Subaru Ascent vs Volkswagen Atlas
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We were also considering the Atlas. We liked the look and feel of the Ascent interior better as well as better reliability and cheaper parts. A big factor for us was the eyesight technology and that the VW wasn’t equipped with real leather or a heated steering wheel at the same price point. I think for me though one of the major factors was I love second row captain chairs and while they’re available in the Atlas they’re a cost option and it takes seating down to 6 and I need 7.
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We considered an Atlas and a Pilot. VW reliability scared me off, even with their massive warranty -- a warranty doesn't keep me out of the dealership for repairs.
The pilot vs. ascent is much closer, and it mostly came down to aesthetic and price. A new ascent limited is cheaper than a low-mileage used pilot elite (need captains seats).
The pilot vs. ascent is much closer, and it mostly came down to aesthetic and price. A new ascent limited is cheaper than a low-mileage used pilot elite (need captains seats).
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The VW brand is distinctly different than Subaru, one is an investors' brand and the other is customers' brand, respectively.
I would rather buy a Kia or Huyndai 3-row SUV before I consider the Atlas. The company itself is not very innovative and their work culture doesn't promote growth for the brand.
I would rather buy a Kia or Huyndai 3-row SUV before I consider the Atlas. The company itself is not very innovative and their work culture doesn't promote growth for the brand.
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590 Posts
While looking we looked at multiple vehicles with the Atlas being one of them. While I liked a lot of features on the Atlas the pricing I felt was not as competitive and the SEL Premium model seems to be having some digital screen issue as I could hardly find any within 100 miles of Maryland.
I did test drive one and also found the transmission to bog the engine down a lot. This might have just been on the model I drove but I felt like I had to press the pedal 85-95% to accelerate onto the highway. The last straw was when my wife got in it and said it felt like a tank and was not impressed with the seats or materials and found the dash to be high compared to the other models. If we were a taller family (over 6 foot) this Atlas would probably be a better choice as it did have more headroom.
I did test drive one and also found the transmission to bog the engine down a lot. This might have just been on the model I drove but I felt like I had to press the pedal 85-95% to accelerate onto the highway. The last straw was when my wife got in it and said it felt like a tank and was not impressed with the seats or materials and found the dash to be high compared to the other models. If we were a taller family (over 6 foot) this Atlas would probably be a better choice as it did have more headroom.
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Silly to compare anything but basic spec numbers. When the Ascent has yet to be released.
Outside of that VW has had the biggest fraud claim in American Auto history and will be kissing every buyers feet for yrs or they will get crushed in the US market. Nearly a Billion dollars in VW money is being used to build a fast charging network in CA in the next 10yrs.
I can’t imagine VW putting a whole lot of effort into ICE powered vehicles other than high profit SUVs.
Of all the VW choices today the Atlas is probably the “only” vw product worth considering. But its still a VW. So do your homework.
There are several soccer moms driving them im my area. Two came from extra long full 3rd row escalades. Which case the Atlas probably feels and drives like a Camry to them. Yes it has a big footprint.
The numbers and body style on the Ascent point at Nissan/ infinity Pathfinder and Audi Q7 exterior rough sizing and look. Interior space is where Subaru has discovered big payday with the OB and Legacy and the Ascents rough numbers suggest its seating room will be quite good far better than the old Q7 in some ways where its needed better than the Pathfinder.
VW SUVs have always had lousy interior seating space numbers. The Atlas was a big step to fix that lacking seating space history but its not ground shattering what VW has done.
Outside of that VW has had the biggest fraud claim in American Auto history and will be kissing every buyers feet for yrs or they will get crushed in the US market. Nearly a Billion dollars in VW money is being used to build a fast charging network in CA in the next 10yrs.
I can’t imagine VW putting a whole lot of effort into ICE powered vehicles other than high profit SUVs.
Of all the VW choices today the Atlas is probably the “only” vw product worth considering. But its still a VW. So do your homework.
There are several soccer moms driving them im my area. Two came from extra long full 3rd row escalades. Which case the Atlas probably feels and drives like a Camry to them. Yes it has a big footprint.
The numbers and body style on the Ascent point at Nissan/ infinity Pathfinder and Audi Q7 exterior rough sizing and look. Interior space is where Subaru has discovered big payday with the OB and Legacy and the Ascents rough numbers suggest its seating room will be quite good far better than the old Q7 in some ways where its needed better than the Pathfinder.
VW SUVs have always had lousy interior seating space numbers. The Atlas was a big step to fix that lacking seating space history but its not ground shattering what VW has done.
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So the Atlas only seats two in the back? That makes sense, as I heard the Atlas is taller inside than the Ascent, but narrower.
Every now and then I get tempted by a VW, then I remember you get all of the unreliability of VWAG without the luxury cachet of Audi.
Haha, yeah, with VW, I still think of the old beatles and camper vans... and then later the noisy, stinking diesel Rabbits. Plus for many other reasons, would never consider a VW product. Even the Audis, are way over priced for what you get.
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I like the look of the newer Audis. I see one and think maybe I'll get a used one (to avoid the high price of new) then remember people say to never own one out of warranty. So I shove that thought out.
Kia hired a former Audi designer and look how well they've done. Subaru is making strides on improving their looks, but not as fast as Kia.
Kia, a poor-man's Audi, but without AWD (except the new Stinger).
