2019 Subaru Ascent vs 2019 Volkswagen Atlas Photos

Despite some mechanical differences, close inspection reveals that the Volkswagen Atlas and Subaru Ascent have similarities beyond three rows of seats. Both are assembled in the U.S. yet sport international pedigrees. The Atlas's engines-including our test example's optional 3.6-liter narrow-angle V-6-hail from Germany, its eight-speed automatic transmission comes from Japan, and it is all assembled in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Ascent's turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four boxer engine and continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) come from Japan, and the Subie is built in Lafayette, Indiana.

We've long been fans of Volkswagen's naturally aspirated narrow-angle V-6, which in this application is rated for 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque-enough grunt to motivate the 4759-pound Atlas to 60 mph in 8.0 seconds flat.

While that pace is adequate for a family vehicle, the Ascent takes the drag-race honors; the 260 horses and 277 lb-ft produced by its turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four propel its 4656 pounds to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds.

Subaru's CVT transmissions have been subjected to countless updates and refinements over the years, and while we still wish Subaru offered a conventional automatic in the Ascent, this is one of the best CVTs we’ve experienced.

It does well to keep the engine in the thick of its torque curve, and the simulated "gears" are welcome, if synthetic. The Atlas uses an eight-speed automatic that is predisposed to shift early and often, sometimes as low as 1500 rpm.

Although neither vehicle displays a particularly harsh ride, intimidating handling properties, or obnoxiously noisy interiors, the difference between their personalities is profound. The Ascent places interior comfort first, with its suspension soaking up the broken pavement and potholes with grace, leaving the occupants largely unaffected.

The Atlas hits harder and with more audible resonance over the same stretch of road, resulting in vehicle body sway and some moderate passenger head toss.

While both the Subaru and VW strive to provide stylish three-row comfort, they go about it in very different ways. The Ascent is a styled cornucopia of colors and substrates, from the buttery brown leather seats to the chrome accents on the dash to the three or four additional hues and materials utilized throughout the cabin.

The Atlas, in comparison, is an exercise in design restraint, featuring a mild and sober mix of complementary colors. Both feature comfortable and accommodating front seats, but the Atlas's are wider-hello, middle America!-and left us feeling fresher after extended stints at the wheel.

The VW also takes the lead in second- and third-row seating. Although both middle rows slide forward and aft, the Subaru's second-row buckets have a lower seat height that made them less comfortable than the configurable second-row bench in the Atlas.

Spacious enough for adults to sit three abreast or two by two with a baby seat between, the Atlas with its slightly larger exterior dimensions, efficient packaging, and bulky profile provided greater head and shoulder space; the Ascent required occupants taller than six feet to tilt their heads when seated in the rear.

Not surprisingly, then, the Atlas also wins pretty much any cargo-volume comparison. It has a substantially larger center-console bin, door pockets, and glovebox and more cubby storage in both the second and third rows, too.

However, due to the shape of the space behind the third rows, the Ascent scored a surprise win by swallowing five carry-on-size suitcases versus four for the Atlas. But, with second and third rows folded, the Atlas managed 38 total suitcases to the Ascent's 33.