2021 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned for the 2020 model year, retained a familiar and comfortable feel reminiscent of older Subaru models. The analog gauges, steering wheel design, and seat forms were consistent with previous generations, though the interior was fresher than the smaller 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. Higher trims featured an 11.6-inch portrait display, surrounded by polished black plastic and chrome trim, which added a touch of modernity and luxury. The Onyx Edition XT, with its gray and black StarTex upholstery and lime green stitching, offered a unique and durable interior. The exterior design remained smooth and plain, with high gray cladding on the wheel arches, sills, and bumpers, emphasizing its lifted wagon nature.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried over with minor modifications from the previous year, simplifying its lineup to six trim levels. The SEL Premium R-Line trim, with its 21-inch wheels and R-Line design elements, gave the Atlas an upscale look. The interior design was simple yet premium, though some materials felt low-cost, with hard, shiny plastics detracting from the overall quality. The Atlas offered a spacious and comfortable cabin, with genuine leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof available on higher trims. However, the unlined storage areas and the use of hard surfaces were points of contention.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a 2.5-liter flat-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This base engine struggled to move the Outback, especially when loaded with passengers and cargo, resulting in slow and noisy performance. The XT trims offered a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, significantly improving performance and refinement. The turbo XT achieved an EPA-estimated 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, slightly lower than the base engine's 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. The Outback's handling was squishy, but its ride comfort and off-road capability, thanks to its 8.7 inches of ground clearance and advanced AWD system, were commendable.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, requiring premium fuel for maximum output. The turbo-four had a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds and an EPA fuel economy rating of 22-23 mpg combined. The available 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, could tow up to 5,000 pounds but had a lower fuel economy of 19-20 mpg combined. The Atlas featured multiple driving modes and an Active Control system for various road conditions. However, the V6 engine's lack of power, efficiency, and refinement, along with the Atlas' modest ground clearance, limited its overall performance satisfaction.

The 2021 Subaru Outback boasted impressive ground clearance, surpassing many larger vehicles, and offered 76 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. The interior provided ample headroom and legroom, with comfortable and supportive seats. Visibility was excellent, and storage options were plentiful, including large map pockets, bottle holders, and handy pockets in the front center console. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were only available on higher trims. The standard roof rails with integrated crossbars were a standout feature, offering convenience and cost savings.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space and comfort, seating seven people comfortably, even in the third row. The step-in height was low, making entry and exit easy. The Atlas offered 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 55.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 96.8 cubic feet with the second row folded. The interior featured numerous storage areas, though many were unlined, causing unwanted noise. Higher trims included genuine leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof, enhancing the overall comfort and luxury.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system felt outdated, with graphics and typefaces reminiscent of older gaming consoles. The central screen in the instrument panel was particularly lacking. However, the system included modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the optional navigation was more visually appealing. Subaru EyeSight, standard on all trims, provided adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking, though it relied solely on cameras, which could be impeded in certain conditions.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas featured the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster as standard, with an 8-inch display on lower trims and a 10.25-inch display on higher trims. The Atlas SE had a 6.5-inch touchscreen with basic infotainment features, while higher trims included the MIB3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and additional connected services. The user experience was mixed, with slow system loading times and a cumbersome process for tuning the radio. The Car-Net connected services offered various plans for remote access, safety, and hotspot capabilities, but the natural voice recognition required additional subscriptions.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a stronger and stiffer chassis, with standard driver’s knee and passenger seat-cushion airbags. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was optional on Premium trims and standard on higher trims. Rear emergency braking and a driver-attention monitor were available on select trims. The Outback earned a 2020 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award and received top ratings in all crash tests. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 Outback an overall five-star rating, with four stars for the front passenger in a frontal crash and four stars for the rollover test.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a comprehensive list of safety features, including automatic post-collision braking, Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, and the full collection of IQ Drive safety features, including lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and Travel Assist. The Atlas also featured brighter LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation and an adaptive front lighting system. However, the Lane Assist technology had issues with old construction markings and exit ramps, and the system could not be easily disabled while driving. The Atlas received decent crash-test ratings but did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and received four-star ratings for the driver and front passenger in frontal-impact tests from the NHTSA.