2021 Subaru Ascent vs. 2021 Volkswagen Atlas

Looking for a three-row SUV with top-notch accommodations? Consider either the 2021 Subaru Ascent or 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. Both of these SUVs offer excellent performance figures, easy access to the second and third rows, and driver-assist features to keep you going. For more detailed information, be sure to read through the following Ascent vs. Atlas guide.

Interested in the 2021 Subaru Ascent? McLaughlin Subaru has an online inventory filled with Ascent models for sale. Combine your favorite model with an Ascent offer to discover how you can save on this SUV. Have further questions about the 2021 Ascent? Call our Subaru dealership in Moline, IL, at (866) 960-7363.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent base trim has a starting MSRP of $32,295, while the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas S starts at $31,555. 

Power & Handling

Both the 2021 Subaru Ascent and 2021 VW Atlas are paired with potent engines with closely matched fuel efficiency ratings. The Ascent, however, brings its A game with higher overall horsepower and torque figures. Also, the Subaru Ascent is matched with standard Subaru symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD), while the VW Atlas has optional 4MOTION® AWD. 

Subaru Ascent	2021 SUV Model	VW Atlas S
2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® four-cylinder	Engine	2.0L
21/27	Fuel Economy (city/hwy MPG)	21/24
260 HP	Horsepower	235 HP
277 lb.-ft.	Torque	258 lb.-ft.
2,000 lbs.	Towing Capacity	2,000 lbs.
Lineartronic® continuously variable	Transmission	Eight-speed automatic Tiptronic®

Interior

If you’re looking for the space and amenities needed to keep a larger than average family comfortable, either the 2021 Ascent or Atlas could work for you. If you require seating for up to eight passengers, only the Subaru Ascent can provide that. The VW Atlas can only seat seven people, including the driver. You, as the driver, can enjoy up to eight seating positions on the Ascent, while the Atlas only offers six positions for the driver’s seat. For other 2021 Subaru Ascent interior features, check out the following list. 

• 19 cupholders
• Reclining second and third row 60/40-split flat-folding seatbacks
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• 86.5 cu.-ft. cargo capacity
• Four-way manual front passenger’s seat

Safety

Protect the people, pets, and cargo that matter most to you when you drive a 2021 Subaru Ascent or 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. Both include rear vision cameras so you can watch out for obstacles as you are backing up. And each SUV also includes side curtain airbags designed to cushion the side windows in the event of a collision. For more 2021 Subaru Ascent safety and driver-assist systems, check the following list. 

• High beam assist
• Whiplash-protection front seats
• EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology
• Pre-collision braking system
• Pre-collision throttle management
• Lane departure and sway warning
• Advanced adaptive cruise control with lane centering

Exterior

If you’re looking for an SUV with a bit of shine, either the 2021 Subaru Ascent or 2021 VW Atlas can deliver. The 2021 Ascent has 18-inch silver finish aluminum alloy wheels, while the Atlas is standard with 18-inch alloy wheels. And if you need extra cargo space on the roof for a luggage carrier or kayak, both models offer roof rails. For more information on the Subaru Ascent exterior features, review them here. 

• Black folding side mirrors
• Daytime running lights
• LED steering responsive headlights
• Two-speed windshield wipers

Technology

Connect to your friends, family, and favorite entertainment when you choose the 2021 VW Atlas or 2021 Subaru Ascent. Both offer 6.5-inch infotainment systems that include Apple CarPlay®,

Android Auto™, and Bluetooth®. For more 2021 Subaru Ascent technology features, read on. 

• SiriusXM® Satellite Radio
• SiriusXM Travel Link®
• HD Radio®
• Six speakers

2020 Subaru Ascent vs. 2019 Volkswagen Atlas

Slide into spacious accommodations when you choose either the 2020 Subaru Ascent or 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. Both of these three-row SUVs offer copious amounts of passenger and cargo space. However, what sets them apart? Our detailed 2020 Subaru Ascent vs. 2019 VW Atlas comparison is sure to help you figure out which SUV model makes the most sense for your lifestyle.

If you find yourself in love with the 2020 Subaru Ascent and all it has to offer, peruse our new inventory in Moline, IL, to see which models are currently in stock. Please reach out to a McLaughlin Subaru representative at (866) 960-7363 or through our contact form with any questions you have. 

Base Trims

The 2020 Subaru Ascent Base and 2019 Volkswagen Atlas S are both built with amenities certain to make for a relaxing ride for all, whether that be your kids, your parents or in-laws, and/or the family dog. While these midsize SUVs may seem similar from every angle, a deeper dive into the following table reveals their stark differences.

2020 Subaru Ascent Base	Features	2019 Volkswagen Atlas S
$31,995	Starting MSRP	$30,895
2.4L turbo SUBARU BOXER® I4 w/ 260 HP & 277 lb.-ft. of torque	Engine	2.0L turbo I4 w/ 235 HP & 258 lb.-ft. of torque
Symmetrical AWD w/ X-MODE®	AWD	N/A
18-in. aluminum alloy w/ silver finish	Wheels	18-in. aluminum alloy
7-8	Seating Capacity	7
19	Cupholders	17
Tri-zone	Climate Control	Dual-zone
STARLINK® 6.5-in. Multimedia Plus	Touchscreen	6.5-in. color display
47.5 cu.-ft.	Rear Cargo Volume	53.5 cu.-ft.

Trim Levels Available

Both the 2020 Subaru Ascent and 2019 Volkswagen Atlas have a variety of trim levels with different amenities incorporated. The all-new Ascent ranges from the trusty Base trim, which starts at $31,995 MSRP, to the richly furnished 2020 Ascent Touring, which has a starting MSRP of $45,045. By contrast, the Volkswagen Atlas has trims that range from the Atlas S, starting at $30,895, to the middle trim Atlas V6 SE, starting at $35,495 MSRP, and finally the 2019 Atlas V6 SEL Premium, which has a starting price tag of $48,395 MSRP.

Exterior Design

While both of these large SUVs sport similar shine and body styles, they feature a variety of different exterior design elements. The 2019 VW Atlas has a ground clearance of 8-in., while the 2020 Subaru Ascent has a whopping 8.7-in. ground clearance and comes equipped with X-MODE®, making for a less bumpy and quieter driving experience. Another difference is that while the 2019 Atlas has fog lights, they are not LED like the Ascent’s fog lights. See the following list for other impressive 2020 Subaru Ascent exterior features. 

• Raised roof rails
• LED steering responsive headlights
• Satin chrome power-folding side mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators
• Chrome door handles

Fuel Economy

Both of these SUVs provide very similar fuel efficiency figures. The 2020 Subaru Ascent can achieve a maximum of 21 city and 27 highway MPG, while the VW Atlas can produce 20 city and 26 highway MPG. 

Safety

Both of these reliable SUVs were built to protect families and their cargo, so safety is a top concern. The 2020 Ascent and 2019 Atlas both come equipped with blind spot detection systems and side curtain airbags, ideal features for drivers. The Ascent provides several other safety specs to maximize your peace of mind, including: 

• STARLINK® Safety and Security
• High-resolution rear vision camera
• 180-degree front view monitor
• Brake override system
• EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology