2023 Subaru Ascent vs. 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Comparison
Equip your family for fun and adventure with a connected and capable three-row SUV like the 2023 Subaru Ascent or 2023 Volkswagen Atlas. Which model checks all the boxes on your list? Read through this model comparison from the team at McLaughlin Subaru in Moline, IL, to decide. If you find that the Subaru Ascent is a stronger choice for your family than the Volkswagen Atlas, continue your research with our model review.
Once you’re ready to take the next step, browse our available Subaru Ascent inventory and contact our team online or by calling (309) 726-4684 to set up a test drive. Our Subaru professionals take pride in serving our friends and neighbors from the greater Quad Cities area, including Moline, IL, and Bettendorf and Davenport, IA.
If you’re thinking about leasing, see if our Ascent lease offer is right for you.
2023 Subaru Ascent vs. Volkswagen Atlas Interior Features
Whether you’re after an SUV that’s practical or premium, the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas and 2023 Subaru Ascent deliver. Depending on the trim package, find interior features like heated front and second-row outboard seats, ventilated front seats, and a range of upholstery options, including leather or V-Tex leatherette in the Atlas and cloth, stain-resistant cloth, StarTex® water-repellent material, leather, or Nappa leather in the Subaru Ascent. Both SUVs are available with second-row captain’s chairs or a second-row bench seat.
Only the Subaru Ascent offers a heated steering wheel. Additionally, tri-zone climate control is standard in the Ascent, while you have to step up to the Atlas SE with Technology to get three zones of automatic climate control.
Standard tech to keep you and your kids connected and devices charged include a 6.5-inch touchscreen with App-Connect® smartphone integration and two USB-C ports. The Ascent comes with a standard SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia Plus system with an 11.6-inch touch-gesture display, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and illuminated USB-A and USB-C ports in the first and second rows. Calm squabbling siblings or ask where your rear passengers want to stop for lunch with available Cabin Connect voice projection tech in the Ascent.
Dimensions & Seating Capacity
With family-friendly space and versatile cargo space, the 2023 Subaru Ascent and 2023 Volkswagen Atlas are both designed to make your daily routine easier. Overall, the Atlas measures a bit longer than the Ascent, but the Subaru SUV offers more seating and maximum cargo space than the Volkswagen. For easy storage of items you keep in your vehicle at all times or those you want to keep out of sight, the Subaru Ascent features a cargo-area underfloor storage tray. To hold all your family’s beverages, the Subaru Ascent comes with 19 cup holders.
Subaru Ascent | Model | Volkswagen Atlas |
196.8 in. | Length | 200.7 in. |
Eight | Max. Seating | Seven |
41.2 / 40 / 36.2 in. | Headroom (front/second/third row) | 41.3 / 40.4 / 38.3 in. |
42.2 / 38.6 / 31.7 in. | Legroom (front/second/third row) | 41.7 / 37.6 / 33.7 in. |
75.6 cu.-ft. | Max. Cargo Space | 61.3 cu.-ft. |
Performance & Fuel Economy
Blending fuel efficiency with exciting power, the 2023 Subaru Ascent and 2023 Volkswagen Atlas both come with standard turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engines; however, the standard SUBARU BOXER® engine makes more horsepower than the standard Volkswagen engine and more torque than the optional six-cylinder Volkswagen engine. Avery Subaru Ascent sends its power through a Lineartronic® CVT (continuously variable transmission) to Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD). Both Volkswagen Atlas engines come fitted to an eight-speed automatic transmission and can be equipped with either 4MOTION® AWD or front-wheel drive (FWD).
Every 2023 Ascent comes with X-MODE®, which maximizes traction over slick road conditions. Atlas models with AWD come with Active Control settings optimized for a variety of driving and terrain conditions.
Model | Subaru Ascent | Volkswagen Atlas | Volkswagen Atlas |
Engine | 2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder | 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder | 3.6L VR6 |
Horsepower | 260 HP | 235 HP | 276 HP |
Torque | 277 lb.-ft. | 258 lb.-ft. | 266 lb.-ft. |
MPG | 20 city / 26 hwy | 21 city / 25 hwy | 18 city / 24 hwy |
Max. Towing | Up to 5,000 lbs. | 2,000 lbs. | 5,000 lbs. |
2023 Subaru Ascent vs. Volkswagen Atlas Reliability
With your family along for the ride, arriving safe and secure is a top priority. That is why the 2023 Subaru Ascent and Volkswagen Atlas are designed to help protect you on the road. In National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) testing, the 2023 Subaru Ascent achieved a five-star overall vehicle score. The Volkswagen Atlas also earned a five-star overall vehicle score from the NHTSA.
Modern SUVs go beyond the basics to help you detect and respond to hazards on the road. You’ll find standard advanced driver assistance tech on both models, including EyeSight® driver assist technology on the Subaru Ascent.
Standard Subaru Ascent safety features include:
- EyeSight driver assist technology
- Advanced adaptive cruise control with lane centering
- Pre-collision braking
- Lane departure and sway warning
- Lane keep assist
- Automatic emergency braking
- High beam assist
- Rear vision camera with washer
Standard Volkswagen Atlas safety features include:
- Rear view camera
- Blind spot monitor
- Forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking
2023 Subaru Ascent vs. Volkswagen Atlas Colors
Stand out from the crowd or exude more classic styling with one of the following exterior color options on the 2023 Subaru Ascent or Volkswagen Atlas.
Subaru Ascent
- Crystal Black Silica
- Ice Silver Metallic
- Crystal White Pearl
- Magnetite Gray Metallic
- Autumn Green Metallic
- Cosmic Blue Pearl
- Crimson Red Pearl
- Dark Mahogany Pearl
Volkswagen Atlas
- Platinum Gray Metallic
- Pyrite Silver Metallic
- Tourmaline Blue Metallic
- Deep Black Pearl
- Opal White Pearl
- Pure White
- Aurora Red Metallic
