2025 Volkswagen Atlas Vs. Subaru Ascent: Family SUV Showdown
2025 Volkswagen Atlas at a Glance
- New three-row SUV with premium standard features, including heated and ventilated front seats, leatherette upholstery, and the VW Digital Cockpit Pro display
- Boasts 269 horsepower, a 5,000-pound towing capacity,1 and an EPA-estimated 20/26 MPG (City/Highway)2
- Fits up to 96.6 cubic feet of cargo and offers up to 153.7 cubic feet of passenger room
- Rated seven out of 10 by Car and Driver3
2025 Subaru Ascent at a Glance
- New three-row SUV with value-oriented standard features, including standard heated seats, cloth upholstery, and an analog gauge cluster
- Offers 260 horsepower, a 5,000-pound towing capacity,4 and an EPA-estimated 20/26 MPG (City/Highway)5
- Can carry up to 75.6 cubic feet of cargo with up to 153.2 cubic feet of passenger room
- Rated six out of 10 by Car and Driver6
Volkswagen Atlas vs. Subaru Ascent Interior Features & Technology
The Volkswagen Atlas vs. Subaru Ascent comparison is a common one for today's drivers. These three-row SUVs stand at the forefront of the segment, but you can think of the Atlas vs. Ascent showdown like this: The Subaru Ascent, despite its similar starting price, is a more value-oriented model, while the VW Atlas is a more premium take on the three-row class that offers better features without costing much more.
You can compare each model's base trim level (the Atlas SE vs. Ascent Premium) and discover several areas where the Ascent offers a lot less without costing a lot less. As proof, here's a look at the Atlas SUV's base-trim standard features and how they compare to those in the Ascent:
- Heated and ventilated front seats (vs. standard heated front seats in the Ascent)
- Perforated V-Tex leatherette upholstery (vs. standard cloth upholstery in the Ascent)
- VW Digital Cockpit Pro gauge cluster (vs. standard analog gauge cluster in the Ascent)
- Six-way manual front passenger's seat (vs. standard four-way manual front passenger's seat in the Ascent)
- 12-inch touchscreen (vs. standard 11.6-inch touchscreen in the Ascent)
- Heated steering wheel (an available upgrade in the Ascent)
- Wireless smartphone charger (an optional upgrade in the Ascent)
The Atlas SUV's features shine when examined closer. For example, Car and Driver noted that "The Subaru infotainment system lacks the customization settings and intuitive controls found on premier competitors."6 As you're seeing in this guide, the Atlas is a key competitor, and in Car and Driver's words, it "comes well-connected and ready to entertain."3
Upgraded features continue this trend. While the Atlas offers luxuries like available massaging front seats, the Ascent simply does not. The new VW Atlas for sale is a more premium SUV in every regard, but that's only the beginning.
Volkswagen Atlas vs. Subaru Ascent Specs
Moving on to specs, the Volkswagen Atlas vs. Subaru Ascent comparison continues to favor the Atlas. Both models focus on providing efficient power and smooth highway performance. They also both have turbocharged four-cylinder engines. The Atlas engine is smaller and more powerful: a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder that makes 269 horsepower, which competes against the 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder that powers the Ascent with 260 horsepower.
While general straight-line performance will be similar, the Ascent is designed more as an all-terrain model. It has a higher ride, which can ruin a car's maneuverability and handling. Although tall enough to be capable at campsites, the Atlas is lower-slung and can be seen as the sportier model of the two. You can also find the two-row 2025 VW Atlas Cross Sport for sleeker, sportier SUV dynamics – the Ascent lacks a model variant like this.
| 2025 Volkswagen Atlas | 2025 Subaru Ascent | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L turbo 4-cyl | 2.4L turbo 4-cyl |
| Horsepower | 269 | 260 |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs1 | 5,000 lbs4 |
| Max. EPA-est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb) | 20 / 26 / 222 | 20 / 26 / 225 |
| Car and Driver Rating | 7 out of 103 | 6 out of 106 |
Volkswagen Atlas vs. Subaru Ascent Towing Capacity
The sportier nature of the Atlas doesn't mean that it sacrifices fuel efficiency or hauling capability. Indeed, starting with towing capacity, the Volkswagen Atlas vs. Subaru Ascent comparison sees its first tie: both the Atlas and Ascent can tow 5,000 pounds.1, 4 As you'll see later, though, the Atlas has a lot more cargo space.
Volkswagen Atlas vs. Subaru Ascent Fuel Economy
Onto the next tie: the 2025 VW Atlas vs. 2025 Subaru Ascent MPG ratings. Even though the Atlas makes more horsepower, both models deliver up to an EPA-estimated 20/26 MPG (City/Highway).2, 5 Either model will only require regular 87-octane gasoline, too.
