Send Us a Question, WIN a Rolling Cooler Bag!

Send Us a Question, WIN a Rolling Cooler Bag!

FAQ

Send us a question.

Quite possibly the 2nd biggest purchase of your life, it’s an important decision. Sometimes it’s a difficult decision to make though. There are so many different varieties of cars, trucks and SUV’s on the roads today. There has also been a recent surge in technology with computers playing a much bigger part in vehicles than they ever have. Recently, there has also been an influx of new safety features that all seem to have crazy long ‘technical’ names (each being different from different manufacturers). Each new feature seems to a step in the direction of autonomous vehicles, or to make our life as the driver, easier and safer. But does it? To learn out all these new features can take time. That’s where we come in. Let us help you figure it out.

Not sure which vehicle is right for you?

Are you torn between two or maybe more different vehicles? Not sure which one would suit your needs more? Send us your question and we’ll do the research for you. It’s up to you if you’d like to remain anonymous for the published post of not, just let us know. Which vehicles are you considering or do you have absolutely no idea where to even start? Let us know as much of the following information;

  • New, nearly new or pre-owned?
  • Do you know if you’d like a car, SUV or pickup truck?
  • FWD, RWD, 4×4, AWD?
  • What will you be using the vehicle for and how often? Example; to take 2 kids to school every day, tow a horse trailer twice a year
  • Ideal budget?
  • What features are a must?
  • Which features would be a bonus?
  • Any other factors that are most important to you; mpg, color, off-road capability, safety, easy to use for car seats, reliability etc.

 

How to: set up/use a feature.

One of the most common frustrations when changing vehicles is getting used to the new technology. A frequently asked question is, ‘How to set up Bluetooth’ in your car or truck. Still not sure? Tell us which vehicle/phone you have? Is there another feature you’re just not sure about?  For example, we recently featured the RAM 2500 Power Wagon and how to use the winch. (Got a minute to watch a funny video, check it out!) Not sure what a particular button is for, or when to use it? Send us a picture of the button/switch.

Got a question about maintenance or warranty?

Maybe you have a question about maintenance. What is the schedule for your vehicle, what parts are required for which service? How to top up coolant or when to have it replaced? Got a question for a technician?

 

Want to be featured?

Will Morgan with his 2014 JKU Unlimited Rubicon Jeep

Will Morgan with his 2014 modified JKU Unlimited Rubicon Jeep

Do you have a car, truck or SUV that you absolutely love and want to tell the world (or least a few folks in Wyoming) about it?  Tell us what you have, why you love it so much and what you use it for. Let us help others by sharing your experience. Did you see the video we did about what Jeep owners do?

Win a rolling cooler bag!

10 Lucky winners will receive a rolling insulated cool bag. If your question or feature is lucky enough to be picked, we will select the top 10 a FREE rolling cool bag. Perfect for those summer days ahead. U.S. Residents only.

How to send your question / get featured

Here are the different ways you can send your question;

 

 

How to: Check for Transmission Problems

How to Protect your Vehicle from Damaging Road Chemicals in Winter

How to Keep That New Car Smell

How to use : RAM Hill Descent Control

If you have a RAM pickup truck with an Off-Road package, or Power Wagon package you’ll have hill descent control (HDC).

What is hill descent control?

Hill descent control is a downhill assist system that controls the speed of the vehicle without driver input. It’s almost like a very slow cruise control designed to help with off-road driving. Braking and acceleration are needing when the system is in action, taking some of the strain off the driver.

downhill assist

Hill Descent Control button is the one looks like the truck is pointing down a slope.                                                                                             Photo: L Baures

There are 3 modes

  • Off
  • Enabled
  • Active

Off– The system is off

Enabled– System is ready but not active (ie. the driver has overridden the system by pressing brake or accelerator). Solid HDC dash light will appear.

Active– The system is on and the truck is actively controlling the speed downhill. Solid HDC dash light will be on.

Turn on Hill Descent Control

For the system to be enabled, these following conditions must be met.

  1. Push the Hill Descent Control Button to turn on (usually on the lower part of the center console panel). Dash light will appear.
  2. Shift to 4WD LOW RANGE
  3. Parking brake released
  4. Driver door closed
  5. Vehicle speed below 5mph

If the conditions are not met, excessive speed or overheated brakes are detected, the dash light and switch lamp will flash, then turn off.

Activation

The system will start automatically when the truck is driven down a grade steep enough.

