2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid distinguished itself from its conventionally powered siblings with unique visual elements. It featured bright gray inserts along the sides and front lower bumper, as well as blue frames around the upgraded headlight clusters. The exclusive “Lagoon Blue” color added an eye-catching appeal to the vehicle. Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid boasted blue inserts and two-tone leather seats with blue contrast stitching, all standard. Despite its well-equipped nature, the hybrid's rear cargo space was compromised due to the battery placement, resulting in a higher cargo floor.

In contrast, the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a more streamlined and sporty appearance, with a coupe-like SUV design. The SEL Premium trim with the R-Line package featured striking 21-inch machined-finish wheels and optional Pure Gray paint, giving it a custom look. Inside, the Atlas Cross Sport's interior was spacious and comfortable, with a Burgundy and Titan Black two-tone color scheme. However, closer inspection revealed hard plastics, though the design and detailing were commendable. The available ambient lighting added a touch of sophistication to the cabin.

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid utilized a 2.0-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine, producing 137 horsepower and 134 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT and two electric motors. Its 8.8-kilowatt-hour battery allowed for an electric-only range of 17 miles at speeds up to 65 mph. The hybrid system integrated seamlessly with Subaru's all-wheel-drive, providing excellent traction. However, the added weight of the hybrid components affected acceleration and handling, making it less agile. Despite this, the Crosstrek Hybrid excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its 8.7 inches of ground clearance and rugged suspension. It achieved an EPA rating of 90 MPGe and a combined 35 mpg on gas.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. An optional 3.6-liter V6 engine offered 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, providing a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Both engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, with the option for 4Motion all-wheel-drive. The Atlas Cross Sport's performance was adequate, though the V6 was more refined. The 4Motion system effectively distributed power, enhancing traction. However, the vehicle's fuel efficiency was rated at 19 mpg combined, with observed fuel economy at 18.7 mpg.

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured an electronic emergency brake, allowing for a more efficient use of space in the center console. The interior layout was similar to the conventional Crosstrek, with ample storage pockets and compartments. The driving position was upright, providing good visibility and comfort for taller passengers. However, the cargo area was reduced to 41 cubic feet due to the battery pack, compared to 55 cubic feet in the gas-powered version.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, despite being smaller than the Atlas, offered a spacious interior. The front seats were large, heated, and ventilated, with numerous power adjustments. The second row provided ample legroom and headroom, accommodating adults comfortably. The dual-zone climate control system struggled in direct sunlight, but storage space was plentiful. The cargo area offered 40.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 77.8 cubic feet with them folded down, though the sloping roofline limited space.

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came equipped with Subaru's premium Starlink infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with large icons and a sensible menu layout. A color multi-information display atop the dash provided useful information, controlled by a steering wheel button.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered three infotainment systems, with the top-trim test vehicle featuring an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen. The system supported two Bluetooth device pairings and included Car-Net connected services. The 12-speaker Fender premium sound system delivered excellent audio quality. However, the lack of a natural voice recognition system was a drawback, requiring reliance on Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for voice commands.

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid was equipped with standard safety features, including front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a reversing camera. Subaru's EyeSight suite added advanced driver-assistance features like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The system provided semi-autonomous highway driving and included features like adaptive high beams and blind-spot detection.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, even at the base trim level. The SEL Premium R-Line test vehicle included advanced driving assistance systems, such as road-sign recognition and Traffic Jam Assist. The Lane Assist system prevented lane changes when a vehicle was in the blind spot, and the rear cross-traffic alert included automatic emergency braking. Crash-test results were not available, but the larger Atlas performed well in safety tests.