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Both are turbocharged three-row SUVs aimed at families who head for the mountains. The Atlas is the bigger, more powerful and more luxurious of the two; the Ascent makes all-wheel drive standard for less money.
Part of our Volkswagen Atlas research hub: trims, prices, specs, inventory and FAQs in one place.
Subaru owns a loyal following in Northern California, especially among buyers who spend winter weekends in the Sierra. The question is whether standard all-wheel drive outweighs the Atlas's advantages in space, power and features. Here are the published numbers, then where the Subaru genuinely comes out ahead.
| 2027 VW Atlas | 2026 Subaru Ascent | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L turbo-4, 282 hp / 258 lb-ft | 2.4L turbo-4, 260 hp / 277 lb-ft |
| All-wheel drive | Available (standard from SEL R-Line) | Standard on every trim |
| EPA combined MPG (AWD) | 23 | Up to 22 |
| Seating | 7 (6 with captain's chairs) | 7 or 8 |
| Max cargo (cu ft) | 95.4 | 75.6 |
| Cargo behind 2nd row | 55.9 | 43.5 |
| Cargo behind 3rd row | 21.2 | 17.8 |
| 3rd-row legroom | 34.1" | 31.7" |
| Largest touchscreen | 15" | 11.6" |
| Max towing (lb) | 5,000 | 5,000 |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Powertrain warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Green = better on that line. Figures from manufacturers' published data at time of writing; see notes below.
This is the biggest gap in any Atlas comparison. With the seats folded the Atlas holds 95.4 cubic feet against the Ascent's 75.6 — nearly 20 cubic feet more. It leads behind the second row (55.9 vs. 43.5) and behind the third (21.2 vs. 17.8), and its 34.1 inches of third-row legroom beats the Ascent's 31.7.
The Ascent can be configured for eight passengers with a second-row bench; the Atlas seats seven, or six with captain's chairs.
The Atlas makes more horsepower (282 vs. 260); the Ascent's 2.4-liter turbo makes a little more torque (277 vs. 258 lb-ft). Fuel economy is close: the Atlas AWD is EPA-rated 23 mpg combined, and the Ascent reaches 22 on its base trim (21 on trims with 20-inch wheels). Both tow up to 5,000 pounds.
The real difference is all-wheel drive. Every Ascent has Subaru's symmetrical AWD with X-Mode. On the Atlas, 4MOTION all-wheel drive is optional on the SE and SE with Technology and standard from the SEL R-Line up. For Sierra trips and wet Central Valley winters, we recommend an AWD Atlas.
The Atlas offers a 15-inch touchscreen (the Ascent uses 11.6 inches), makes ventilated front seats standard, and adds real wood trim and massaging seats on upper trims. The Ascent includes Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist suite as standard; the Atlas also carries a full suite of standard driver-assistance features.
The Ascent starts below the Atlas SE ($43,135 MSRP), and that price already includes all-wheel drive. Our Atlas trim guide shows what each Atlas level adds.
The Atlas doesn't win every line, and the Ascent is a strong SUV. Here's where it genuinely leads.
Every Ascent has symmetrical all-wheel drive at a lower starting price. On the Atlas SE trims, AWD is an extra-cost option.
EyeSight driver assist is standard across the line, and Subaru has a long record of top crash-test ratings.
The Ascent can seat eight, and Subaru covers the powertrain for 5 years/60,000 miles versus Volkswagen's 4 years/50,000.
Choose the 2027 Atlas if you want far more cargo space, a roomier third row, more power and a more upscale cabin. Choose the Ascent if standard all-wheel drive at the lowest price, or an eight-seat layout, matters most.
Every new Atlas bought from Elk Grove Volkswagen includes our Knight4Life lifetime engine warranty, which covers vital engine components for as long as you own the vehicle (terms apply). It sits on top of Volkswagen's 4-year/50,000-mile new-vehicle limited warranty and 2-year/20,000-mile Carefree scheduled maintenance.
Yes, by a wide margin. The Atlas offers up to 95.4 cu ft of cargo space versus 75.6 for the Ascent, more room behind both rear rows, and 34.1 inches of third-row legroom versus 31.7.
Not on every trim. 4MOTION all-wheel drive is optional on the Atlas SE and SE with Technology and standard from the SEL R-Line up. Every Ascent has standard all-wheel drive.
The Atlas, with 282 hp versus 260 hp for the Ascent. The Ascent makes slightly more torque (277 vs. 258 lb-ft).
They are close. The Atlas AWD is EPA-rated 23 mpg combined; the Ascent is rated up to 22 combined depending on trim.
Volkswagen's 4-year/50,000-mile new-vehicle warranty is longer than Subaru's 3-year/36,000-mile basic coverage, while Subaru's powertrain coverage runs 5 years/60,000 miles. New Atlas buyers at Elk Grove Volkswagen also get the Knight4Life lifetime engine warranty (terms apply).
At Elk Grove Volkswagen, 9776 W Stockton Blvd in Elk Grove. Call 916-460-8489 to book a test drive.
The best way to choose between the Atlas and the Ascent is to drive them. Book a test drive at Elk Grove Volkswagen and bring your family, your car seats and your gear.
Elk Grove Volkswagen · 9776 W Stockton Blvd, Elk Grove, CA 95757 · Sales 916-460-8489 · Serving Sacramento, Stockton, Folsom & the Central Valley
Specs, features, pricing, and what's new on the all-new Atlas.
CompareTelluride, Palisade, Pilot and Ascent on one page.
TrimsSE, SE Technology, SEL R-Line and SEL Premium R-Line compared.
More head-to-heads: Atlas vs. Kia Telluride · Atlas vs. Hyundai Palisade · Atlas vs. Honda Pilot
Comparison based on manufacturers' published specifications and competitive data available at the time of writing; features, specifications, and availability are subject to change and may vary by trim and configuration. Figures are based on preliminary manufacturer information and are subject to change. Competitor model years referenced reflect current publicly available data. Warranty terms are summaries only; see each manufacturer for complete coverage details. EPA-estimated mileage is for comparison only and will vary. Confirm all details with Elk Grove Volkswagen and the respective manufacturers. Atlas pricing shown is manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the base trim and excludes destination, taxes, title, license, registration, dealer documentation fees and optional equipment; competitor pricing is described only in general terms. Knight4Life benefits are provided by Elk Grove Volkswagen, not Volkswagen of America; see dealer for terms and exclusions.