Change speed

shifter truck

+ and – buttons enable manual gear shifts                                   Photo: L Baures

Using the +/- on the shifter, there are up to 9 different speeds the driver can choose from;

  • R = 0.6 mph (1 km/h)
  • N = 1.2 mph (2 km/h)
  • D = 0.6 mph (1 km/h)
  • 1st = 0.6 mph (1 km/h)
  • 2nd = 1.2 mph (2 km/h)
  • 3rd = 1.8 mph (3 km/h)
  • 4th = 2.5 mph (4 km/h)
  • 5th = 3.1 mph (5 km/h)
  • 6th = 3.7 mph (6 km/h)
  • 7th = 4.3 mph (7 km/h)
  • 8th = 5.0 mph (8 km/h)
  • 9th = 5.6 mph (9 km/h) – If Equipped

At any time, the driver can pause the system by braking or accelerating. The system will also deactivate (but remain engaged) if the grade of the hill becomes insufficent (ie. too flat), or is on an uphill grade. If the truck does more than 20mpg but less than 40mph or shifted to park (P).

Turn Hill Descent Control Off

The system will turn off completely if;

  • The Hill Descent Control button is pressed to switch off.
  • Truck is no longer in 4WD LOW.
  • Driver door opens.
  • The parking brake is ON.
  • The Truck is driving at more than 20mph for over 1 min 10 seconds.
  • Speed goes over 40mph.
  • Excessive brake temperature is detected.

 

New 2019 RAM 1500 Limited First Look: Video

575 hp Supercharged RAM Rebel TRX is happening!

“Owner’s Manual RAM 2500.” Official Mopar Site , www.mopar.com/ramtrucks/en-us/care/dynamic-manuals/viewer.html?id=1147&topics=GUID-2D1974CB-8CA0-4B43-BEE3-3D75F2805CAE&tocID=2017.

Cars and Trucks still Available with a Manual Transmission

Cars and Trucks still Available with a Manual Transmission

I grew up in a country (region even) where a manual transmission is considered the norm. I even taught a few people back in the day how to drive an automatic. “Do not put your left foot anywhere near the pedals…ever”.  In the U.S, it’s the opposite, and I’ve even shown a few people how to drive with a stick. In the land of convenience, why on earth would you deal with the nuisance of using your left foot and right arm to shift gear? Especially now given that a lot of automatic transmission cars can equal or even better the gas mileage of a manual. Then there’s the technology, an automatic can shift gears even faster than humanly possible. For example, when I test drove the  475 hp Dodge Durango SRT, putting it in ‘Track’ mode presents gear shifts at 160 milliseconds. That right there is an insanely fast and aggressive gear change. But sometimes,  isn’t it just more fun to do it for yourself? To feel connected to the vehicle, to be able to anticipate and be in control? Plus, the ability to use a stick shift is such a dying breed, it’s practically a security feature.

Here are some manual transmission vehicles still available on the market today

Fiat 124 Spider

  • Base Price: $24,995 MSRP
  • 1.4L Turbo
  • 160 hp, 184 lb-ft torque (Abarth model is 164 hp 184 lb-ft torque)
  • 2 seats
  • RWD
  • 6-Speed manual transmission with short-throw shifter

 

Fiat 500

manual transmission

Fiat 500, Photo: FCA

  • Base Price: $14,995 MSRP
  • 1.4L
  • 101 hp, 97 lb-ft torque
  • 4 seats
  • FWD
  • 5-Speed manual transmission

 

Dodge Challenger

stickshift

2018 Dodge Challenger T/A Plum Crazy, Photo: FCA

 

Jeep Wrangler

manual transmission

2018 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, Photo: FCA

 

 

RAM 2500 and 3500

Jeep Renegade

small boxy 4x4

2018 Jeep Renegade, Photo: FCA

  • Base Price: $19,945 MSRP (4×4 manual)
  • 5 seats
  • 160 hp, 184 lb-ft torque
  • 1.4 L Turbo
  • Sport, Latitude, Altitude
  • FWD and 4×4

 

Jeep Compass

stickshift

2018 Jeep Compass, Photo: FCA

  • Base Price: $ 22,495 MSRP (4×4 manual)
  • 5 seats
  • 180 hp, 175 lb-ft torque
  • 2.4 L Tigershark engine
  • Sport, Latitude
  • FWD and 4×4

