2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2026 Subaru Ascent

$38,200 · Crossover

$40,795 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the refreshed 2025 Volkswagen Atlas and the new 2026 Subaru Ascent is tough, especially when both crossovers land at a nearly identical 22 MPG combined. If raw interior space is your top priority, the Atlas leads by a significant margin; it stretches to 200.7 inches long compared to the Ascent's 196.8 inches, translating to better utility. Power delivery is closely matched, with the Atlas boasting 269 hp versus the Ascent's 260 hp, although the Ascent ekes out a small advantage in torque at 277 lb-ft versus 273 lb-ft. Pricing is a factor, as the Atlas starts lower at $38,200 against the Ascent's $40,795. However, the Ascent includes standard All-Wheel Drive, which is a major consideration for buyers in rougher climates, while the Atlas offers more immediate hauling capacity with 20.6 cu ft versus the Ascent’s 17.8 cu ft of cargo space.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volkswagen Atlas

The Atlas has a slightly lower starting MSRP of $38,200, offering good everyday size for parking relative to its massive interior.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2025 Atlas provides significantly more storage volume, offering 20.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Subaru Ascent

The 2026 Ascent comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, giving it better expected traction and handling versatility across various road conditions.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volkswagen Atlas

The Atlas wins on sheer size per dollar, starting $2,595 cheaper than the Ascent while delivering 269 hp.

Choose the Volkswagen Atlas if...

You need the maximum amount of cargo space available, as the Atlas offers 20.6 cu ft.
You prioritize slightly more horsepower, with the Atlas delivering 269 hp versus the Ascent's 260 hp.
Saving money upfront is key, given the Atlas's lower starting MSRP of $38,200.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

You live where AWD is necessary, as the Ascent includes it standard, unlike the FWD base Atlas.
You prefer the marginally higher torque figure of 277 lb-ft offered by the Ascent.
You favor a slightly taller stance for visibility, as the Ascent stands at 71.6 inches compared to the Atlas's 70.4 inches.

Key Dimensions

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

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	✓	✓
Third Row 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	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Volkswagen	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	269 hp @ 5500 rpm	260 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	273 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	277 lb-ft @ 2000 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	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	372.0/483.6 mi.	386.0/501.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.6 gal.	19.3 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	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	—
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Volkswagen	Subaru
Infotainment Display	12.0 in	11.6 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	—
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
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	41.3 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	42.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.5 in.	61.1 in.
Front Hip Room	58.4 in.	57.8 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	—
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	✓	—

Rearseats

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

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Volkswagen	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R18	245/60R
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Underbody 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 and 2026 Subaru Ascent.

How do the engine outputs compare between the 2025 Atlas and 2026 Ascent?

The Atlas edges out the Ascent in raw power, producing 269 horsepower compared to the Ascent's 260 horsepower. However, the Ascent counters this slightly by generating more twisting force with 277 lb-ft of torque versus the Atlas's 273 lb-ft.

Which vehicle is better for buyers focused on fuel economy?

Both vehicles are virtually identical in efficiency, with both the 2025 Atlas and the 2026 Ascent achieving a combined 22 MPG (20 city/26 highway). Both models also utilize regular unleaded fuel, keeping running costs similar.

Is there a significant size difference between the two large crossovers?

Yes, the Atlas is physically longer by nearly 4 inches, measuring 200.7 inches in length compared to the Ascent's 196.8 inches. This size difference directly benefits the Atlas's cargo capacity.

What justifies the higher starting price for the 2026 Subaru Ascent?

The Subaru Ascent starts $2,595 higher at $40,795 primarily because it includes All-Wheel Drive standard. The base Atlas starts lower at $38,200, but it is front-wheel drive.

How does the transmission affect the driving experience?

The Atlas uses a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, offering more distinct gear changes. In contrast, the Ascent utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), which often provides smoother, albeit sometimes less engaging, acceleration.

If I frequently haul large items, which crossover offers more utility?

The Volkswagen Atlas is the clear winner for hauling, offering 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the seats. The Subaru Ascent provides less room for storage at 17.8 cubic feet in its base configuration.