Subaru Ascent vs Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received the same styling updates as the three-row Atlas, incorporating new lighting elements at the front and rear. The Volkswagen logos in the grille and on the tailgate illuminated in white and red, respectively, mimicking the feature that debuted on the all-electric Volkswagen ID.4. This distinctive lighting scheme was complemented by a front light bar connecting the daytime running lights to the new standard LED headlights, creating a more Americanized look. The Atlas Cross Sport, designed and built in Chattanooga, Tennessee, was tailored specifically for the U.S. market.

At the rear, the Cross Sport featured reshaped taillights blending into a rear light bar housing the illuminated VW logo. The rear-end design, combined with the lower roofline, lent the Cross Sport a silhouette similar to the "crossover coupes" of German luxury brands. It also measured 5.2 inches shorter than the standard Atlas, with a slightly lower stance.

For 2024, all Cross Sport trims got new wheel designs. The base SE model had 18-inch alloy wheels, whereas the SE with Technology and SEL models featured 20-inch wheels, with an optional black wheel package. The SEL R-Line boasted a unique 20-inch wheel design and sportier styling elements, and the SEL Premium R-Line included these features along with 21-inch wheels. The interior revisions mirrored those of the standard Atlas, retaining standard leatherette upholstery and offering leather seats on SEL models and quilted leather upholstery with a diamond pattern on the SEL Premium R-Line trim level.

In contrast, Subaru's 2024 Ascent struggled with its styling. A recent refresh introduced some visually offensive changes, such as tusks and a bold spear running across the grille into the headlights. Prices for the Ascent ranged from $34,395 to $48,695, with our test vehicle, a Touring trim, priced at $50,181 after adding optional all-weather floor liners.

Choosing the Ascent Touring over the Limited trim added various luxury features, including a panoramic sunroof, premium Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a navigation system, a Harman Kardon premium sound system, and a camera-based rearview mirror. While the interior materials in the Ascent Touring looked good, the design appeared modular and lacked sophistication.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was outfitted exclusively with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, ending the era of VW's 3.6-liter VR6 engine. This new engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available with either standard FWD or optional 4Motion AWD, produced 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Although it offered slightly less horsepower than the VR6, it delivered more torque at a lower rpm, promising better performance. However, the engine's noise-to-power ratio left something to be desired.

Despite the "Sport" in its name, the Cross Sport didn't impress as an engaging drive. It failed to justify its lackluster performance as a comfortable cruiser due to mediocre ride quality, potentially worsened by the 21-inch wheels on the test car. The Cross Sport's maximum towing capacity remained at 5,000 pounds—standard for a midsize crossover but falling short of models like the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which could tow up to 6,200 pounds with its base V6.

Every 2024 Subaru Ascent came with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine featured a CVT powering all four wheels via standard AWD with active torque vectoring. With a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds (2,000 pounds for the Base trim), the Ascent proved versatile for various driving conditions.

Comfortably handling city, suburban, rural, and off-road terrains, the Ascent excelled in practical performance. It navigated speed humps and rutted off-road terrain with ease, demonstrating rally car-like abilities on gravel roads while maintaining composure on smoother surfaces. However, its frisky platform was hampered by a hefty curb weight, a softly tuned suspension, and all-season tires, limiting its agility on twisty mountain roads. The Ascent's fuel economy was another downside, with disappointing real-world figures of 16.7 mpg in the city and 18.6 mpg combined, despite its 19.3-gallon fuel tank.

Volkswagen added more standard equipment to the 2024 Atlas Cross Sport. The base Cross Sport SE included heated side mirrors, two-zone climate control, and a heated steering wheel. Ventilated front seats were also standard. The SEL model featured leather upholstery and heated second-row seats. Front headroom was competitive, but the roofline reduced rear-seat headroom. However, legroom was adequate.

Cargo space wasn't severely impacted by the design, offering 40.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 77.6 cubic feet with them folded. This placed the Cross Sport ahead of competitors like the Chevy Blazer but slightly below the Honda Passport. The updated center console provided ample storage, and the door pockets accommodated multiple drink bottles without rattling.

The Subaru Ascent focused on functionality over form. Comfort-oriented features included large cupholders, a dashboard shelf, and backpack pegs on the second-row seatbacks. The Touring trim offered premium Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and wide, flat sills for easy roof rail access. The rear doors opened to nearly a 90-degree angle, making child seat loading straightforward.

The Ascent's interior felt snug compared to rivals, especially in the second row. Third-row comfort was acceptable for short trips, with air conditioning vents and storage space. Cargo capacity ranged from 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row to 43.5 cubic feet with the third-row seats down and up to 75.6 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded, slightly restrained by the panoramic sunroof.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport boasted significant tech upgrades for 2024. It came standard with a 12-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless phone charging. However, the use of haptic touchpads instead of conventional buttons could feel unintuitive. Four USB-C ports were standard, with the option for up to six ports, including a USB-C dash cam port. Additional tech features included a standard head-up display on the SEL trim and a Harman Kardon audio system on the SEL Premium R-Line.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent was equipped with the latest Starlink infotainment system, featuring an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Higher trims included services such as a Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, and a Harman Kardon surround-sound system. Although the display could wash out in direct sunlight, and the native voice-recognition was subpar, physical buttons and knobs for essential controls were a welcome inclusion. Features like Cabin Connect and a surround-view camera completed the tech offering, with upper trims benefiting from advanced connected services.

Volkswagen's 2024 Atlas Cross Sport earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top marks in side-impact tests and lower scores in frontal and rollover tests. The structurally similar 2023 model received high marks from the IIHS, although it had not been tested for the updated moderate overlap front test. The IQ.Drive package, previously limited, was now standard across all trims, providing comprehensive driver aids. Additional features included predictive adaptive cruise control on higher trims and park assist, along with a surround-view camera system on the Premium R-Line.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent, synonymous with safety, also garnered a five-star rating from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance. The IIHS awarded the Ascent a Top Safety Pick+ rating. Standard EyeSight safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available only from the Premium trim upwards. Higher trims added features like automatic reverse braking and a driver monitoring system, although the latest EyeSight technology could sometimes be unreliable.