2024 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2024 Subaru Outback

Launched for the 2018 model year, the Volkswagen Atlas is engineered specifically for the North American market. It's a mid-size three-row SUV, big for a VW, but targeting a popular market segment that already includes the Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, Subaru Ascent, and Toyota Highlander. To keep up in such a competitive segment, the Atlas gets a major refresh for the 2024 model year.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas is essentially the same vehicle as before, but it gets key updates like different styling and more standard features. It also loses its six-cylinder engine option, but the remaining turbocharged four-cylinder engine gets more horsepower and torque.

In Canada, the 2024 Atlas lineup includes Comfortline, Highline, and Execline, plus a new-for-2024 Peak Edition trim that slots in just above base. For this review, we tested the U.S. equivalent of an Atlas Execline, representing the top of the range.

It dates back to the days of the raised station wagon, before a crossover was a must-have—or even a thing. It’s now in its sixth generation, and it was just refreshed last year, but while others have ballooned into mini-SUVs, the Outback has clung steadfastly to the station wagon shape.

In Canada, the 2024 Outback comes in Convenience, Touring, Onyx, Limited, Wilderness, Limited XT, and Premier XT trims. The bottom four trims come with the base engine, while the Wilderness and the two XT trims come with the higher-powered turbocharged mill. Updates for this year include feature-enriched trim levels and trim-specific aesthetic tweaks.

Verdict: Not everyone needs or wants a massive vehicle. With its higher ride height and excellent visibility, the Outback delivers the peace of mind many seek from an SUV in a smaller and more practical package. The broad trim spectrum means you can get a luxury experience at a lower price point or a no-nonsense version much cheaper.