When it comes to selecting a mid-size SUV, potential buyers are often faced with an abundance of options in the highly competitive market. Among the top contenders in this segment are the 2023 Subaru Ascent and the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas. Both vehicles boast impressive features, spacious interiors, and modern designs that appeal to a wide range of buyers.
In this article, we will dive into a detailed comparison of these two popular SUVs, examining various aspects so that you can make the best choice.
Exterior Design
The 2023 Subaru Ascent sports an aggressive and bold design with a large front grille and sleek LED headlights. The vehicle’s robust stance is accentuated by its high ground clearance, muscular fender flares, and pronounced character lines. Subaru has also integrated functional features like roof rails and a rear spoiler, adding to the Ascent’s practicality.
The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas exhibits a modern and elegant design with its sharp lines and well-proportioned body. The Atlas features a distinct front grille, flanked by LED headlights and daytime running lights, creating a striking visual presence. The overall design language is more conservative compared to the Ascent, but the Atlas still manages to make a statement with its clean and sophisticated look.
Interior Design
Inside the 2023 Ascent, Subaru has focused on providing a comfortable and functional cabin. The use of soft-touch materials and attention to detail creates a welcoming environment. The dashboard features an intuitive layout with easy-to-use controls and a standard 6.5-inch or optional 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Ascent also boasts ample headroom and legroom, making it perfect for long road trips.
The interior of the 2023 Atlas follows Volkswagen’s tradition of clean, minimalist design. High-quality materials and refined finishes provide a premium feel, while the ergonomically designed dashboard ensures ease of use. The standard touchscreen infotainment system, available in 6.5-inch or 8.0-inch, offers seamless connectivity and intuitive controls. Like the Ascent, the Atlas offers generous interior space for passengers.
Seating
The Ascent can accommodate up to eight passengers with its standard configuration, featuring a second-row bench seat. Alternatively, buyers can opt for second-row captain’s chairs, reducing seating capacity to seven. The seats are comfortable and supportive, providing ample space for adults in all three rows.
The Volkswagen Atlas also offers seating for up to seven passengers with its standard configuration, featuring second-row bench seats. An eight-passenger configuration is not available for the Atlas. However, the seats are comfortable and roomy, with enough space to accommodate adults even in the third row.
Storage
When it comes to cargo space, the Subaru Ascent offers 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 47.5 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and a total of 86.5 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. This makes it a versatile choice for families who need a lot of storage space for their adventures.
The VW Atlas is also a practical choice when it comes to storage, providing 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 55.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 96.8 cubic feet with both second and third rows folded down. The Atlas slightly edges out the Ascent in terms of cargo capacity.
Performance
The 2023 Subaru Ascent comes standard with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder BOXER engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The Ascent delivers a smooth and confident driving experience, with adequate power for both city and highway driving.
The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas offers two engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 engine that generates 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive being standard and all-wheel drive available as an option. The Atlas provides a composed and comfortable ride, with the V6 engine offering more robust acceleration.
Fuel Efficiency
The 2023 Ascent’s fuel economy is rated at 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined for the base model. The fuel efficiency slightly decreases for higher trims with larger wheels, achieving 20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined.
The fuel economy for the 2023 Atlas depends on the chosen engine and drivetrain configuration. The four-cylinder, front-wheel-drive Atlas is rated at 21 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined, while the V6, front-wheel-drive model delivers 17 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined. The V6 all-wheel-drive Atlas offers slightly lower fuel efficiency at 16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined.
Safety
Subaru has equipped the 2023 Ascent with its EyeSight Driver Assist Technology as standard, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, and pre-collision braking. Additional available safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic braking, and a 180-degree front-view camera.
The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas features a standard suite of safety and driver assistance features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional available safety technologies include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, and a 360-degree camera system.
Trim Levels
The 2023 Ascent is available in four trim levels: Base, Premium, Limited, and Touring. Each trim builds upon the previous, adding more convenience, luxury, and safety features. Prices start at around $33,000 for the Base model and can reach up to $46,000 for the fully-loaded Touring trim.
The 2023 Atlas comes in several trim levels, including S, SE, SE with Technology, SEL, and SEL Premium. Each trim offers a variety of standard and optional features to cater to different needs and preferences. The starting price for the base S model is around $32,000, with the range-topping SEL Premium trim reaching up to $50,000.
Pricing
The 2023 Subaru Ascent’s starting price is around $33,000 for the base model, with the top-of-the-line Touring trim priced at approximately $46,000. Prices may vary depending on the chosen options and packages.
The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas has a starting price of around $32,000 for the base S trim, while the fully-loaded SEL Premium model can reach up to $50,000. As with the Ascent, prices will vary depending on the selected options and packages.
