Compare the 2025 Subaru Ascent to the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas in Salem, OR
When it comes to choosing a midsize SUV that delivers peace of mind, space for the whole family, and the performance needed to handle all four seasons in Oregon, drivers in Salem have two popular options to consider: the 2025 Subaru Ascent and the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas. Both three-row SUVs offer modern tech, ample cargo room, and a confident road presence—but the differences become clear once you dig deeper. At Capitol Subaru, located in Salem, OR, we’ve helped countless families find the vehicle that fits their lives, and we believe the 2025 Subaru Ascent brings more to the table. Built for Oregon’s diverse landscape, the Subaru Ascent offers standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and a fuel-efficient turbocharged engine. Meanwhile, the Volkswagen Atlas requires an upgrade to gain AWD and doesn't deliver the same confidence on rugged or snow-covered roads. Inside, the Ascent impresses with standard safety features, smart tech integration, and flexible seating for up to eight passengers—perfect for growing families or weekend adventurers. If you’re located in Salem, Oregon or anywhere in the Willamette Valley, you’ll want an SUV that can do more without costing more. Below, we’ll compare the 2025 Ascent and 2025 Atlas in categories like performance, design, safety, and overall value—so you can make the best choice for your driveway.
2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2025 Volkswagen Atlas: Design & Exterior Features
Both the Subaru Ascent and VW Atlas showcase bold SUV styling, but the Ascent blends its rugged roots with functional design choices that fit active Oregon families. For 2025, the Ascent offers 8.7 inches of ground clearance, standard roof rails, and an available panoramic moonroof—all with a sleek, aerodynamic profile. Models like the Onyx Edition add blacked-out accents and water-repellent upholstery that look as good on the trail as they do in town. The Volkswagen Atlas sports a modernized exterior with full-width LED lighting and a sharper front fascia, but its lower ride height and more urban styling may not match the adventurous aesthetic or off-pavement utility Salem drivers value. When it comes to real-world readiness, the Ascent wins with its purposeful design and rugged versatility.
2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2025 Volkswagen Atlas: Comfort & Technology
Inside, both SUVs provide spacious cabins with three rows of seating, but the Ascent edges ahead in terms of user-friendly technology and thoughtful design. With available seating for eight or captain’s chairs for seven, the 2025 Ascent includes a vertically oriented 11.6-inch touchscreen, standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and available Harman Kardon® premium audio. Every trim includes tri-zone climate control and Wi-Fi connectivity, making long drives across Oregon more comfortable for everyone on board. The Atlas also offers a large digital cockpit and wireless phone integration, but its infotainment interface has drawn criticism for being less intuitive. Additionally, only higher trims unlock premium features found in more affordable Ascent models. For families in Salem, OR, who value convenience, comfort, and smart design, the Subaru Ascent offers more bang for the buck.
2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2025 Volkswagen Atlas: Performance
The 2025 Subaru Ascent is powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter BOXER® engine delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This flat engine design lowers the center of gravity, improving stability and control—especially on Oregon’s winding backroads. Paired with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and X-MODE® traction control, the Ascent confidently handles inclement weather and rough terrain without needing an upgrade. By contrast, the Volkswagen Atlas also features a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine rated at 269 horsepower, but it comes with front-wheel drive by default. All-wheel drive is available, but only at added cost. While both SUVs can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, the Ascent’s AWD system and trail-ready engineering make it a better companion for Oregon’s unpredictable conditions.
2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2025 Volkswagen Atlas: Safety
Safety is non-negotiable for Salem families, and the 2025 Subaru Ascent continues to set the standard. The Ascent received a 5-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in its previous model year. Every Ascent includes the Subaru EyeSight® Driver Assist suite with adaptive cruise control, lane centering, automatic emergency braking, and reverse automatic braking. The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas also earned a 5-star NHTSA rating, but its IIHS test scores include a "Marginal" rating in the moderate front overlap test—a key concern. While VW’s IQ.DRIVE driver assistance system is competitive, it doesn’t come standard on all trims. When it comes to comprehensive, standard-equipped safety, the Subaru Ascent stands above the Atlas.
2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2025 Volkswagen Atlas: Overall Value
When weighing value, the 2025 Subaru Ascent simply offers more for your investment. With standard AWD, more robust safety equipment, and a lower long-term cost of ownership, the Ascent is engineered for durability and peace of mind. Subaru’s reputation for longevity and high resale value makes the Ascent a smart choice for Salem, OR, drivers looking to maximize their return. The Volkswagen Atlas starts at a slightly lower base price, but once you add AWD and comparable features, the cost quickly climbs. Add in Subaru’s legendary reliability, and the Ascent becomes the clear front-runner for midsize SUV shoppers in Salem, Oregon.
 | 2025 Subaru Ascent | 2025 Volkswagen Atlas |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 2.4L Turbocharged BOXER® | 2.0L Turbo |
| Standard Horsepower | 260 | 269 |
| Standard Torque | 277 | 273 |
| Standard Ground Clearance | 8.7 Inches | 6.3 Inches |
| Standard Fuel Economy | 20 City/26 Highway | 20 City/26 Highway |
| Standard Tires | All-Season | All-Season |
| Max Cargo Volume (Cubic Feet) | 75.6 | 96.6 |
| Standard Climate Control | Tri-Zone | Tri-Zone |
| Roof Rails | Standard | Standard |
| Standard Multimedia Touchscreen Size | 11.6-inch | 12-inch |