Volkswagen Golf, Golf GTI, Alltrack, Sportwagon

manual transmission car

Volkswagen Golf, Photo:VW

  • Base Price: $20,910 (Golf S)
  • 5 seats
  • 170 hp, 199 lb-ft torque (GTI 220hp, 258lb-ft torque)
  • 1.8 L Turbo (GTI 2.0 L turbo)
  • S, SE, (GTI S, SE, Autobahn)
  • FWD (Alltrack and Sportwagon AWD)
  • 5-Speed manual transmission (GTI and Alltrack 6-Speed Manual transmission)

 

Volkswagen Golf R

manual transmission car

2018 Volkswagen Golf R, Photo: VW

  • Base price: $39,785 MSRP
  • 5 seats
  • 292 hp, 280 lb-ft torque
  • 2.0 L Turbo
  • AWD
  • 6-Speed manual transmission

 

Volkswagen Jetta

manual transmission

2018 Volkswagen Jetta, Photo: VW

 

  • Base price: $18,645 MSRP
  • 5 seats
  • 1.4 L turbo or 1.8 L turbo
  • S, Wolfsburg Edition, SE,
  • FWD
  • 5-Speed manual transmission
  • All new 2019 model will also have a manual transmission option

 

Ford Mustang

manual transmission cars

2018 Ford Mustang GT, Photo: Ford

  • Base price: $25,680 MSRP
  • 4 seats
  • 2.3 L twin turbo, 5.0 L V8, 5.2 L V8
  • GT Fastback, GT Premium Fastback, Shelby GT350R
  • RWD
  • 6-Speed manual transmission

Ford Focus,

manual tranny

Ford Focus Sedan, Photo: Ford

  • Base Price: $17,950 MSRP
  • 5 seats
  • 1.0 L EcoBoost, 2.0 L, 2.0 L EcoBoost
  • Sedan, Hatchback
  • FWD
  • 5-speed manual transmission, 6-speed manual transmission

 

Focus RS

manual fast car

Ford Focus RS, Photo: Ford

  • Base price: $41,120 MSRP
  • 5 seats
  • 2.3 L turbo
  • 350 hp, 350lb-ft torque
  • AWD
  • 6-Speed manual transmission

 

Ford Fiesta

manual transmission car fwd

2018 Ford Fiesta, Photo: Ford

  • Base price: $14,205
  • 5 seats
  • Hatchback and sedan
  • 1.6 L, (1.6L turbo ST)
  • 120 hp, 112 lb-ft torque (197 hp, 202 lb-ft torque on the ST)
  • FWD
  • 5-Speed manual (6-Speed manual on the ST)

 

Chevrolet Sonic

manual transmission

2018 Chevrolet Sonic, Photo: Chevy

  • Base price: $15,295 MSRP
  • 5 seats
  • Hatchback and sedan
  • 1.4 L turbo, 1.8 L
  • 138 hp, 148 lb-ft torque (138 hp 125 lb-ft torque on the 1.8 L)
  • FWD
  • 6-Speed manual

 

Chevrolet Camaro

The 2019 Camaro Turbo 1LE, Photo: Chevy

  • Base price: $25,905 MSRP
  • 4 seats
  • 2.0 L turbo, 3.6 L V6, 6.2L V8, 6.2 L V8 Supercharged
  • 275 hp- 650 hp
  • RWD
  • 6-speed manual transmission

 

Chevrolet Corvette

manual transmission cars

Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport, Photo: Chevy

  • Base price: $55,495 MSRP
  • 2 seats
  • 6.2 L V8, 6.2 L V8 Supercharged
  • 455 hp-755hp
  • 460 lb-ft-715 lb-ft torque
  • RWD
  • 7-Speed manual transmission

Chevrolet Colorado

manual truck

2018 Chevrolet Colorado, Photo: Chevy

  • Base Price: $28,890 (4WD)
  • 2,4 or 5 seats
  • 2.5L Gas
  • Base and Work Truck
  • 2WD/ 4WD
  • 6-Speed Manual transmission

 

 

 

 

Toyota 86

manual transmission car

Toyota 86, Photo: Toyota

 

  • Base Price: $26,255 MSRP
  • Seats 4 (2+2)
  • 2.0 L
  • 200 hp, 151 lb-ft torque
  • RWD
  • 6-Speed manual transmission

 

Toyota Tacoma

manual truck

2018 Toyota Tacoma, Photo: Toyota

 