Kia hired a former Audi designer and look how well they've done. Subaru is making strides on improving their looks, but not as fast as Kia.
Kia, a poor-man's Audi, but without AWD (except the new Stinger).
I saw new Atlas the other day and it had what looked like optional wheels(black 20's) and I thought it looked really sharp. I preferred the look over the Ascent to be honest. How they drive is another story . It will be interesting to see the comparisons from the different car rags
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I was considering the Atlas when it first launched. To get AWD, fuel economy takes a big hit because they are using an old V6. No AWD 4cyl option.
Liked the interior a lot but that's because my gf had a Jetta at the time.
VW maintenance costs are insane especially here in SoCal.
Subaru, Toyota, or Honda, I believe, are way better choices
Liked the interior a lot but that's because my gf had a Jetta at the time.
VW maintenance costs are insane especially here in SoCal.
Subaru, Toyota, or Honda, I believe, are way better choices
Atlas looks
I agree, I thought the Atlas looked the best out of all the SUV's but the inside was not that great and the drive was really not great. That was first car we test drove, seemed more like a truck, there was a lot of room inside but I thought it drove by far the worst of the cars we drove. Traverse drove actually pretty good, we almost bought the Pilot Elite model but I didn't really like the 9 speed trans or the dvd player that is going to be outdated tomorrow. I hope the Ascent drives close to the outback because if so I made the right choice if not we would go back and buy the Pilot. Felt like the Traverse was just to plain inside too.
I agree, I thought the Atlas looked the best out of all the SUV's but the inside was not that great and the drive was really not great. That was first car we test drove, seemed more like a truck, there was a lot of room inside but I thought it drove by far the worst of the cars we drove. Traverse drove actually pretty good, we almost bought the Pilot Elite model but I didn't really like the 9 speed trans or the dvd player that is going to be outdated tomorrow. I hope the Ascent drives close to the outback because if so I made the right choice if not we would go back and buy the Pilot. Felt like the Traverse was just to plain inside too.
Atlas looks so sharp and a beast touch to it (compared to any other mid size SUV). I even test drove it and it's ok, may be I didn't feel much difference because I drive VW now. and honestly I never had any problem with my Passat except that diesel scandal :tango_face_wink:
However, even after spending almost 40k on SEL I still don't get some of my check list. Below are my pros & cons
Atlas
Pro
Sharp looks
8 speed
Too spacious (largest cargo in it's class)
Love the panaromic roof (bigger than Ascent)
Excellent warranty
Con
No leather seats
No heated wheel
No Fender Audio (Big disappoint)
sucks at gas mileage
Reliability
Ascent
Pro
Subaru All wheel drive
standard Eye sight
Leather interior
heated wheel
Boxer engine (of course it's new to me, but nice technology)
Good looking seats than Atlas
Harmon kardon (again new to me, but hoping the upgraded one is good)
Good gas mileage
Con
Average looks
CVT
Infotainment system (doesn't feel like premium)
typical Subaru roof rails (its free, but it would have been in steel or aluminum color)
No surround view camera (even the Touring doesn't have it)
little cramp on 3rd row (Atlas has more leg room)
less cargo than Atlas
Blind spot indicators are not on the side mirror (may not be important for many, but it looks good and even the other drivers will aware that Ascent driver has blind spot system so they don't come into their lane...it's only visible to the Ascent driver only)
These are my personal thoughts
However, even after spending almost 40k on SEL I still don't get some of my check list. Below are my pros & cons
Atlas
Pro
Sharp looks
8 speed
Too spacious (largest cargo in it's class)
Love the panaromic roof (bigger than Ascent)
Excellent warranty
Con
No leather seats
No heated wheel
No Fender Audio (Big disappoint)
sucks at gas mileage
Reliability
Ascent
Pro
Subaru All wheel drive
standard Eye sight
Leather interior
heated wheel
Boxer engine (of course it's new to me, but nice technology)
Good looking seats than Atlas
Harmon kardon (again new to me, but hoping the upgraded one is good)
Good gas mileage
Con
Average looks
CVT
Infotainment system (doesn't feel like premium)
typical Subaru roof rails (its free, but it would have been in steel or aluminum color)
No surround view camera (even the Touring doesn't have it)
little cramp on 3rd row (Atlas has more leg room)
less cargo than Atlas
Blind spot indicators are not on the side mirror (may not be important for many, but it looks good and even the other drivers will aware that Ascent driver has blind spot system so they don't come into their lane...it's only visible to the Ascent driver only)
These are my personal thoughts
I feel like something is wrong with me because I think the Atlas is super ugly. I don't like the shape, looks like how my 7 year olds would draw a car if I asked them, and I don't like how the headlights and grill look like they are all one piece. The Ascent is much more appealing to me. I think the new Durango R/T has the best look in the segment, but I prefer a more aggressive appearance.
If that was the reason they changed in Ascent, it make sense. But I feel the reason was making cost.
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It's actually cheaper to put it in the mirror, which is why there's a plethora of ridiculously cheap behind mirror aftermarket options for cars, such as illuminated turn signals.
For instance, these things go behind the glass - it would be just as easy for this to be a smaller and cheaper LED in the corner of the mirror to indicate side traffic.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2x-Yellow-...de-Mirror-Turn-Signal-Rear-View-/273132686815
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357 Posts
you will like the ascent on the outside, my Audi was the same way and I could always see it.
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