The Midwest provides drivers with a lot of different landscapes and environments -- from the Suburbs of Columbus to the dense woods of Eastern Ohio's Appalachian Mountains. This kind of environmental diversity calls for a vehicle that can navigate every type of road, and we think that the 2022 Subaru Ascent is just that vehicle. However, the Ascent isn't the only three-row SUV out there. So, we grabbed one of its direct competitors, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas, and put the two side-by-side to prove what makes the Ascent so great.
As SUVs have become the vehicle of choice for families across the country, they've evolved into all different shapes and sizes to further accommodate the specific needs of drivers. For example, the 2022 Subaru Ascent is a full-size, three-row SUV with seating for up to 8 passengers (7 if you choose the available second-row captain's seating). The 2022 Atlas also has three-row seating for up to 8 passengers, and there are other things that both vehicles share, like standard 18-inch wheels, raised roof rails, and LED headlights -- though the Ascent comes standard with Steering Responsive Headlights.
When you look inside these two SUVs, the differences continue. Aside from the difference in seating capacity, the Ascent also features standard tri-zone climate control where the Atlas only has Dual-Zone climate control. Both vehicles offer leather-trimmed upholstery and heated front seats.
Of course, in the 21st-century, you expect a level of technological sophistication in your vehicle. That's exactly what you get with the 2022 Subaru Ascent. The Ascent comes standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen STARLINK Multimedia system, which gives you seamless smartphone integration, hands free access to your favorite music and apps, and available navigation capabilities. There is also an 8-inch touchscreen upgrade available. The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas gives you similar capabilities, but we think you'll agree that their system just isn't as intuitive as Subaru STARLINK. There are also additional available STARLINK Safety & Security packages available as upgrades.
Of course, all of the design, engineering, and technology in the world doesn't help you navigate any road that's in front of you. It's your engine that does that. Of course, Subaru doesn't cut any corners, and the engine package found under the hood of the 2022 Subaru Ascent will stack up against anything else you can find. The standard 2.4-Liter Direct Injection BOXER Engine generates 260 with an impressive 277 lb-ft of torque. The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas is impressive in its own right, but its standard 2.0-liter Inline engine just doesn't stack up, with 235 horsepower with 258 lb-ft of torque. Also, the Subaru Ascent comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and the 4MOTION All-Wheel Drive of the Atlas is only available as an upgrade.
The amount of accolades and awards that Subaru holds is quite impressive. But more than everything else, Subaru has been most recognized for their innovations and advancements in vehicle safety. For example, every Subaru that came standard with the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology (like the 2022 Ascent) was awarded the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Award. The Subaru Ascent does come standard with High Beam Assist, which is available on the VW Atlas. While Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is standard on all but the entry-level Subaru Ascent, these features are standard on all 2022 VW Atlas models. What you won't find on a VW Atlas is Reverse Automatic Braking, which you'll find available on most Subaru Ascent models. What's more, the Subaru Ascent earned higher frontal crash safety ratings from the NHTSA.
After everything has been evaluated, we think it's clear just how incredible the 2022 Subaru Ascent is -- but there's one thing left. Despite everything that the Ascent offers over the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas, it actually has a lower price tag. The starting MSRP of the Ascent is $32,295, compared to the $33,475 of the Atlas. If you're still not sure, we encourage you to give us a call and ask us any questions you may have. Or, if you'd prefer, get your hands on a new Subaru SUV in person. We're located at 401 N Hamilton Rd in Columbus, OH.
|
2022 Subaru Ascent | 2022 Volkswagen Atlas |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $32,295 | $33,475 |
| Standard Engine | 2.4-Liter Turbocharged BOXER 4-Cylinder | 2.0-Liter Inline 4-Cylinder |
| Standard Performance | 260 Horsepower w/ 277 lb-ft of Torque | 235 Horsepower w/ 258 lb-ft of Torque |
| All-Wheel Drive | Standard | Available |
| Max. Seating Capacity | 8 Passengers | 7 Passengers |
| Max. Cargo Space | 86.5 Cubic Feet | 96.8 Cubic Feet |
| Standard Multimedia System | 6.5-Inch Touchscreen STARLINK Multimedia System | 6.5-Inch Composition Color Touchscreen Multimedia System |
| Wheel Size | 18-Inch | 18-Inch |
| Steering Responsive Headlights | Standard | Not Available |
| 4G LTE WiFi Capabilities | Available | Not Available |
*Manufacturer's suggested retail price does not include destination and delivery charges, tax, title and registration fees. Destination and delivery includes handling and inland freight fees and may vary in some states. Prices, specifications, options, features and models subject to change without notice.