  • Base Price: $28,275 MSRP (4×4)
  • Seats 4/5
  • 2.7 L, 3.5 L V6
  • 159 hp 180lb-fit torque, 278 hp 265 lb-ft torque
  • 4×2, 4×4
  • 6-Speed manual

 

Other alternatives include; Chevrolet, Spark, Chevrolet Cruze, Fiat 500x, Subaru BRZ, Subaru Crosstrek, Subaru Forester, Subaru Impreza, Subaru WRX/STI,  Honda Civic Type R, Honda Civic Si, Honda Accord, BMW  2 series, 3 series, 4 series, M2/M3/M4/M6, Cadillac ATS, ATS-V, Jaguar F-Type, Mini Cooper, Mazda3, Mazda 6, Mazda Miata, Audi A4, , Kia Soul, Toyota Corolla hatchback (2019), Corolla iM, Toyota Yaris, GMC Canyon

Top 5 Best Selling Mid-Size SUV’s in Wyoming 2017

Top 5 Best Selling Mid-Size SUV’s in Wyoming 2017

Popular SUV’s in Wyoming.

The most popular vehicles in Wyoming are pickup truck trucks, however, right behind that is SUV’s.

SUV’s are defined as Sport Utility Vehicles, that are a little higher off the ground than a mini van and car but can also seat several people.

Vehicle’s in the U.S. are split into various classes depending upon size, volume, weight and whether the frame is built on a truck or car chassis. Here are 5 of the most popular mid-sized SUV’s in Wyoming.

5. Dodge Durango

 

awd suv 3 row

2018 Dodge Durango, Photo: FCA

The Dodge Durango is the 5th most popular selling mid sized SUV in Wyoming for 2017. Capable of seating up to 7 people, the three row SUV is available in RWD and AWD. Needless to say, the AWD version is the most common in Wyoming. The SXT model starts at around $32,595 MSRP in AWD. A total of 7 trim levels are available at the moment, going all the up to the most powerful 3rd row production vehicle, the Durango SRT. Engine choices include a 3.6 V6, the 5.7L HEMI and the SRT has the 6.4L HEMI V8. The Durango is loaded with the latest infotainment technology including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smart phone integration. Several smart phone apps can now be usable on the 8.4″ color UConnect color touchscreen. The Dodge Durango SRT was named Rocky Mountain Auto Press , ‘Crossover of the Year 2017′. Read our review of the Durango SRT here.

 

4. Toyota Highlander

top suv wyoming

Toyota Highlander Photo: Toyota

For 2017, the Toyota Highlander was the 4th most popular selling  mid-size SUV in the state of Wyoming. Another SUV that is available in all-wheel drive (AWD). We recently wrote a comparison on the Highlander Vs. the Atlas.  The Highlander has been around since 2001 and is currently in it’s 3rd generation since 2013.  The 3rd row Toyota gets a 3.5L V6 in the AWD powertrain that gets an estimated 22 mpg combined.  What is great about the Toyota line up is that all trim levels get the safety features as standard (Toyota Safety Sense).The Highlander gets an overall 5 star rating from NHTSA for safety. Seating up to 8 people (depending on seat configurations) the Highlander starts at $34,540 MSRP for the AWD LE model.

 

3.Toyota 4Runner

Wyoming car

2017 Toyota 4Runner TRD, Photo: Toyota

 

Another Toyota in the top 5 most popular selling mid-size SUV’s for Wyoming. It’s no wonder with the off-road capability of the 4Runner and rugged terrain of WY that’s this one’s in the list.  Here is our review from when we tested the 4Runner.  The off-road road trim levels have a feature called Crawl Control, which is almost like an off-road cruise control. The vehicle can control speed down and up hills or over rocky terrain. This aids driving off-road reducing the need for pressing the brakes, potentially causing slip. 3rd row seating in the 4Runner is optional and prices start at around $34,610 MSRP. There are 6 trim levels available with the TRD Pro being the top of the range off which is not only tough off-road but tough to find too.

 

2. Ford Explorer

wy suv 4 qheel drive

The Ford Explorer is the 2nd best selling Mid-size SUV for 2017 in Wyoming.  Available with  intelligent 4WD and Terrain Management System allows selection of controls to suit terrain. This gives the car the ability to change its performance based on the terrain or conditions such as snow, mud or sand. The Explorer can tow up to 5,000lbs with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine. It can seat up to 7 people with prices starting from around $32,785 MSRP for the 4WD.

