2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2022 Subaru Outback

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh, featuring new front and rear bumpers, standard LED headlights and taillights, and a new grille design. These changes added 6 centimetres to its length, giving the Atlas a more extroverted appearance compared to its predecessor. The R-Line trim package further enhanced its sporty look with unique bumpers and side skirts. Despite these cosmetic updates, the Atlas retained its MQB platform, shared with other VW models like the Jetta and Golf. The interior followed a minimalist approach, with a standard seven-seat configuration and available second-row captain’s chairs on higher trims. However, the material quality was below average, with cheap-feeling plastics and faux wood and metal trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness pushed the boundaries of the traditional station wagon, offering 23 centimetres of ground clearance and aggressive all-terrain tires. Its unique design elements included a distinctive grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents. The interior featured StarTex water-repellant upholstery, though it lacked ventilated seats. The Outback Wilderness stood out with its off-road capabilities, thanks to improved approach and departure angles, a robust roof rack, and a dual-function X-Mode traction system. Positioned as an entry point into the turbocharged Outback family, it offered a blend of rugged styling and practicality.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-litre VR6 engine with 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Motion all-wheel drive. The driving experience with the base engine was underwhelming, with rough shifts and poor ride quality. The Atlas had a towing capacity of up to 2,267 kilograms with the VR6 engine, but its fuel efficiency was unimpressive, with combined ratings of 10.9 L/100 km for the four-cylinder and 12.9 L/100 km for the VR6.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. It had a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs and achieved fuel efficiency ratings of 10.9 L/100 km in the city and 8.9 on the highway. The Outback's CVT, while offering paddle shifters, lacked the engagement of a dual-clutch transmission. The Wilderness trim excelled off-road, with 23 cm of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a dual-function X-Mode traction system. On pavement, it felt quick but was limited by its tires, while off-road, it demonstrated impressive capability on challenging trails.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas, a three-row crossover, offered 2,741 litres of cargo space behind the front seats and 583 litres with all seats up. It provided more third-row legroom than most competitors but sacrificed second-row legroom. The interior featured a straightforward layout with up to five USB ports and a wireless charging pad. The Atlas had a tall driving position, but forward visibility was less than optimal. It included standard ultrasonic parking sensors and available active park assist.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but lacked ventilated seats. The interior offered generous rear seat head and legroom, with rear air conditioning vents and dual USB charging ports. The cargo area measured 920 litres behind the rear seat and 2,144 litres with the rear seat folded flat. The Outback Wilderness also had a robust roof rack with a 700-pound static load rating, suitable for rooftop camping.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas came with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The base trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while higher trims featured an 8-inch screen with satellite radio. The Digital Cockpit was available on higher trims, replacing analog gauges with a 10.3-inch digital display. The infotainment system was user-friendly but lacked visual appeal. A 12-speaker Fender audio system was available on the Execline trim.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness boasted an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with integrated climate control. While physical knobs and buttons were provided for some functions, most controls required the touchscreen. The voice recognition technology was less intuitive, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered better voice assistant functionality. The Outback Wilderness lacked a premium audio system, which was available on other Outback trims.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received top "good" ratings in IIHS crash tests, with a "marginal" rating for child-seat anchors and mixed headlight ratings. It had standard automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with available adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The Atlas was set to receive more advanced driver aids later in the model year.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured the EyeSight suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. It also had steering-responsive LED headlights and a blind-spot warning system. The Outback Wilderness's EyeSight technology was effective and non-intrusive. While crash-test results for the 2022 model were unavailable, the 2021 Outback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from IIHS.