2021 Subaru Ascent vs 2021 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received a styling refresh that included new front and rear bumpers, standard LED headlights and taillights, and a new grille. These changes added 2.4 inches to its length, giving it a more extroverted look compared to the 2020 model. The R-Line trim package added sportier bumpers and side skirts. Despite these updates, the Atlas still rode on the same MQB platform as before, which is shared with other VW models like the Jetta and Golf. The interior of the Atlas was minimalist, with a standard seven-seat configuration and available second-row captain’s chairs. However, the material quality in the mid-level SE with Technology trim was below average, with cheap-feeling plastics and unconvincing simulated wood and metal trim.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent, introduced in 2019, filled a long-standing gap in Subaru’s lineup for a three-row SUV. It featured design elements from the smaller Forester and Outback models, scaled up to a midsize SUV. The cabin design was consistent with other Subaru models, likely to create a sense of familiarity for buyers. The Ascent was available in Standard, Premium, Limited, and Touring trims, each offering progressively more features. The base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen and a host of driver-assistance features, while higher trims added amenities like an 8-inch touchscreen, power-adjustable seats, and a premium Harman Kardon stereo system.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter VR6 engine with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with standard front-wheel drive and optional 4Motion all-wheel drive. The driving experience with the base engine and AWD was underwhelming, with adequate acceleration but rough shifts and poor ride quality. The Atlas had a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds with the VR6 engine, but only 2,000 pounds with the four-cylinder engine. Fuel economy was also unimpressive, with the four-cylinder AWD model rated at 21 mpg combined and the VR6 AWD model at 18 mpg combined.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The Ascent’s ride focused on comfort, with responsive handling and the ability to soak up road bumps. It featured 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it capable in snow and light off-roading. The Ascent had a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds and included a standard Trailer Stability Assist.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered 96.8 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats folded and 20.6 cubic feet with all seats up. It provided more third-row legroom than most competitors but had the worst second-row legroom in its class. The second-row bench seat was uncomfortable with thin, flat cushions. The Atlas featured a tall driving position, but forward visibility was less than optimal. It had up to five USB ports and an optional wireless charging pad. The Atlas also offered up to 17 cupholders.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent provided 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 47.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 86.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. It came standard with a power liftgate but lacked a hands-free option. The Ascent could seat up to eight passengers, with spacious first and second rows and a third row suitable for shorter trips. It featured an impressive 19 cupholders and plenty of storage trays and cubbies.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas came with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The base S trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while higher trims had an 8-inch screen. The Digital Cockpit was available on higher trims, replacing analog gauges with a 10.3-inch digital display. The Atlas was set to receive the MIBIII infotainment system later in the model year, which included multi-phone pairing and improved voice recognition. A 12-speaker Fender audio system was available on higher trims, and a built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was new for 2021.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent featured the StarLink infotainment system with logical menus and large icons. It came standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two front and two second-row USB ports, satellite radio, and Bluetooth. Available tech features included third-row USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received top “good” ratings in all IIHS crash tests but had a “marginal” rating for child-seat anchors and mixed headlight ratings. The 2020 model received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist available on higher trims. The Atlas was set to receive more advanced driver aids later in the model year, including Travel Assist and Emergency Assist.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was an IIHS 2021 Top Safety Pick+ due to its crash test results and comprehensive EyeSight driver-assistance suite. EyeSight included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. The Ascent also gained standard automatic high beams and steering-responsive headlights for 2021. Optional safety features included reverse automatic emergency braking, rain-sensing windshield wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.