2022 Subaru Ascent vs. 2022 Volkswagen Atlas
The Subaru Ascent is a new SUV that was just introduced at the 2020 Los Angeles Auto Show. It’s the first vehicle in Subaru’s history to feature an optional third row of seats. It will compete directly with other family-friendly SUVs like the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas and Nissan Pathfinder. The Tiida (now known as the Versa) has also been a huge hit for Nissan, but it doesn’t have nearly as many standard features as its rivals. It doesn’t even have heated seats! If you’re looking for an affordable family car with plenty of room for your kids, read on to find out which one suits you best.
Design & Style
- Exterior Design
When it comes to exterior styling, the two vehicles are quite different. The Ascent has a fairly traditional SUV look, while the Atlas has more of a crossover look. Both designs have plenty of similarities; they have similar fender flares and grille shapes, but there are also distinct differences between them. The Subaru’s roofline is more upright than its rival’s, and its nose is longer than its rival’s. Both SUVs’ rear doors feature glass windows that extend down into their respective tailgates, but those on the Ascent do so in a sweeping arch, while those on the VW rise only slightly before meeting at an angle at their top edges.
- Interior Design
The Ascent has a more premium interior feel than the Atlas. It has more soft-touch materials, nicer plastics and a more luxurious look. The Atlas’s interior can look cheap in places—notably, the steering wheel is hard plastic, and the dashboard doesn’t have much texture or design flair.
The Subaru’s seats are comfortable and supportive, but we prefer the Volkswagen’s cushy chairs for long drives thanks to their extra lateral support and lower lumbar adjustment range. Both vehicles offer plenty of headroom for six-foot passengers in the front and rear rows alike, though taller drivers may find themselves bumping their heads on ceiling panels in both models.
Technology & Safety
The Ascent comes with a 9-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an 8-speaker audio system. The optional EyeSight system can detect pedestrians, cyclists and large animals in your path. Adaptive Cruise Control is also available as an option on top trims. It works by reading speed limit signs and adjusting acceleration as needed to maintain a safe distance between vehicles on the road ahead of you.
Performance
The Ascent is powered by a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. The Atlas comes with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 237 hp and 258 lb-ft, which allows it to achieve an EPA fuel economy rating of 18 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined (with front-wheel drive).
The Ascent’s engine is equipped with Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) as standard equipment, while the Atlas comes equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission as standard.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that the 2022 Subaru Ascent has a lot more to offer than the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas. It’s faster, more comfortable, practical, and a better value for your money. And with its standard all-wheel-drive system, it can handle any weather condition you throw at it.
Ready to Schedule Your 2022 Subaru Ascent Test Drive Today?
Do you want to learn more about the wide range of Volvo cars that we offer? Just visit us at Volvo Cars Westport to learn more! Our dedicated team of sales professionals is waiting to serve your automotive needs. Call us right away and book your 2022 Subaru Ascent test drive or walk in at our dealership today!