Subaru Ascent vs Volkswagen Atlas
This page compares the Subaru Ascent and the Volkswagen Atlas across the 8 model years both appear in our data (2019–2026). Both are classed as SUV on this site. Both average about 27 mpg (UK) on their most efficient configurations. NHTSA lists fewer recall campaigns per model year for the Subaru Ascent (4.5 against 11.8), though campaign counts depend on how long each model has been on sale and how many variants share a campaign.
Head-to-Head: 2019–2026
| Measure | Subaru Ascent | Volkswagen Atlas |
|---|---|---|
| Average best-configuration economy (mpg, UK) | 27 | 27 |
| Average CO₂ (g/km) | 244 | 245 |
| Average estimated annual fuel cost (US EPA) | $2,975 | $2,975 |
| Model years rated 5★ overall by NHTSA | 8 of 8 | 8 of 8 |
| Average recall campaigns per model year | 4.5 | 11.8 |
| Average owner complaints per model year | 230 | 377 |
| Engine options across these years | 1 | 2 |
Year by Year
| Year | Subaru Ascent MPG (UK) | NHTSA | Recalls | Complaints | Volkswagen Atlas MPG (UK) | NHTSA | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 28 | 5★ | 9 | 441 | 26 | 5★ | 12 | 480 |
| 2020 | 28 | 5★ | 5 | 322 | 26 | 5★ | 11 | 133 |
| 2021 | 28 | 5★ | 2 | 102 | 26 | 5★ | 17 | 639 |
| 2022 | 28 | 5★ | 2 | 55 | 28 | 5★ | 7 | 255 |
| 2023 | 26 | 5★ | 4 | 45 | 28 | 5★ | 6 | 153 |
| 2024 | 26 | 5★ | 1 | 50 | 28 | 5★ | 8 | 268 |
| 2025 | 26 | 5★ | 1 | 15 | 26 | 5★ | 5 | 73 |
| 2026 | 26 | 5★ | 0 | 3 | 28 | 5★ | 0 | 10 |
MPG is each model year's most efficient configuration (US EPA, converted to UK mpg). Recalls and complaints are NHTSA counts as of 6 October 2026; complaints are unverified owner reports and rise with sales volume. See each model's full history: Subaru Ascent · Volkswagen Atlas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel-efficient, the Subaru Ascent or the Volkswagen Atlas?
Both average about 27 mpg (UK) on their most efficient configurations. Figures are the US EPA combined result converted to UK mpg, averaged over the shared model years; individual engines and years differ, so check the year pages for the exact car.
Which has better NHTSA safety ratings?
The Subaru Ascent has 8 of 8 model years rated 5★ overall in these years and the Volkswagen Atlas has 8 of 8. NHTSA ratings are only comparable between vehicles of similar size and weight, and the test criteria have changed over time.
Which has more recalls and owner complaints?
Per model year, the Subaru Ascent averages 4.5 recall campaigns and 230 owner complaints; the Volkswagen Atlas averages 11.8 and 377. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports and rise with sales volume, so use them as a pointer for what to inspect, not as a reliability ranking.
Where do these comparison figures come from?
Fuel economy, CO₂ and interior volume come from the US EPA's fueleconomy.gov data; ratings, recalls and complaints come from NHTSA. Only model years where both cars have data are compared.
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