2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2025 Volkswagen Atlas

$39,995 · Crossover

$38,200 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas presents a significant advantage in utility, boasting a cargo capacity of 20.6 cu ft compared to the 2025 Subaru Ascent's 17.8 cu ft, representing a 15.7% difference in base storage. Performance metrics are closely matched, with the Atlas achieving 269 hp to the Ascent's 260 hp, although the Ascent counters with slightly higher torque at 277 lb-ft versus the Atlas's 273 lb-ft. Pricewise, the Atlas is more accessible starting at $38,200, undercutting the Ascent's $39,995 MSRP by $1,795. Dimensionally, the Atlas is longer at 200.7 inches, while the Ascent is notably taller at 71.6 inches against the Atlas's 70.4 inches. Both vehicles share an identical combined fuel economy rating of 22 MPG on regular unleaded fuel, but utilize distinct powertrains with the Ascent relying on AWD and the Atlas offering standard FWD.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volkswagen Atlas

The Atlas wins for commuters due to its lower MSRP of $38,200, offering better initial cost savings.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volkswagen Atlas

The Volkswagen Atlas provides superior hauling capability with 20.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Ascent appeals more to enthusiasts with its standard All-Wheel Drive system and marginally higher torque output of 277 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volkswagen Atlas

The Atlas offers more physical space and horsepower for a lower starting price point of $38,200.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

You require standard All-Wheel Drive for adverse weather conditions.
You prioritize maximum vertical clearance, as the Ascent stands 71.6 inches tall.
You prefer the stability of higher torque (277 lb-ft) delivered through a CVT setup.

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas if...

Maximum utility is crucial, evidenced by its 20.6 cu ft cargo capacity.
You want the most accessible entry price, starting at $38,200.
You desire the marginally higher peak engine output of 269 horsepower.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru Ascent	Volkswagen Atlas
Length	196.8"	200.7"
Width	76.0"	78.3"
Height	71.6"	70.4"
Wheelbase	113.8"	117.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Subaru	Volkswagen
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Subaru	Volkswagen
Base Engine Displacement	2.4 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	flat 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	260 hp @ 5600 rpm	269 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	273 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Subaru	Volkswagen
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Subaru	Volkswagen
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/26 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	386.0/501.8 mi.	372.0/483.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.3 gal.	18.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Subaru	Volkswagen
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Subaru	Volkswagen
Infotainment Display	11.6 in	12.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	4 months	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Subaru	Volkswagen
One-Touch Power Windows	2	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	41.2 in.	41.3 in.
Front Leg Room	42.2 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.1 in.	61.5 in.
Front Hip Room	57.8 in.	58.4 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	6-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Subaru	Volkswagen
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	40.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.6 in.	37.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.3 in.	60.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.5 in.	58.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Subaru	Volkswagen
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R	245/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Subaru	Volkswagen
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Subaru	Volkswagen
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Ascent and 2025 Volkswagen Atlas.

Which vehicle offers better utility between the 2025 Ascent and Atlas?

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas is the clear utility winner, offering 20.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the third row. This substantially surpasses the 2025 Subaru Ascent's 17.8 cubic feet of standard cargo space.

How do the base prices compare for the 2025 Subaru Ascent and 2025 VW Atlas?

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas is positioned more competitively with a base MSRP of $38,200. The 2025 Subaru Ascent carries a slightly higher starting price of $39,995.

Is there a significant difference in engine power output?

The Atlas produces slightly more horsepower at 269 hp compared to the Ascent's 260 hp. However, the Ascent counters with 277 lb-ft of torque versus the Atlas's 273 lb-ft.

Which crossover comes standard with all-wheel drive?

The 2025 Subaru Ascent includes standard All-Wheel Drive as part of its vehicle configuration. Conversely, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas comes standard with Front Wheel Drive.

Do these two crossovers offer similar fuel economy?

Yes, both vehicles list an identical combined fuel economy rating of 22 MPG, achieving 20 MPG in city driving and 26 MPG on the highway.

What is the main dimensional difference between the two models?

The Volkswagen Atlas is longer overall, measuring 200.7 inches compared to the Ascent's 196.8 inches. Conversely, the Ascent is the taller vehicle at 71.6 inches versus the Atlas's 70.4 inches.