Volkswagen Atlas vs. Subaru Ascent Size & Dimensions
The Atlas is, quite simply, a larger and more spacious SUV. This is a key virtue in the three-row SUV world, as anyone who doesn't need a massive amount of space will look to two-row SUV models like the VW Tiguan (or the Subaru Outback, which loses to the Tiguan in many of the same ways as the Ascent loses to the Atlas).
So, since space is so important, the Atlas provides plenty of it. The model is around 4 inches longer and 2 inches wider than the Ascent on the outside. Moving inside, the passenger volume, though a win for the Volkswagen, is rather similar, with only 0.5 cubic feet of extra room in the Atlas SUV's favor. However, this changes dramatically when examining their cargo room, as the Atlas offers a whopping 21 cubic feet of extra capacity when comparing behind-first-row measurements. Even behind the second-row seats, the Atlas continues to provide a massive advantage.
What's really important inside these SUVs are the seats in the third row. And if we compare them, we see that, once again, the Atlas dominates – as Car and Driver noted when reviewing the Ascent, "its third-row passenger space trails larger, roomier alternatives such as the Volkswagen Atlas."6 The Atlas SUV's third-row seats indeed provide more legroom and more headroom than those in the Ascent.
The Atlas is a premium three-row SUV that goes the extra mile across every category that counts. If you're interested in experiencing the turbo power, sitting in the standard heated and ventilated front seats, or want to know more about the VW lineup, we're happy to help. Visit us at Wallace Volkswagen of Bristol to discover the Atlas in its entirety, and then inquire about our Volkswagen Atlas deals to find one more competitive advantage.
| 2025 Volkswagen Atlas | 2025 Subaru Ascent | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.7 in | 196.8 in |
| Body Width | 78.3 in | 76 in |
| Height | 70.4 in | 71.6 in |
| Third-Row Legroom | 33.7 in | 31.7 in |
| Max. Third-Row Headroom | 38.3 in | 36.2 in |
| Max. Passenger Volume | 153.7 cu ft | 153.2 cu ft |
| Max. Cargo Space (Behind 2nd / 1st Row) | 55.5 / 96.6 cu ft | 43.5 / 75.6 cu ft |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which SUV has a more spacious third row: the Subaru Ascent or the Volkswagen Atlas?
The Volkswagen Atlas has a much more spacious third row than the Subaru Ascent, offering 33.7 inches of legroom vs. the Ascent SUV's 31.7 inches. As noted in the Car and Driver Subaru Ascent review, "its third-row passenger space trails larger, roomier alternatives such as the Volkswagen Atlas."6 With more cargo room, too, the Atlas dominates the Ascent for space.
Which SUV has better towing capabilities, the Atlas or the Ascent?
Volkswagen Atlas vs. Subaru Ascent towing capabilities are equal: both of these SUVs offer the same 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity.1, 4 Both, as well, offer the same EPA-estimated 20/26 MPG (City/Highway),2, 5 but the Atlas offers more horsepower and more cargo room while delivering those specs. For a more powerful and cargo-capable SUV, it's the way to go.
Does the Volkswagen Atlas or Subaru Ascent have more intuitive infotainment features?
According to Car and Driver's review of the Subaru Ascent, "The Subaru infotainment system lacks the customization settings and intuitive controls found on premier competitors."6 The Volkswagen Atlas is one such competitor, and in Car and Driver's review, they said that "the Atlas comes well-connected and ready to entertain."3 The Atlas also has a bigger standard infotainment screen.
Browse More Volkswagen Model Comparisons
| VW Atlas Vs. Honda Pilot | VW Jetta Vs. Toyota Corolla | VW Taos Vs. Mazda CX-5 |
| VW Taos Vs. VW Tiguan | VW Tiguan Vs. Honda CR-V |
1Maximum tow rating when equipped with 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine and factory-installed towing hitch. Vehicle load, other accessories, and options may reduce maximum towing capacity. See vehicle Owner’s Manual for details.
220 city/26 highway/22 combined mpg (2025 VW Atlas FWD 2.0 TSI engine, 8-speed automatic transmission). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.
3Reference to this third-party review/claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://www.caranddriver.com/volkswagen/atlas
4Maximum towing capacity varies by trim level. Trailer brakes may be needed. See your retailer for details.
5EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions and your vehicle’s condition.
6Reference to this third-party review/claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://www.caranddriver.com/subaru/ascent