Compared: 2023 Subaru Ascent vs. 2023 Volkswagen Atlas
These midsize SUVs have three rows of seating and tons of cargo space.
Subaru | Volkswagen
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The 2023 Subaru Ascent and 2023 Volkswagen Atlas are versatile midsize SUVs with three rows of adult-friendly seating and spacious cargo holds. Each offers an airy cabin with excellent outward visibility, not to mention modern conveniences like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, plenty of USB ports, and active safety features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
The Subaru Ascent has the advantage of having standard all-wheel drive (AWD) on every trim. Yet, the Volkswagen Atlas has two choices of engine — a turbocharged four-cylinder or optional V6 — versus only one powertrain in the Ascent.
Subaru
2023 Subaru Ascent vs. 2023 Volkswagen Atlas: Price
The Subaru Ascent and Volkswagen Atlas have similar starting prices, though a notable gap emerges once you factor in various powertrain choices with the VW. Available in seven trim levels, the entry-level Ascent starts around $35,000. It has seating for eight people and comes with a 260-hp turbocharged four-cylinder coupled with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and AWD. Choosing the top-of-the-line Touring 7-Passenger trim piles on the amenities, but comes with the same powertrain for just over $49,000.
Volkswagen
The Volkswagen Atlas comes in five primary trims. The base SE starts near $36,000 and is motivated by a 235-hp turbo four-cylinder that sends power to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Adding AWD raises the price by $1,900. Car buyers who want the available V6 engine need to step up to the front-wheel-drive Atlas SEL, which raises the VW’s price to about $42,000. The loaded SEL Premium R-Line AWD V6 starts at just over $53,000.
Subaru
2023 Subaru Ascent vs. 2023 Volkswagen Atlas: Features
Because only one powertrain is available with the Subaru Ascent, scaling to higher trims means adding comfort, safety, and convenience features. This list includes second-row captain’s chairs, leather seating, blind-spot monitoring, an onboard Wi-Fi hot spot, and heated and ventilated front seats. An 11.6-inch touchscreen is standard, but higher trims get navigation.
Volkswagen
The Volkswagen Atlas delivers a similarly strong lineup of features, though higher trims mean a VW shopper can mix and match available engines, along with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. The base Atlas features a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless entry, and seating for eight. And like the Ascent, extras such as second-row captain’s chairs, heated and cooled front seats, and bigger touchscreens paired with upgraded audio systems are also available.
Subaru
2023 Subaru Ascent vs. 2023 Volkswagen Atlas: Fuel Economy
The 2023 Subaru Ascent returns an EPA-estimated combined average of 21 or 22 mpg, depending on trim level. When equipped with the four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive, the Atlas gets up to 23 mpg combined. Adding all-wheel drive drops that figure to 22 mpg combined. The available V6 engine gets 20 mpg combined with either front- or all-wheel drive.
Volkswagen
