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) |
| Lowest listing price | — | $28,999 (best) |
| Median listing price | — | $28,999 (best) |
| Highest listing price | — | $28,999 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 1 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Subaru AscentPremium | Volkswagen AtlasSE |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | — | 23 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | — | 20 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | — | 27 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) | 2 |
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 |
Live inventory
Subaru Ascent vs Volkswagen Atlas FAQ
- Which is better: 2027 Subaru Ascent or 2026 Volkswagen Atlas?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2027 Subaru Ascent vs 2026 Volkswagen Atlas on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2027 Subaru Ascent or 2026 Volkswagen Atlas?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas starts lower at $39,310. Live Volkswagen Atlas listings start at $28,999.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2027 Subaru Ascent or 2026 Volkswagen Atlas?
- The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (39,310).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2027 Subaru Ascent or 2026 Volkswagen Atlas?
- The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (23).
- Which has better horsepower: 2027 Subaru Ascent or 2026 Volkswagen Atlas?
- The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas leads on horsepower in this comparison (269).
- Which has better seats: 2027 Subaru Ascent or 2026 Volkswagen Atlas?
- The 2027 Subaru Ascent leads on seats in this comparison (8).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2027 Subaru Ascent vs 2026 Volkswagen Atlas?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Volkswagen Atlas (5/5 NHTSA overall).