2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

$39,995 · Crossover

$37,190 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Subaru Ascent fires up the adventure with its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and robust 260 hp Boxer engine, embodying rugged capability from its $39,995 starting price. In contrast, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport thrills enthusiasts right out of the gate with a more potent 269 hp, delivering a sharper immediate punch, all while commanding a lower entry price of $37,190. While both carry a similar 22 MPG combined rating for the Ascent versus the Atlas Cross Sport's 23 MPG, the Atlas offers nearly double the standard utility with a cavernous 40.3 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Ascent’s 17.8 cu ft. The Ascent's taller stance (71.6 inches) suggests off-pavement confidence, whereas the VW’s wider body (78.3 inches) and lower height (68.1 inches) lean into on-road composure, setting up a classic battle between rugged capability and potent everyday usability.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport wins for commuters due to its slightly better 23 MPG combined efficiency and lower starting MSRP of $37,190.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Families prioritize space, and the Atlas Cross Sport dominates with a massive 40.3 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Enthusiasts will favor the Atlas Cross Sport's immediate advantage of 269 hp and the engaging control offered by its 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The Atlas Cross Sport offers significantly more power (269 hp vs 260 hp) and vastly superior cargo volume for a lower initial investment of $37,190.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

You require standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive performance for consistent bad-weather driving.
You prefer the commanding visibility provided by the Ascent's greater height of 71.6 inches.
You value the assured towing potential often associated with Subaru's Boxer engine layout and standard AWD system.

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport if...

You prioritize maximum hauling capability with 40.3 cu ft of cargo space.
You want the higher peak output of 269 hp combined with a traditional 8-speed automatic.
You want the lowest entry point, starting at $37,190 for the FWD configuration.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru Ascent	Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Length	196.8"	195.6"
Width	76.0"	78.3"
Height	71.6"	68.1"
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	✓	✓
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	23 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	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

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.	39.4 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.	37.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.6 in.	40.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.3 in.	60.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.5 in.	58.7 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 Cross Sport.

How do the powertrains compare between the 2025 Ascent and the Atlas Cross Sport?

The Ascent uses a 260 hp engine paired with a CVT, while the Atlas Cross Sport packs 269 hp channeled through an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, giving the VW a slight edge in horsepower and potentially quicker response.

Which vehicle offers superior cargo space for hauling gear?

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is the clear leader here, offering 40.3 cu ft of cargo capacity behind the rear seats, significantly more than the Subaru Ascent's 17.8 cu ft.

Is the All-Wheel Drive standard on both crossovers?

No, the 2025 Subaru Ascent comes standard with its legendary All-Wheel Drive system. The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport lists Front Wheel Drive as its standard configuration.

What is the difference in their starting prices?

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport has a lower MSRP starting at $37,190, making it the more accessible option compared to the Subaru Ascent, which starts at $39,995.

How does the size difference affect the driving experience?

The Atlas Cross Sport is wider at 78.3 inches but lower to the ground at 68.1 inches, suggesting a more planted road feel. Conversely, the Ascent is taller at 71.6 inches, potentially offering a more commanding view of the road ahead.