...

still I wouldn't drive that ugly car for no matter what hahah its like huge fridge on wheels

@@dinon367 Still better than other fridges on wheels.

same here nice if there was a limited run of 2 rows ,there would be a secret under floor stowage locker to hide cameras drones and goodies out of sight all so no 3rd row save wt and more payload

Just curious why do you need a car this big with only two rows? And if that is the case, a captain chaired Minivan could be your option, as long as you can disregard how unsafe the third row is.

@@yms9829 I got the atlas cross sport about a week ago and really like it a lot! Look and drive is something else than my old VW Taos. Only thing I found is that the ventilated seats are so weak 👀

@@yms9829 we camp out of our wagon or suv we don't have kids so no need for a family school bus , need cargo space , Agee with the 3rd row a death seat in a car ,no door to open ,no window to roll down , that much closer to the back glass .we have seat belt harness our dog so he stays put

Thanks so much!

But, of course it can't compete on price for those couple features.

I gotcha on the child friendly seats. But apart from that and maybe the sound system, there’s no reason to go with the Atlas. The GH has more power, better acceleration, whilst also being quieter and more refined. Even that eight -speed transmission can’t save the Atlas at the pumps.

A diesel addition would have been great too. Supposedly the electric version is coming out in a year or two.

Go with a Honda Pilot. They still have a V6.

You mean that the cruise control won't hold the car at a red light. Mine is a 2021 and it does. Not sure if he didn't use properly or if it was removed for 2024.

@@gelito81Yeah, normally there is a physical switch to turn on brake hold. Most cruise controls don't hold the vehicle at a red light unless there is a car in front of you. Brake hold will hold the car anytime you are at a stop light, with or without a "lead" (car in front of you) car. Maybe it's in the infotainment somewhere. I hadn't thought of that.

Distracting for who? As a driver don’t we all use the volume on the steering wheel?

It is I have a 2023 and we have a rear camera rear view mirror. Bought after purchase

@@bigk0101 you bought a rear view camera from Volkswagen or from another company?

He said No in the video

We probably will once we get the CX-90 to Lexington to test out in a few weeks 👍

They did do a video on that exact comparison 😂

@@JGisMe2013 are you talking about the pilot vs mdx video. Yes it’s the Acura ADVANCE vs the Honda Pilot Elite. I wanted to know about the lower/mid base or tech package Acura vs the Honda pilot elite. Applicable to other brands as well. Did you actually read the comment? 😂 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-UBHOSNaLChU.html

@@renjixb1 Advanced & Technology are only separated by a few features. Everything else is the same. You can use your own judgement from there

@@JGisMe2013 the advanced vs tech mdx difference is not simply a few features. Just like every other car model, there are big differences between the low trim vs highest trim along with a higher price. The highest level elite trim of a non luxury Honda vs the lower tech trim model of their luxury brand Acura would be a far more useful comparison for price as they share far more to relatively compare.

@@renjixb1 i just bought my wife the tec trim last year, it is simply a few features. Massage seats, fog lamps, ventilated front seats, remote start & heated front seats are most of the difference. They look exactly the same

Even though the wheels are bigger they put good beefy tires around that won't even scratch your wheels.

exactly, 65k after 10k markup is a huge negative

@@AOisbomb I agree!

Hybrids are getting worse markups compared to the normal turbocharged models. This is why there should be variety of car brands having good reliability. We are living in a Toyota-Honda duopoly of reliability and it’s choking us financially because they can do whatever they want with their cars and their pricing, including removing features or charging more. This is because they know we will always buy their cars for reliability. It sucks even more now since they’re ditching their more reliable engines for small, planned-obsolescence turbocharged ones in their newer cars. They realized that they’ve got to make money as much as possible somehow. Their newer cars won’t be as reliable as their older ones and on purpose. Mazda is probably the only one left that can compete against Toyota since their cars besides the CX-50 are all built in Japan. Although they even work with Toyota…

@@faheemabbas3965Mazda beats Toyota easily which is the goal anyways to be better than Toyota and cheaper than Lexus

Not for all people. I got mine with a 3 month wait for zero markup. Hybrid Max Ltd.

Your statement might have been true 20 years ago. What the German car industry has been producing in the past 20 some years is nothing but shameful almost to the level of British or Italian cars with the exception of porsche

@@MlLKMAN You have to say it to the Americas but no German car industry as no German cars came from Germany. These cars are made in the US and for the US. The real quality of German or Japanese cars you will not taste as you will not buy them because of they are too different.

@viacheslavkrasin3119 actually that's not the reason, cars made in America assembled from th e same exact parts as in Germany, Hungary or Slovakia. German cars have fundamental design flaws and poor quality parts from suppliers. I am talking about engine failures due to cheap plastic timing chain tensioners, garbage plastic water pumps, oil consumption, carbon buildup, engine, transmission failures, air suspension failures, air conditioner compressor failures, just a few I could immediately think of. If you want to get rich in America, open up an auto repair shop specializing in German cars.

@@MlLKMAN And yet BMW (and MINI) just scored in the top 4 of Consumer Reports most reliable automakers. I have owned 7 BMW since 2000, they have been 99% flawless. I owned a Camry once also, never did I go through so many batteries, CELs, and even a starter like I did with the Camry. To everyone their own. Comparing a BMW to a Fiat is comedy on your part, tell us how many BMW you've owned.

We do have a Honda Pilot vs. Grand Highlander, if that's what you mean 👍

Looks good and more expensive? But I agree it is not a worthy 0.5 compare to other features

Outside of that, why choose the VW. I mean I think they keep ruining the design with the refreshes, and plus, VW infointanment sucks, as regarded in the industry.

We should have it ready next week 👍

Honestly, what's the difference??

55 MPH

It's the car equivalent of a shipping charge

Always has, always will. Comparing any VW product to a Toyota product will never be on the same exact level. VW is easily a notch higher up with better ergonomics, more common sense features, better interior quality.

Trying out both vehicles I have to agree with this. We are pretty happy with our Atlas.

No the Atlas tested has the heads up display. Grand highlander only has it on platinum trim which is a trim above the limited shown in the video

@jermainedouglas7301 Thanks, I assumed due to the $1900 price difference that it was the platinum. Thanks for the clarification.

@@davekelly6580 anytime! I think a better comparison here would have been the platinum turbo 4 Grand vs this trim but they got a hybrid max instead i guess for the additional power aspect.

@@jermainedouglas7301 Agreed.

Bro try out all I drove grand highlander the interior materials are way cheaper than atlas

I drove both vehicles, the Atlas is a better looking car, styling is sharper and more handsome. Interior nicer as well.

But one and come back to this comment in 2033

Nice feature, and the only car I can think of that allows that. But it’s only useful to soccer mums taking half the team to practice.

@@mnnh1 soccer moms who refuse mini vans 😆 but who buys 3 row SUVs but families

It’s a great feature. We gave two car seats and this feature helps a ton.

They offering you another two electric engines which will use the same 2.4 turbo gas engine ? 8-)

is it the question for car with price tag 50k ?

@@viacheslavkrasin3119 It's a VW, not an audi Q7. That market of customers are still somewhat price conscious. My Highlander Platinum Hybrid AWD costs over $50,000... and takes less expensive 235/55r20 tires, and gets around 40 mpg on my commute to work and back... and mid 30's on road trips. Since I spent that much, that means I don't look for deals on tires, right? Nope, picked up a set of used Lexus RX 18" wheels and a set of Nokian Hakka 9 unstudded for cheap.