Key Differences
While the 2023 Subaru Ascent and Volkswagen Atlas share similarities as mid-size SUVs, there are several key differences that set them apart. In this section, we will explore these distinctions to help potential buyers make an informed choice.
Exterior Design:
- The Subaru Ascent features a more aggressive and bold design, with a large front grille, high ground clearance, and muscular fender flares, giving it a more off-road-ready appearance.
- The Volkswagen Atlas, on the other hand, has a more refined and elegant design, with sharp lines and a well-proportioned body, making it appear more sophisticated and urban-oriented.
Drivetrain:
- Subaru Ascent comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, which provides better traction and control in various driving conditions, making it an ideal choice for those who frequently drive in inclement weather or on rough terrain.
- The VW Atlas, in contrast, offers standard front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive, giving buyers the flexibility to choose based on their preferences and driving conditions.
Seating Configuration:
- The Ascent offers standard 8-passenger seating with an optional 7-passenger configuration featuring second-row captain’s chairs, providing versatility for larger families or those who prioritize passenger comfort.
- The Atlas comes standard with a 7-passenger seating configuration and does not offer an 8-passenger option, which may be a limitation for some buyers.
Engine Options and Performance:
- The Subaru Ascent comes with a single engine option: a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder BOXER engine that delivers 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.
- The Volkswagen Atlas offers two engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 engine that generates 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. This gives buyers the flexibility to choose an engine based on their performance needs.
Fuel Efficiency:
- The Ascent has slightly better fuel efficiency, particularly in the base model configuration, making it a more economical choice for those who prioritize fuel economy.
- The Atlas has lower fuel efficiency, particularly with the V6 engine and all-wheel drive, which may be a drawback for those who prioritize fuel savings.
Final Thoughts
The 2023 Subaru Ascent and Volkswagen Atlas both have a strong presence in the mid-size SUV segment, offering unique advantages and characteristics that cater to different needs and preferences. The Ascent excels in providing a rugged design, standard all-wheel drive, and a versatile seating configuration, making it well-suited for families and adventure enthusiasts. Conversely, the Atlas boasts a sophisticated exterior design, multiple engine options, and a spacious interior, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a refined driving experience and appreciate having options.
Ultimately, the decision between these two vehicles comes down to individual priorities, preferences, and lifestyles. By taking into account the key differences in design, performance, seating, fuel efficiency, and other features, potential buyers can make a well-informed choice that best aligns with their requirements and ensures a satisfying ownership experience.
Features Breakdown:
Subaru Ascent
- Exterior Design:
- Aggressive and bold design
- Large front grille and sleek LED headlights
- High ground clearance and muscular fender flares
- Roof rails and rear spoiler
- Interior Design:
- Comfortable and functional cabin
- Soft-touch materials
- Standard 6.5-inch or optional 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Ample headroom and legroom
- Seating:
- Standard 8-passenger seating with a second-row bench seat
- Optional 7-passenger seating with second-row captain’s chairs
- Storage:
- 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row
- 47.5 cubic feet with the third row folded down
- 86.5 cubic feet with second and third rows folded
- Performance:
- 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder BOXER engine
- 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque
- Continuously variable transmission (CVT)
- Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel Efficiency:
- Base model: 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, 23 mpg combined
- Higher trims: 20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, 22 mpg combined
- Safety:
- Standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology
- Available blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic braking, and 180-degree front-view camera
- Trim Levels:
- Base, Premium, Limited, and Touring
- Pricing:
- Base: Starting at around $33,000
- Touring: Up to approximately $46,000
VW Atlas
- Exterior Design:
- Modern and elegant design
- Distinct front grille with LED headlights and daytime running lights
- Sharp lines and well-proportioned body
- Interior Design:
- Clean, minimalist design
- High-quality materials and refined finishes
- Standard 6.5-inch or optional 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Generous interior space
- Seating:
- Standard 7-passenger seating with a second-row bench seat
- 8-passenger configuration not available
- Storage:
- 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row
- 55.5 cubic feet with the third row folded down
- 96.8 cubic feet with second and third rows folded
- Performance:
- 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (235 hp, 258 lb-ft) or 3.6-liter V6 engine (276 hp, 266 lb-ft)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Standard front-wheel drive, optional all-wheel drive
- Fuel Efficiency:
- 2.0L FWD: 21 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, 22 mpg combined
- 3.6L FWD: 17 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, 19 mpg combined
- 3.6L AWD: 16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, 18 mpg combined
- Safety:
- Standard forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert
- Available adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, and 360-degree camera system
- Trim Levels:
- S, SE, SE with Technology, SEL, and SEL Premium
- Pricing:
- S: Starting at around $32,000
- SEL Premium: Up to approximately $50,000
