2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2024 Subaru Outback

The 2024 Subaru Outback maintained its rugged charm with minor updates to the Wilderness trim, featuring a new front fascia and LED fog lights. The dark gray cladding contrasted beautifully with the Autumn Green Metallic color of the Touring XT model, offering a unique appeal that surpassed typical beige tones. The Outback's trims varied in their use of black and chrome, with the Touring trim showcasing the most chrome, which was tastefully executed. Wheel designs differed across trims, with the Wilderness trim sporting matte black wheels, while the Onyx Edition and higher trims featured larger, machine-finished wheels.

Inside, the Outback impressed with its upscale feel, particularly in the top-trim model, which boasted Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery. The Limited trim offered standard leather, while the Onyx Edition and Wilderness featured Subaru’s StarTex synthetic leather. Base and Premium trims came with cloth seats, providing a range of options for different preferences.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas offered a bold and muscular design, especially in the SEL Premium R-Line trim, which featured polished aluminum detailing, light bars, and 21-inch wheels. The Mountain Lake Blue color resisted dirt, maintaining a clean appearance. The Atlas exuded an upscale vibe that aged well, with its chiseled look and impressive road presence.

Inside, the Atlas continued its premium theme with diamond-stitched leather, metallic accents, and artificial wood, creating a warm environment. The digital instrumentation and large infotainment touchscreen promised a high-tech experience. However, the touch-sensitive controls for temperature and volume were less satisfying, especially without gloves, highlighting a need for traditional knobs.

The 2024 Subaru Outback was powered by a 2.5-liter flat-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The XT trims, including the Wilderness, upgraded to a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 3,500 lbs. The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Lineartronic CVT were standard, with the CVT mimicking eight gears. The turbo engine provided a better fit for the vehicle's weight, offering a comfortable ride with adequate steering and braking.

The Outback's ground clearance was 8.7 inches, with the Wilderness trim offering 9.2 inches and all-terrain tires. The advanced X-Mode with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes enhanced off-road capabilities.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured a new 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, replacing the previous options. It delivered 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available 4Motion AWD. Despite initial skepticism, the engine proved refined, with a satisfying torque curve between 1,600 and 4,500 rpm. Sport mode improved performance but affected fuel economy.

The Atlas returned 15.5 mpg in city conditions and 19.2 mpg overall, below the EPA ratings of 18 mpg city and 21 mpg combined. The ride quality was less impressive, with a brittle suspension and excessive body motions at highway speeds. However, handling was predictable, and the brakes performed well under stress.

The 2024 Subaru Outback offered ample interior space despite its sleek design. It provided more front headroom than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, with competitive legroom. Cargo space was 32.6 cubic feet with seats up and 75.6 cubic feet with seats down. Features included dual-zone climate control, heated seats, and a hands-free power liftgate, with a heated steering wheel starting from the Onyx Edition.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in passenger comfort, especially in the third row. The SEL Premium R-Line's seats were heated, ventilated, and massaging, though the leather felt stiff. Visibility was excellent, aided by a surround-view camera. The second row offered ample space and climate controls, while the third row provided adequate leg support. Cargo space was 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 96.6 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2024 Subaru Outback featured a mix of old-school and modern tech, with a CD player in the Touring trim and both USB-C and USB-A ports. The 11.6-inch infotainment screen was standard on higher trims, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available wirelessly from the Premium trim. The system included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system on most trims, with climate controls integrated into the touchscreen.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used the MIB3 system with a 12-inch touchscreen. It lacked traditional controls, relying on touch-sensitive buttons and a slide volume control. The native voice assistant was unreliable, making smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto essential. The Harman Kardon audio system was excellent, but the MIB3 system had user-experience glitches, affecting overall satisfaction.

The 2024 Subaru Outback earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included the EyeSight suite with adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Touring trim added a wide-angle camera, digital rearview mirror, and driver-attention monitor.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured IQ.Drive with adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and emergency assist. It included a five-year subscription to Car-Net Safe & Secure services. The Atlas received a five-star NHTSA rating and was a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick, with updated ratings pending.