1. Jeep Grand Cherokee

wyoming 4x4

2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Photo: FCA

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is the most popular selling mid size SUV in Wyoming.  Jeep say the Grand Cherokee is the most awarded SUV ever. With over 11 trim levels available, from the Laredo to the luxurious Summit (pictured above). From the off-road capable Trailhawk to the fastest production SUV, the 707 hp Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. No matter what you’re looking for in a 4WD SUV, the  5 seater Grand Cherokee probably has a trim level that has it covered. Prices start at $32, 995 MSRP for the Laredo edition in 4×4. Available is all the latest safety and driver assistance technology as well as infotainment and smartphone integration. The SUV also made it as no.1 on our ‘SUV’s with Impressive Ground Clearance’ list.

Do I Need a Front Licence Plate In Wyoming?

Do I Need a Front Licence Plate In Wyoming?

Many States in the U.S. require two license plates, one of the front of the vehicle, and one on the rear. Some States, however, only require one. Wyoming is a two plate State, however, there are some exceptions. The law states;

Casper dodge

Front license plates

Straight from the horses mouth, here’s the Bill.

 

House Bill 74 -Front Plate

31-2-205. Display of license plates

(a) License plates for vehicles shall be:

(i) Conspicuously displayed and securely fastened to be plainly visible:

(A) One (1) on the front of the vehicle, excluding the following:

(I)  Motorcycles;

(II) Multipurpose vehicles;

(III) Trailers, including house trailers;

(IV) Vehicles operated with demo, full use or manufacturer license plates issued pursuant to W.S. 31-26-226;

(V) Street rods registered pursuant to W.S. 31-26-226

(VI) Custom vehicles registered pursuant to W.S. 31-2-223;

(VII) Antique vehicles registered pursuant to W.S. 31-2-223;

(VIII) A motor vehicle which was originally manufactured without a bracket, device or other means to display and secure a front license plate.

31-2-227. Custom Vehicles.

(d) Upon receipt of an approved application and payment of the custom vehicle special license fee the vehicle shall be registered and special license fee the vehicle shall be registered and special license plates issued therefor. The department shall issue a special custom vehicle license plate of a size and design as prescribed by the department. The registration expires upon transfer of ownership of the vehicle or upon the department’s issuance of a new plate design. The department may promulgate rules and regulations to implement the provisions of the section.

 

Vehicles with the following plates no longer require a front plate. WYDOT is still researching whether to issue only one (1) plate:

*Street Rod    *Custom Vehicle    *Pioneer or Antique

Vehicles that were “originally manufactured without a bracket, device or other means to display and secure a front license plate” no longer require a front plate.

 

 

Definitions

Antique. Any motor vehicle which is at least twenty-five (25) years old and owned solely as a collectors item.

Custom Vehicle. Any motor vehicle that is at least twenty-five (25) years old and of a model year after 1948, or was manufactured to resemble a vehicle at least twenty-five (25) years old and of a model year after 1948, and has been altered from the manufacturer’s original design, or has a body constructed from nonoriginal materials.

Street Rod. A motor vehicle that is a 1948 or older vehicle, or the vehicle was manufactured after 1948 to resemble a vehicle manufactured before 1949, and has been altered from the manufacturer’s original design, or has a body constructed from nonoriginal materials.1

Application for Pioneer, Street Rod or Custom Vehicle plates.

 

Source HB0074

Reader Question: VW Atlas Vs. Toyota Highlander

Reader Question: VW Atlas Vs. Toyota Highlander

VW Atlas Vs Toyota Highlander

VW Atlas Vs Toyota Highlander

Comparing the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas to the 2018 Toyota Highlander.

One of our readers from near Casper, Wyoming is considering trading her GMC Acadia. She is considering the Volkswagen Atlas and the Toyota Highlander.

Having children aged of 7 and 2, a third-row is handy to have. Living on a ranch, where roads aren’t necessarily plowed in the winter, 4WD or AWD is necessary. Ground clearance is also something to consider.

She also travels a fair distance into the town of Casper almost every day, so gas mileage is important also.

Here’s a breakdown of the VW Atlas vs Toyota Highlander.

VW Atlas Vs Toyota Highlander for safety

Both 2018 vehicles achieve an overall 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA (Nation Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Here are the details below. The results are identical.

