Battle of the 3-row suvs: subaru ascent vs vw atlas, who’s the king?

The midsize SUV market is fiercely competitive, with numerous exceptional offerings vying for your attention. Two formidable contenders in this segment are the Subaru Ascent and the Volkswagen Atlas. Both vehicles boast impressive capabilities, spacious interiors, and advanced technologies. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the Subaru Ascent and the VW Atlas, helping you make an informed decision that best suits your needs.

Performance and Powertrain

The Subaru Ascent comes standard with a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine that delivers 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This potent powertrain offers ample acceleration and passing power, even when loaded with passengers and cargo. The VW Atlas, on the other hand, offers a choice of two engines: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque or a 3.6-liter V6 with 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. While both engines provide adequate power, the V6 offers a more refined and powerful driving experience.

Fuel Economy

When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Subaru Ascent has a slight edge over the VW Atlas. The Ascent’s turbocharged boxer engine is more efficient, delivering an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. The Atlas, with its larger engines, returns 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway for the four-cylinder model and 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway for the V6 model.

Interior Space and Comfort

Both the Ascent and the Atlas offer spacious and comfortable interiors. The Ascent seats up to eight passengers, while the Atlas can accommodate up to seven. Both vehicles provide ample headroom and legroom in all three rows, ensuring a comfortable ride for all occupants. The Ascent’s interior is known for its high-quality materials and thoughtful design, while the Atlas’s cabin impresses with its spaciousness and versatility.

Cargo Capacity

When it comes to cargo capacity, the Subaru Ascent and the VW Atlas are neck and neck. The Ascent offers 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 47.5 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and 86.5 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded down. The Atlas provides 17.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 49.3 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and 96.8 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded down.

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for both Subaru and Volkswagen. The Subaru Ascent comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The VW Atlas also offers a comprehensive range of safety features, including Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Blind Spot Monitoring. Both vehicles have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Off-Road Capabilities

While both the Subaru Ascent and the VW Atlas are designed for on-road comfort and convenience, they also offer some off-road capabilities. The Ascent comes standard with all-wheel drive and X-Mode, which optimizes traction and stability on rough terrain. The Atlas, on the other hand, offers 4Motion all-wheel drive as an option, providing enhanced grip and handling in challenging conditions.

Technology and Features

The Subaru Ascent and the VW Atlas both come well-equipped with a range of technology and convenience features. The Ascent features a large touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as a premium Harman Kardon sound system. The Atlas offers a similar infotainment system with Volkswagen’s Car-Net App-Connect, which provides access to a wide range of connected services. Both vehicles also offer a variety of driver assistance technologies, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring.

Pricing and Value

The Subaru Ascent has a starting price of $32,995, while the VW Atlas starts at $32,585. Both vehicles offer a range of trim levels and options, allowing you to customize your SUV to meet your specific needs and budget. When comparing the base models, the Atlas offers a slight price advantage, but the Ascent comes with a more comprehensive suite of standard safety features.

The Verdict: Subaru Ascent vs. VW Atlas

The Subaru Ascent and the VW Atlas are both excellent midsize SUVs that offer a compelling combination of performance, space, and technology. While the Ascent has a slight edge in terms of fuel efficiency and standard safety features, the Atlas offers a more powerful engine lineup and a slightly lower starting price. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual priorities and preferences. If you value fuel efficiency, safety, and off-road capabilities, the Subaru Ascent is an excellent choice. If you prefer a more powerful engine, a lower starting price, and a spacious and versatile interior, the VW Atlas is a solid option.

Top Questions Asked

Q: Which SUV has the better fuel economy?
A: The Subaru Ascent has slightly better fuel economy than the VW Atlas, with an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway compared to the Atlas’s 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway for the four-cylinder model.

Q: Which SUV has more cargo space?
A: The VW Atlas has slightly more cargo space than the Subaru Ascent, with 96.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo space compared to the Ascent’s 86.5 cubic feet.

Q: Which SUV has more standard safety features?
A: The Subaru Ascent comes with a more comprehensive suite of standard safety features than the VW Atlas, including EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.