Midsize SUVs like the Subaru Ascent and the Volkswagen Atlas are great options for families looking for lots of space and safety features. So, which one is right for your family?
To help families in Columbus, Grove City, and Hilliard OH decide, the team at Germain Subaru of Columbus has put together this Subaru Ascent vs. VW Atlas comparison.
FUEL TANK
2023 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
With a 3-row SUV running the show, you’ll have a varying number of passengers. Whether every seat is full for a road trip out of town or you’re dropping the kids off at soccer practice, safety is always the number one priority.
The Subaru Ascent helps keep you safe with seven standard airbags, including a driver's knee airbag and a pair of side curtain airbags that protect all three rows of seats. In comparison, the VW Atlas only has six airbags and doesn't offer a driver's knee airbag.
With its advanced airbag system and driver-assistance technology, the Subaru Ascent has been named a 2023 TOP SAFETY PICK+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). On the other hand, the VW Atlas was not recognized for its safety by IIHS.
The Ascent also includes lots of safety features to help prevent accidents. The Subaru EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology bundle comes standard and helps protect you with driver-assistance features like:
The Volkswagen offers several of these safety features, but not all its driver-assistance features come standard.
As mentioned above, both the Subaru Ascent and the VW Atlas come with three rows of seating for your family and friends. The question is, how comfortable are those seats? With spacious cabins, the Ascent and the VW Atlas both bring a lot of comfort.
While both the Ascent and the Atlas give you the option of either a bench seat for three people or two captain's chairs in the center row, only the Ascent provides space for up to eight people with a 3-seat third row.
The VW Atlas only has two rear seats, giving you room for seven passengers.
The base trim of the Ascent has standard cloth seats, while every other trim level gives you refined leather upholstery. The VW Atlas also starts with cloth seats before switching to a V-Tex leatherette material. It doesn't offer genuine leather until the top trim level.
Both SUVs feature a touchscreen infotainment screen in the center of your dashboard, and this screen is larger than 11 inches in either model. Plus, both models come standard with tri-zone climate control.
Of course, you’ll only be able to enjoy all the amenities and comfort features if your vehicle has an engine to keep it running. In addition to powerful outputs, these SUVs offer stability and top-notch capability features.
Starting off, let’s talk about the drivetrains offered. The Subaru Ascent delivers a stable drive on any terrain with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. While all-wheel drive is offered on the VW Atlas, its standard drivetrain is front-wheel drive.
On top of providing traction and grip during all kinds of driving conditions, the Ascent features a tall 8.7-inch ground clearance. With the VW Atlas, you won't be able to drive over obstacles or bumpy roads with as much confidence. It stands just 6.3 inches above the ground.
While the Subaru is a fully capable SUV, it's also efficient enough to help you drive farther before stopping for gas. The Ascent gets up to an EPA-estimated 20 city/26 highway MPG.* The VW Atlas gets similar ratings but has a smaller 18.6-gallon fuel tank.
With 19.3 gallons of fuel, you can drive longer in the Subaru Ascent.
Visit Germain Subaru of Columbus to test drive the safe and reliable Subaru Ascent. It offers drivers in Columbus, Grove City, and Hilliard OH a capable and steady ride for up to eight people.
To learn more about this Subaru Ascent vs. VW Atlas comparison, contact us or visit our dealership.
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