2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2024 Subaru Outback

The 2024 Subaru Outback maintained its rugged yet refined appearance, with the Wilderness trim receiving a subtle update featuring a new front fascia and LED fog lights. The dark grey cladding provided a striking contrast to the Autumn Green Metallic paint of the Premier XT model, which was described as a “green-tinged dark khaki.” The Outback's various trims offered different levels of black and chrome exterior fittings, with the Premier XT trim showcasing tasteful chrome accents. Wheel designs varied across trims, with the Wilderness trim featuring matte black 17-inch alloy wheels, while the Onyx trim upgraded to 18-inch wheels. Inside, the Premier XT impressed with its Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery, offering a level of luxury unexpected from Subaru, known more for capability than opulence.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas, available in four trim levels in Canada, presented a bold and muscular design, particularly in the Execline trim. The Mountain Lake Blue exterior, complemented by polished aluminum detailing and 21-inch wheels, gave the Atlas an upscale appearance. The interior continued this premium feel with diamond-stitched leather, metallic accents, and artificial wood, creating a warm and inviting environment. Despite its size, the Atlas offered excellent outward visibility and a surround-view camera system, making it easier to park. However, the touch-sensitive controls for temperature and stereo volume were less satisfying to use, especially without gloves, and the lack of traditional knobs was a notable drawback.

The 2024 Subaru Outback was powered by a “Boxer” horizontally opposed engine, with the base model featuring a 2.5-litre flat-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The XT trims, including the Wilderness, were equipped with a more powerful 2.4-litre turbocharged boxer four-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This turbo setup increased the towing capacity from 1,225 to 1,587 kilograms. The Premier XT test car, with its turbo engine, provided a well-balanced driving experience, with the CVT mimicking the sound and feel of eight distinct gears. The Outback's suspension and reasonably sized wheels contributed to a comfortable ride, while the Wilderness trim offered enhanced off-road capabilities with increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas transitioned to a single engine option, a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and VW’s 4Motion AWD system. Initially met with skepticism, this engine proved refined and capable, especially when utilizing the generous torque curve between 1,600 and 4,500 rpm. However, the Atlas's ride quality was less impressive, with the suspension feeling brittle over road imperfections and excessive body motions at highway speeds. Despite these drawbacks, the Atlas handled predictably on mountain roads, with the brakes resisting rumble and fade under duress.

The 2024 Subaru Outback offered ample interior space despite its sleek proportions. It provided more headroom up front compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, and offered generous legroom in both the front and rear seats. The cargo area measured 923 litres with all seats in place and expanded to 2,141 litres with the rear seats folded. The Outback featured a range of convenience features, including dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. The hands-free power liftgate and power moonroof were standard from the Touring trim, and the raised roof rails with retractable cross bars added practicality.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, with a spacious interior designed for comfort. The Execline model featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, while the second-row bench seat comfortably accommodated three adults. The third-row seat was notably comfortable, with easy access and adequate leg support. The Atlas offered 583 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,571 litres with the third row folded and 2,735 litres with the second row down. Storage space was commendable throughout the cabin, with practical compartments and cupholders for all passengers.

The 2024 Subaru Outback featured a mix of old-school and modern technology, with the Premier XT trim offering a CD player alongside USB-C and USB-A ports. The top-trim model boasted an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Subaru Starlink multimedia platform, while dated in appearance, provided essential functions, with climate controls integrated into the touchscreen. A 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system was standard on most trims, enhancing the audio experience.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas utilized VW Group’s MIB3 operating system, accessible through a 12-inch touchscreen display. While the system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the lack of traditional knobs and buttons for stereo and climate controls was a drawback. The native digital voice assistant was unreliable, making smartphone integration essential for a satisfactory experience. The Atlas Execline’s Harman Kardon audio system delivered excellent sound quality, but the MIB3 system’s user experience was marred by glitches and a lack of intuitive navigation.

The 2024 Subaru Outback earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The EyeSight suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies was standard, including adaptive cruise control, automatic pre-collision braking, and lane-keep assist. Reverse automatic braking became standard from the Touring trim, and a wide-angle camera improved cyclist and pedestrian detection. The Premier XT trim added a digital rearview mirror and a driver-attention monitor.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured the IQ.Drive suite of driver assistance technologies, including Front Assist, Side Assist, Lane Assist, Emergency Assist, and Travel Assist. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and a rear cross-traffic alert system were standard. The Atlas received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick. The IQ.Drive systems were accurate and trustworthy, with minimal false warnings during testing.