Though they don’t have the gross sales numbers of the larger names within the midsize 3-row SUV class, the Subaru Ascent and Volkswagen Atlas are robust contenders in their very own proper. They’re the largest SUVs that their respective manufacturers supply and each do a pleasant job encapsulating their manufacturers’ personalities.
Let’s take a more in-depth have a look at these household SUVs and see which is healthier for you.
2025 Subaru Ascent


The Subaru Ascent is Subaru’s greatest and most family-friendly SUV. It does an excellent job packaging the rugged functionality and charming character of the Subaru model right into a sensible 3-row SUV. Pricing begins at $40,330.
Subaru Ascent Highlights:
Customary all-wheel drive (AWD): Like each Subaru SUV, each Ascent comes normal with all-wheel drive, making it higher than most of its class for average off-road driving and traversing snowy roads.
IIHS High Security Choose+: The Atlas will get good security scores, however the Subaru Ascent will get the coveted High Security Choose+ award, the best honor from the Insurance coverage Institute of Freeway Security (IIHS).
Longer powertrain guarantee: The 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain guarantee protection is longer than what you get with the Volkswagen Atlas, giving the proprietor a bit additional peace of thoughts.
Examine this week’s Truthful Buy Value or see the Ascent fashions on the market close to you.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas


In some midsize SUVs, the third row is an afterthought not appropriate for anybody over 4 ft tall. Nonetheless, the Volkswagen Atlas has third-row seating a household can truly use on daily basis. Its nearly minivan-like comfort and house make it probably the greatest household haulers in its class. Pricing begins at $39,625.
Volkswagen Atlas Highlights:
Roomier inside: The Volkswagen Atlas has one of many greatest interiors within the midsize SUV class. In comparison with the Subaru, the VW has an additional two inches of third-row legroom and 28 % extra max cargo room.
Digital Cockpit Professional: One among our favourite gauge clusters, it’s a ten.25-inch totally configurable show that may be custom-made to point out every thing you wish to see and nothing you don’t.
Longer fundamental guarantee: Though Subaru has the higher powertrain guarantee, Volkswagen has longer bumper-to-bumper guarantee protection of 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Examine this week’s Truthful Buy Value or see the Atlas fashions on the market.
Similarities
These are each midsize 3-row SUVs and the largest SUVs of their respective manufacturers with comparable performing powertrains and an identical mpg numbers. They’re additionally each adorned with spectacular security scores.
Pricing
New 2025 Subaru Ascent Costs
New 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Costs
The Kelley Blue Ebook Truthful Buy Value for any particular person used car can fluctuate drastically in keeping with mileage, situation, location, and different elements.
The costs right here mirror what consumers are presently paying for New 2025 Subaru Ascent autos and New 2025 Volkswagen Atlas autos in typical situation when buying from a dealership.
These costs are up to date weekly. The producer’s steered retail value (MSRP) quoted contains the vacation spot price, however doesn’t embrace tax, license, doc charges, and choices.
Specs
2025 Subaru Ascent | 2025 Volkswagen Atlas | |
Well-liked Powertrains | ||
Engine | 2.4-liter turbo 4-cylinder | 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
Horsepower | 260 hp @ 5,600 rpm | 269 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
Torque | 277 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm | 273 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm |
Transmission | CVT, FWD | 8-speed computerized, AWD |
Gasoline Economic system | 20 metropolis/26 freeway/22 mixed | 20 metropolis/26 freeway/22 mixed |
Additionally Obtainable | AWD | |
Specs | ||
Primary Guarantee | 3 years/36,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
Powertrain Guarantee | 5 years/60,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
NHTSA General Security | 5 stars | 5 stars |
Max Seating Capability | 8 | 7 |
Wheelbase | 113.8 inches | 117.3 inches |
General Size | 196.8 inches | 200.7 inches |
Width | 76.0 inches | 78.3 inches |
Peak | 71.6 inches | 70.4 inches |
Turning Diameter | 38.0 ft | 41.0 ft |
Headroom, Entrance | 41.2 inches | 41.3 inches |
Headroom, 2nd Row | 40.0 inches | 40.4 inches |
Headroom, third Row | 36.2 inches | 38.3 inches |
Legroom, Entrance | 42.2 inches | 41.7 inches |
Legroom, 2nd Row | 38.6 inches | 37.6 inches |
Legroom, third Row | 31.7 inches | 33.7 inches |
Shoulder Room, Entrance | 61.1 inches | 61.5 inches |
Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 60.3 inches | 60.8 inches |
Shoulder Room, third Row | 57 inches | 54.9 inches |
Cargo Quantity | 17.8/43.5/75.6 cubic ft | 20.6/55.5/96.6 cubic ft |
Conclusion
Unsurprisingly, the Subaru Ascent is the extra rugged and succesful off-roader between these two. It’s the one to get in case you’ll truly take your loved ones on off-road adventures. Nonetheless, for on a regular basis family-hauling obligation, the additional house within the Volkswagen Atlas makes it a winner if practicality is your high precedence.