New 2026 Volkswagen Atlas vs Toyota Highlander in Lake Charles, LA
Choosing the right SUV can make a big difference for your family and driving experience. In this comparison of the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas vs the Toyota Highlander, you will see how these two popular SUVs stack up in everyday life. Shoppers from Lake Charles, Alexandria, Lafayette, and Beaumont often want space, comfort, and value, and that is where the Atlas shines. At Bolton Volkswagen, we are here to help you see why the Atlas is a smart choice for drivers who want more from their SUV.
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Bolton Volkswagen
3850 Gerstner Memorial Dr
Lake Charles, LA 70607
- Sales: 337-243-3034
- Service: 337-243-3034
- Parts: 337-243-3034
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas vs Toyota Highlander Near Alexandria
Which SUV costs less, the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas or the Toyota Highlander?
The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas has a starting MSRP of $39,310, making it the more affordable option. The 2026 Toyota Highlander has a higher starting MSRP of $45,270, so the Atlas offers drivers a lower starting price while still providing a full three rows of seating and strong everyday features.
Which SUV offers more cargo space, the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas or the Toyota Highlander?
The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas gives you more room for cargo, especially when you need to carry larger items. With the rear seats folded down, the Atlas offers up to 96.6 cubic feet of cargo space. The Toyota Highlander provides up to 84.3 cubic feet behind the front seats, with less space available when using the second or third row.
Which SUV feels more powerful on the road, the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas or the Toyota Highlander?
The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas comes with a turbocharged engine that produces 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, and it can tow up to 5,000 lbs. The Toyota Highlander's 2.4-liter turbo engine makes 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, also with a 5,000 pound towing capacity. While the Highlander has slightly more torque on paper, the Atlas delivers smooth acceleration and a balanced feel that makes driving around Lake Charles more enjoyable.
Does the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas or the Toyota Highlander have more gas-powered trim options?
The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas gives you more choices with five gas-powered trim options to fit different styles and budgets. The Toyota Highlander offers four gas trims in its lineup. That extra Atlas option means you can find the one that feels right for the way you drive.
How many people can you seat in the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas and Toyota Highlander?
The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas seats up to seven passengers, with roomy seating and easy third-row access. The Toyota Highlander can fit up to eight people, but the third row is tighter and may be less comfortable for adults on longer drives.
How do the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas and Toyota Highlander compare in safety features?
The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas comes with the IQ.DRIVE® suite, offering lane keeping, adaptive cruise control, and emergency braking. The Toyota Highlander has Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+, which includes similar tools; however the Atlas delivers a more intuitive and confident driving experience.
Available Trims: 2026 Volkswagen Atlas vs Toyota Highlander Near Lafayette
When it comes to choosing the right trim, the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas offers more options for drivers who want a gas-powered SUV. The Atlas has five gas-powered trims, giving you plenty of choices for features, comfort, and style.
The Toyota Highlander offers four gas trims and also includes three hybrid options, but if you're focused on a traditional gas SUV, the Atlas gives you more flexibility right from the start. Below, you can see all the gas-powered trims and starting MSRPs for each SUV.
2026 Volkswagen Atlas
SE: MSRP starting at $39,310
SE with Technology: MSRP starting at $43,730
Peak Edition: MSRP starting at $48,060
SEL: MSRP starting at $49,620
SEL Premium R-Line: MSRP starting at $54,630
2026 Toyota Highlander
XLE: MSRP starting at $45,270
XSE: MSRP starting at $47,340
Limited: MSRP starting at $49,725
Platinum: MSRP starting at $52,925
Interior Design: 2026 Volkswagen Atlas vs Toyota Highlander Near Beaumont
The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas offers a spacious and modern interior designed for comfort and convenience. Highlights include a panoramic sunroof, Climatronic® three-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, a 12-inch center touchscreen display, a head-up display, and the Digital Cockpit Pro, giving Louisiana drivers all the information they need right at their fingertips.
The 2026 Toyota Highlander also features a modern cabin with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, panoramic moonroof, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic view monitor. While the Highlander has some high-tech features, the Atlas stands out with more driver-focused technology and customizable displays that make every drive easier and more enjoyable.
