2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2020 Subaru Outback

The 2020 Subaru Outback maintained its reputation for utility, safety, and performance, with a few subtle yet significant upgrades. Built on Subaru’s Global Platform, the sixth-generation Outback boasted a 70% increase in structural rigidity. The base 2.5-liter engine, although appearing similar to its predecessor, was redesigned with 90% new parts, offering 182 horsepower. For those seeking more power, the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine from the Ascent was available in higher trims. Externally, changes were minimal, with slight updates to the head- and taillights. Inside, the Outback introduced an 11.6-inch touchscreen for most trims, alongside innovative tech like DriverFocus, which used facial recognition to enhance driver safety. The Outback was available in seven trims, starting at an MSRP of $26,645, with a range of features and options that catered to various preferences and budgets.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, with its SUV coupe styling, was a slightly smaller version of the Atlas, appealing to those who valued aesthetics over cargo space and a third-row seat. The SEL Premium trim with the R-Line package featured striking 21-inch wheels and optional Pure Gray paint, giving it a custom look. Inside, the Atlas Cross Sport offered a spacious and comfortable cabin, with a Burgundy and Titan Black two-tone color scheme. However, the interior was marred by hard plastics, though the design and materials in high-contact areas were well-executed. The available ambient lighting added a touch of sophistication, enhancing the overall appeal of the vehicle.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter engine with 182 horsepower and a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. The turbo engine allowed the Outback to reach 60 mph in about 7 seconds. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which Subaru tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission, minimizing the typical CVT drawbacks. The Outback's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system provided consistent power delivery and enhanced safety, especially in adverse conditions. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance and upgraded X-Mode on the Onyx XT, the Outback was capable off-road, though not designed for extreme terrains.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The optional 3.6-liter V6 engine offered 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Both engines were mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive as standard and 4Motion all-wheel drive available. The 4Motion system provided effective power distribution, enhancing traction and stability. The Atlas Cross Sport featured Active Control with various driving modes, but its soft suspension tuning allowed for unwanted body motion. Despite its size, the Atlas Cross Sport handled well, though it was fuel-thirsty, averaging 18.7 mpg.

The 2020 Subaru Outback excelled in functionality, offering 32.5 cubic feet of trunk space, expandable to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The interior was spacious, accommodating taller passengers comfortably, with excellent headroom and legroom. Subaru prioritized visibility, providing clear sightlines in most directions, though the rear quarters had a notable blind spot. The Outback's design balanced exterior compactness with interior spaciousness, making it a practical choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, despite its smaller size compared to the Atlas, offered a roomy interior. The front seats were large, heated, and ventilated, with numerous power adjustments. The second row provided ample space for adults, with rear air-conditioning vents and heated seat cushions. The dual-zone climate control system struggled in direct sunlight, but storage space was abundant, with a large center console and various compartments. The rakish roofline limited cargo space slightly, but the Atlas Cross Sport still offered 40.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 77.8 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, which was visually appealing and mostly user-friendly. However, the system suffered from lag, affecting navigation and other functions. The camera resolution was also subpar, detracting from the overall experience. Despite these issues, the infotainment system had potential, offering a range of features that could appeal to tech-savvy buyers.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered three infotainment systems, with the top-trim featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, virtual menu shortcuts, and stereo knobs. The system supported dual Bluetooth device pairings and included Car-Net services, such as WiFi and remote engine start. The 12-speaker Fender sound system delivered excellent audio quality, but the lack of natural voice recognition was a drawback. Users needed to rely on Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for voice commands, limiting the system's convenience.

The 2020 Subaru Outback included a comprehensive safety suite, with standard all-wheel drive and advanced driver assistance systems. However, the DriverFocus system was problematic, frequently issuing unnecessary alerts. Subaru's EyeSight system, while standard, was prone to deactivation in certain conditions, affecting its reliability.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came equipped with a robust array of safety features, including an automatic post-collision braking system. The ADAS operated smoothly, though lane assistance was best turned off. Unique features included road-sign recognition and Traffic Jam Assist. While crash-test results were pending, the larger Atlas had performed well in safety evaluations.