Subaru Ascent vs VW Atlas

Midsize SUVs like the Subaru Ascent and Volkswagen Atlas are great options for families looking for lots of space and safety features. So, which one is right for your family?

To help families in Turnersville, Cherry Hill, and Mount Laurel decide, Prestige Subaru put together this Subaru Ascent vs. VW Atlas comparison.

Subaru Ascent vs Volkswagen Atlas Safety

The Subaru Ascent keeps you safe with seven standard airbags, including a driver's knee airbag and a pair of side-curtain airbags that protect all three rows of seats. The VW Atlas only has six airbags and doesn't offer a driver's knee airbag.

The Ascent also includes lots of safety features to help prevent accidents. The Subaru EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology bundle comes standard and protects you with driver assistance features like:

• Pre-Collision Braking
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Lane Departure and Sway Warning with Lane Keep Assist
• Pre-Collision Throttle Management

The Volkswagen offers several of these safety features, but not all its driver-assistance features come standard. They also aren't grouped together in one system like EyeSight®.

With its advanced airbag system and driver assistance technology, the Subaru Ascent has been named a 2019 TOP SAFETY PICK+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). On the other hand, the VW Atlas was not recognized for its safety by IIHS.

Subaru Ascent vs Volkswagen Atlas Interior

The Subaru Ascent and VW Atlas each feature three rows of seats and give you the option of either a bench seat for three people or two Captain's chairs in the center row.

The Ascent allows you to bring more people with you though. It has three seats in the 3^rd row to give you space for up to eight people. The VW Atlas only has two rear seats, which only gives it room for seven people.

Both SUVs feature a touchscreen infotainment screen in the center of your dashboard. In each model you'll have a choice between a 6.5- or 8-inch touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™.

The base trim of the Ascent has standard cloth seats, while every other trim level gives you refined leather upholstery. The VW Atlas also starts with cloth seats before switching to a V-Tex leatherette material. It doesn't offer genuine leather until the top trim level.

Subaru Ascent vs Volkswagen Atlas Capability

The Subaru Ascent delivers a stable drive on any terrain with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. While all-wheel drive is offered on the VW Atlas, its standard drivetrain is front-wheel drive.

On top of providing you with traction and grip during all kinds of driving conditions, the Ascent features a tall 8.7-inch ground clearance. With the VW Atlas, you won't be able to drive over obstacles or bumpy roads with as much confidence. It stands just 8 inches above the ground.

While the Subaru is a fully capable SUV, it's also efficient enough to help you drive farther before stopping for gas. The Ascent gets up to an EPA-estimated 21 MPG city and 27 MPG highway.  The VW Atlas will need to fill up sooner since it gets an EPA-estimated 20 MPG city and 26 MPG highway[i].

Test Drive Your Next SUV

Visit Prestige Subaru to test drive the safe and reliable Subaru Ascent. It offers drivers in Turnersville, Cherry Hill, and Mount Laurel a capable and steady ride for up to eight people. To learn more about this Subaru Ascent vs. VW Atlas comparison, contact us or visit our dealership.