Exterior Design: 2026 Volkswagen Atlas vs Toyota Highlander in Lake Charles
The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas stands out with a bold and modern exterior. It offers a hands-free Easy Open and Close remote power liftgate, available 21-inch two-tone machined alloy wheels, and an available R-Line exterior design. LED headlights with modern LED Daytime Running Lights and an Adaptive Front Lighting System, along with LED taillights and an illuminated rear VW emblem, give the Atlas a distinctive, premium look on the road.
The 2026 Toyota Highlander features rain-sensing wipers, a twin-tip exhaust, a hands-free power liftgate, and LED headlights. While it has functional design features, the Atlas offers more style options, advanced lighting, and eye-catching details that make it stand out.
Test Drive the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas at Bolton Volkswagen Today!
Ready to see the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas for yourself? Schedule a test drive today at Bolton Volkswagen, located at 3850 Gerstner Memorial Dr, Lake Charles, LA 70607. Our team is here to help you explore our full new Volkswagen inventory as well as pre-owned vehicles, answer questions about financing, and show you our current new vehicle specials.
Thinking about trading in your current vehicle? We make that process simple and fair. You can also call us at (337) 243-3034 to get started or learn more about the Atlas before you visit. There's no better way to discover why the Atlas is perfect for SUV drivers in Lake Charles, Alexandria, Lafayette, Beaumont, and beyond!
We're sorry, availability of some equipment, options or features may be limited due to global supply issues affecting the auto industry. Please be sure to verify that the vehicle you purchase includes all expected features and equipment.
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Bolton Volkswagen
3850 Gerstner Memorial Dr
Lake Charles, LA 70607
- Sales: 337-243-3034
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DISCLAIMERS:
Starting MSRP of $39,310 for a 2026 Volkswagen Atlas SE 2.0L TS/ with 8-speed automatic transmission. Model shown is a 2026 Volkswagen Atlas SEL 2.OLTS Premium R- Line with 4MOTON With 8-speed automatic transmission with a starting MSRP of $54,630. Prices exclude transportation, taxes, title, other options, and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.
MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title, other options, and dealer charges and fees. Dealer sets actual price.
Starting MSRP is the lowest Base MSRP for the series of a model and excludes manufacturer, distributor and dealer options, taxes, title and license and dealer fees and charges. Also excludes the Delivery, Processing and Handling of $1,195 for Cars (Corolla, Corolla HV, Corolla HB, GR Corolla, Camry, Prius, Prius Plug-in Hybrid, Toyota Crown, Mirai, GR86, GR Supra), $1,450 for Entry SUV (Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross HV), $1,450 for Small SUV (RAV4, RAV4 HV, RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, bZ), $1,495 for Mid SUV/Van (4Runner, 4Runner HV, Highlander, Highlander HV, Grand Highlander, Grand Highlander HV, Sienna, Land Cruiser, Toyota Crown Signia), $1,595 for Small Pickup (Tacoma, Tacoma HV), $2,095 for Large Pickup/Large SUV (Tundra, Tundra HV, Sequoia). (Historically, vehicle manufacturers and distributors have charged a separate fee for processing, handling and delivering vehicles to dealerships. Toyota's charge for these services is called "Delivery, Processing and Handling" and is based on the value of the processing, handling and delivery services Toyota provides as well as Toyota's overall pricing structure and may be subject to change at any time. Toyota may make a profit on Delivery, Processing and Handling.) Delivery, Processing and Handling in AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, OK, SC and TX may vary. Dealer price will vary.
Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution. Always properly secure cargo and cargo area.
Maximum tow rating when properly equipped with towing accessories. Vehicle load, other accessories and options may reduce maximum towing capacity. See vehicle owner's manual for details
Never tow beyond a vehicle's published towing capacities.
The Panoramic View Monitor does not provide a comprehensive view of the area surrounding your vehicle. Look around to confirm clearance. See Owner's Manual for limitations.
Driver Assistance features are not substitutes for attentive driving. See Owner's Manual for further details and important limitations.
Toyota Safety Sense™ effectiveness is dependent on many factors including road, weather and vehicle conditions. Drivers are responsible for their own safe driving. Always pay attention to your surroundings and drive safely. See Owner's Manual for limitations.