NHTSA Safety RatingsAtlasHighlander
Front Driver Side********
Front Passenger Side**********
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Rating-Front Seat**********
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Rating-Rear Seat**********
Side Barrier Driver**********
Side Barrier Rear Passenger**********
Rollover********

For more information on what these tests mean, check out NHTSA website link for the 2018 Highlander AWD and 2018 Atlas AWD.

2018 Toyota Highlander safety features

The Toyota Highlander features a lot of the latest safety technology as standard on all Highlander trim levels. It’s called T-SS P which stands for Toyota Safety Sense™. Features include;

  • Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD)
  • Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA)
  • Auto High Beams (AHB)
  • Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
  • STAR Safety System™ includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control
  • Traction Control
  • Anti-lock braking system
  • Electronic Brake Force Distribution
  • Brake Assist
  • Smart Stop Technology
  • Downhill Assist Control
  • Safety Connect (Emergency Assistance). Available by subscription on Limited and Platinum trim lines.

2018 Volkswagen Atlas safety features

All trim lines of the Atlas get Electronic Stability Control and (class-exclusive) Post-Collision Braking.

Available driver assist systems (depending on trim line) include;

  • Forward Collision Warning
  • Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist)
  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Traffic Alert
  • Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist)
  • Front and rear Park Distance Control with Maneuver braking
  • Parking Steering Assist
  • High Beam Control
  • Overhead view camera
  • CarNet

 

Fuel Economy VW Atlas Vs Toyota Highlander

Looking at the AWD versions of the Toyota Highlander and Volkswagen Atlas. These are the EPA estimates for fuel economy.

Fuel EconomyAtlas (3.6L V6)Highlander (3.5L V6)
City- mpg1720
Highway- mpg2326
Combined - mpg1922

According to the EPA, this equates to about $50 more a year (based on 15,000 miles a year) to fuel the Atlas.

The Highlander is smaller than the Atlas, thus better acceleration and better fuel economy.

Seating and space

VW Atlas seat configuration allows 3-rows with a middle row that can either be a bench (3 people) seat or captain’s chairs (2 people). Third row seating is 2 seats, making oom for 6 or 7 people in total.

Toyota’s Highlander seat configuration is 3 rows that with captain’s chair’s in the second-row seats up to 7. With a bench seat in the middle Toyota say it will seat up to 8 people, with 3 people in the second and third rows.

Although the Atlas has one less seat in the third row, it does have more space.

Cargo Volume to Seat 2 (ft³)
42.355.5
 Volume to Seat 1 (ft³)
83.796.8
Cargo Volume to Seat 3 (ft³)
13.820.6

Ground clearance

Both the Toyota Highlander and VW Atlas have the same ground clearance at 8″.

 

Infotainment

The Atlas base model gets a 6.5″ screen but the rest of the lineup gets the 8″ touchscreen. All trim levels get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so smartphone integration is easy (literally plug and play).

CarPlay allows access to apps such as navigation, phone and messaging right on the color touch screen in the center console.

Highlander’s, however, do not have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto (yet). Base models gets a 6.1″ touchscreen and the rest an 8″ touchscreen.  It does have Toyota’s version which is called Entune. Entune allows Bluetooth and audio streaming.

Scout GPS Link allows users to project a navigation map from a smartphone to the screen. Wi-Fi is also not an option (yet).

 

Warranty and Dependability

Toyota’s warranty on the Highlander is much the same as most vehicle warranties. It’s a 3 year / 36 000 mile basic warranty and a 5 year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Toyota has a good reputation for producing reliable vehicles.

Current model Highlander’s have been around for quite some time.  Volkswagen, however, offers a 6 year/ 72, 000 mile basic and powertrain warranty on the Atlas.  As far as dependability goes, the Atlas is too new to really know how reliable it will be.

 

Price

As far as price goes when comparing MSRP’s, the Volkswagen base model Atlas S (assuming the AWD version with the V6) is just under $600 cheaper than the base Toyota Highlander LE AWD.

As you climb higher in trim levels, the Atlas becomes a little more expensive than the Highlander. Of course, this is just looking at trim levels and does not take into consideration any rebates or incentives. Talk with your preferred Toyota or Volkswagen dealer directly about pricing info.

VW Atlas Vs Toyota Highlander, which one?

These are very comparable vehicles so ultimately, it’s worth driving both of them to see which one you prefer.

Is there a feature that makes one of these two SUV’s a clear winner for you? Let us know in the comments below.

 

Check out the 5-Seater Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.