Subaru Ascent vs Volkswagen Atlas
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Volkswagen Atlas
Overview
| Spec | Subaru AscentPremium | Volkswagen AtlasSE |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Premium | SE |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2027 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Subaru AscentPremium | Volkswagen AtlasSE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $40,795 | $39,310 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Subaru AscentPremium | Volkswagen AtlasSE |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | — | 22 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | — | 20 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | — | 26 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 19.3 gal (best) | 18.6 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Subaru AscentPremium | Volkswagen AtlasSE |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 260 hp | 269 hp (best) |
| Torque | 277 lb-ft (best) | 273 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 2.4 L (best) | 2 L |
| Cylinders | flat 4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Subaru AscentPremium | Volkswagen AtlasSE |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 7 seats | 7 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 75.6 cu ft | 96.6 cu ft (best) |
| Towing capacity | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Payload | — | 1,102 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 4,450 lbs | 4,317 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 8.7 in (best) | 6.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 113.8 in | 117.3 in (best) |
| Length | 196.8 in | 200.7 in (best) |
| Width | 76 in | 78.3 in (best) |
| Height | 71.6 in (best) | 70.4 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Subaru AscentPremium | Volkswagen AtlasSE |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (passenger) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side pole | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Rollover | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported (best) | 1 |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Subaru Ascent | Volkswagen Atlas |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Premium $40,795 MSRP(Currently comparing) | SE $39,310 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Premium $40,795 MSRP | SE $41,210 MSRP |
| 3 | Limited $47,985 MSRP | SE w/Technology $43,730 MSRP |
| 4 | Limited $47,985 MSRP | SE w/Technology $45,630 MSRP |
| 5 | Limited Bronze Edition $49,095 MSRP | Peak Edition $48,060 MSRP |
| 6 | Touring $51,165 MSRP | SEL $49,620 MSRP |
| 7 | Onyx Edition Touring $51,995 MSRP | SEL Premium R-Line $54,630 MSRP |