Comparing The Volkswagen Atlas With The Subaru Ascent

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas is a serious family vehicle. It is a three-row SUV that can seat up to seven people with more space than most vehicles in its class. We recognize that consumers want to cross-shop our vehicles with those of other competitors. Kelley Blue Book recently compared the Atlas with the Subaru Ascent – another three-row midsize SUV – to see which is best for families.  

They pointed out what makes the Atlas more unique than the Ascent. For one, the interior space. KBB pointed out that the Atlas has an “extra two inches of third-row legroom and 28 percent more max cargo room.” The Atlas offers 153.7 cubic feet of passenger space, along with up to 96.6 cubic feet of cargo volume.  

KBB also praised the Digital Cockpit Pro instrument screen. They said the 10.25-inch screen “can be customized to show everything you want to see and nothing you don’t.” The driver is assured that the correct information is available in a clear manner that is neither confusing nor hard to comprehend. 

When it comes to warranties, KBB made it clear that Volkswagen offers a more extended basic warranty than Subaru and a lot of our competitors. The four-year/50,000-mile warranty means peace of mind when it comes to supporting your Atlas.  

The Atlas and Ascent are powered by turbocharged four-cylinder engines. The Volkswagen has more horsepower with 269. Where it matters is the transmission. The Atlas comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission compared to the Subaru’s continuously variable transmission. A geared transmission is much more manageable and offers better acceleration than a CVT.   

Ride quality is also important, which is why the Atlas has a longer wheelbase, at 117.3 inches. A longer wheelbase helps with better legroom in the second and third rows and better access to those two rearward rows through larger rear doors.  

This combination of space, access, and a longer wheelbase makes the Atlas more useful for everyday living. When you take the kids to school, you want them to be comfortable before their day’s first lesson. If your commute takes you along Interstate 35 between Olathe and Liberty, the Atlas is your sanctuary from the hubbub of rush hour traffic.  

KBB concluded their comparison by stating, “for everyday family-hauling duty, the extra space in the Volkswagen Atlas makes it a winner if practicality is your top priority.” 

If practicality is your priority, contact us at Bud Brown Volkswagen to take a look at the 2025 Atlas. We also offer the Bud Brown Advantage Limited Lifetime Warranty on every new Atlas.