2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2025 Subaru Forester

The 2025 Subaru Forester underwent a noticeable visual transformation, focusing on practicality and capability while smoothing out its design. Standard roof rails and 17” alloy wheels were added, and the styling became more generic, losing some of its distinct Subaru DNA. The Forester Sport featured bronze trim accents and 19-inch wheels, while the Touring trim included a low-profile roof rack and chrome badging. Inside, the Forester offered a more intentional design with structural dash elements and various upholstery options, including StarTex material in the Sport trim and genuine leather in the Limited and Touring trims.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas presented a chiseled, muscular appearance with polished aluminum detailing, front and rear light bars, and 21-inch wheels. The Mountain Lake Blue color resisted dirt, maintaining a clean look. Inside, the Atlas offered a premium feel with diamond-stitched leather, metallic accents, and artificial wood. The digital instrumentation and large infotainment touchscreen promised a high-tech experience, although the touch-sensitive controls for temperature and volume were less satisfying to use.

The 2025 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. It came with a Lineartonic CVT and Symmetrical AWD. The Forester was quieter than previous models, with improved noise levels at cruising speeds. The X-Mode system, standard from the Premium trim, enhanced stability and traction on challenging terrain. The Forester's fuel economy was rated at 26 mpg city, 33 highway, and 29 combined, with slight variations for Sport and Touring trims.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with FWD or 4Motion AWD. Despite initial skepticism, the engine proved refined and satisfying for daily driving. The Atlas returned 15.5 mpg in urban conditions and 19.2 mpg overall, with official 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, though handling remained predictable.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced a hands-free power liftgate and increased cargo space to 29.6 cubic feet with seats up and 74.4 cubic feet with them down. The interior featured a dark headliner and power-adjustable seats, with additional amenities in higher trims. The Forester offered a roomy second row, though cargo space was slightly less than some competitors.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in comfort and space, with a notably comfortable third-row seat and a cavernous cargo area. The SEL Premium R-Line model featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, excellent visibility, and a surround-view camera system. The second row provided ample space and climate control, while the third row offered adequate leg support. Cargo capacity reached 96.6 cubic feet with seats folded, slightly less than some rivals but with superior third-row seating.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced an 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, standard on all but the base trim. The Touring trim included a navigation system and Harman Kardon sound system. Subaru’s Starlink connected services offered additional capabilities for 2025.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used the MIB3 operating system with a 12-inch touchscreen. The lack of traditional controls and a reliable voice assistant made the system less user-friendly. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided better functionality, and the Harman Kardon audio system was impressive. However, the MIB3 system had glitches, affecting the overall experience.

The 2025 Subaru Forester featured Starlink Connected Services with Emergency Stop Assist, adaptive cruise control, and Subaru’s EyeSight suite with enhancements for 2025. The 2024 model received high safety ratings, and expectations were similar for 2025.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas included IQ.Drive features like Front Assist, Lane Assist, and Emergency Assist. It offered adaptive cruise control and a rear cross-traffic alert system. The Atlas received a five-star safety rating from NHTSA and was a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick.