Open Today Sales: 9 AM-6 PMOpen Today Service & Parts: 8 AM-4 PM
With three rows of seats and lots of room to get comfortable, the Volkswagen Atlas and the Subaru Ascent are a couple family-friendly SUVs. Which one is right for you and your family, though? The team at Toms Rivers Volkswagen put together this 2021 VW Atlas vs. 2021 Subaru Ascent comparison to help drivers in Toms River, Brick, and Freehold decide.
REAR LEGROOM
MAX CARGO VOLUME
MAX HORSEPOWER
From a few bags to boxes, bikes, and the occasional couch, the VW Atlas and the Subaru Ascent have you covered. Both SUVs feature a large trunk and folding seats in both the second and third rows.
However, the Subaru can’t carry quite as much. Whether the seats are upright or folded flat, the Volkswagen offers significantly more storage space:
 VW ATLAS
|
 SUBARU ASCENT
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Cargo Room Behind 1st Row | 96.8 cu. ft. | 86.5 cu. ft. |
| Cargo Room Behind 2nd Row | 55.5 cu. ft. | 47.5 cu. ft. |
| Cargo Room Behind 3rd Row | 20.6 cu. ft. | 17.8 cu. ft. |
By way of passenger space, you’ll find 154 cubic feet of passenger volume with the VW Atlas, while the Ascent has slightly less with just 153.5 cubic feet. While that many not seem like a big difference, it will translate into a slightly more cramped interior in the Ascent.
For instance, you can really see the difference when you look at the head- and legroom of the third row for each vehicle. The 2021 Ascent offers just 36.3 inches of headroom and 31.7 inches of legroom for rear-seat passengers.
The VW Atlas, on the other hand, offers 38.3 inches of headroom and 33.7 inches of legroom. With two more inches all around, taller passengers will certainly be grateful for the extra space.
Whether it’s a trailer full of your belongings, a camper, or even a boat, the 2021 VW Atlas and the Subaru Ascent can haul everything you’ll need.
They’re both capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, but the Volkswagen makes it a bit easier for you. Its available 3.6L V6 engine can deliver up to 276 horsepower. The Subaru comes up short with a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine that only gets up to 260 horsepower.
The VW Atlas is also prepared to carry that extra cargo over tough terrain. Its 4MOTION® all-wheel drive with Active Control features four different selectable drive modes. The Ascent also has all-wheel drive, but without different drive modes, it’s not as adaptable.
You’ll find lots of fun technology in both the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas and the Subaru Ascent. Each one comes with a dashboard touchscreen that can help you stay in touch, stream music, and find the fastest route. Some of the features they offer include:
With their available navigation systems, you’ll be able to view a map of your route in real time. The VW Atlas makes it easier to view your route, though, with the available Volkswagen Digital Cockpit. This makes your instrument cluster fully customizable and offers display modes, like full screen navigation.
The Subaru Ascent has a more traditional instrument cluster, so you won’t have the same level of convenience and customization with the information you’ll see as you drive.
Explore our extensive new inventory, receive an estimate on your trade-in, apply for credit or contact us to schedule your in-person test drive using the quick links here.
