2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$37,190 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Trying to decide between the brawnier 2025 VW Atlas Cross Sport and the sensible 2026 Subaru Outback can be tough. If you prioritize sheer output, the Atlas boasts 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, blowing past the Outback's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft. However, that extra power comes at a cost: the VW trails the Subaru significantly in fuel economy, achieving a combined 23 MPG compared to the Outback's 27 MPG. While the Atlas is physically larger at 195.6 inches long, the Outback saves you money upfront with an MSRP of $34,995 versus the VW's $37,190. For those needing maximum space, the Atlas offers 40.3 cu ft of cargo capacity, beating the Outback's 34.6 cu ft, but the Outback counters with standard All-Wheel Drive, a key factor for slippery roads.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Outback

The 2026 Subaru Outback is the clear winner for commuters due to its superior combined 27 MPG fuel economy.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offers significantly more room, hauling 40.3 cu ft of cargo compared to the Outback's 34.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Drivers seeking more spirited performance will prefer the Atlas Cross Sport's substantial lead in output with 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Outback

The 2026 Subaru Outback provides better overall value by starting at a lower MSRP of $34,995 and offering better fuel efficiency.

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport if...

You frequently haul a lot of gear and need the larger 40.3 cu ft cargo capacity.
You want significantly more passing power, thanks to the 269 hp engine.
You prefer a slightly larger physical footprint, measuring 195.6 inches in length.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

Saving money at the pump is crucial, as it gets 27 combined MPG.
You live somewhere that demands traction, given its standard All-Wheel Drive.
You are looking for the lower entry price point at $34,995.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport	Subaru Outback
Length	195.6"	191.7"
Width	78.3"	74.0"
Height	68.1"	67.5"
Wheelbase	117.3"	108.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Volkswagen	Subaru
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 Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Cornering Lights	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Volkswagen	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	269 hp @ 5500 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	273 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 4800 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	Volkswagen	Subaru
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Volkswagen	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/26 MPG	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	372.0/483.6 mi.	450.0/558.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.6 gal.	18.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Volkswagen	Subaru
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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	—
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Volkswagen	Subaru
Infotainment Display	12.0 in	12.1 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Volkswagen	Subaru
Front Head Room	39.4 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.5 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	58.4 in.	55.5 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Volkswagen	Subaru
Rear Head Room	37.8 in.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.4 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.4 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.7 in.	55.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Volkswagen	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	18 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R18	225/60R H
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Volkswagen	Subaru
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited 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 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport and 2026 Subaru Outback.

How much faster is the 2025 Atlas Cross Sport than the 2026 Outback?

The VW Atlas Cross Sport has a clear advantage in power, producing 269 hp compared to the Subaru Outback's 180 hp, resulting in an 89 hp difference across the lineup.

Is the fuel economy difference between these crossovers significant for daily driving?

Yes, the Outback is notably more efficient, achieving 27 combined MPG versus the Atlas Cross Sport's 23 combined MPG, which translates to fewer stops at the pump over the year.

Which vehicle is better equipped for harsh winter weather right off the lot?

The 2026 Subaru Outback comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, making it generally more capable in snow and slick conditions than the standard Front Wheel Drive Atlas Cross Sport.

If cargo space is key, which crossover should I look at?

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is the larger option for hauling, offering 40.3 cu ft of cargo space behind the second row, substantially more than the Outback's 34.6 cu ft.

Is the price difference between the two models large?

The 2026 Subaru Outback has a lower starting MSRP at $34,995, while the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport starts slightly higher at $37,190.

Do both vehicles use regular unleaded gasoline?

Both the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport and the 2026 Subaru Outback specify regular unleaded fuel, which helps keep long-term running costs predictable for both models.