See How the Volkswagen Atlas Stacks Up Against the Competition in Aurora, CO

Choosing the right SUV for your daily commute can be a challenge, with many options available for Denver drivers. Making the best selection can require hours of research and test drives, and it might leave you without a concrete answer. Here at Tynan's Volkswagen, we've researched for you, and we found that the Volkswagen Atlas, our three-row SUV model, offers the most value while outperforming the competition like the Toyota Highlander and the Subaru Ascent. For performance, comfort, capability, and convenience, the Volkswagen Atlas tops the competitors in a variety of categories.

Down below you'll find the Volkswagen Atlas compared to both the Toyota Highlander and the Subaru Ascent. See how the Atlas stacks up against these two models and why it's the preferred model for Denver and Aurora drivers.

Atlas vs. Toyota Highlander


Volkswagen Atlas


Toyota Highlander

Volkswagen Atlas vs Toyota Highlander

  • Toyota's SUV comes standard with a 2.7-liter, four-cylinder engine that delivers 185 horsepower and 184 pound-feet. The Atlas, meanwhile, comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that delivers more horsepower (235) and more pound-feet of torque (258).
  • Both models offer a 3.6-liter V6 engine, but the Volkswagen outputs the most torque at 266 pound-feet. The Highlander only reaches 263 pound-feet of torque.
  • Midsize SUVs aren't necessarily known for their efficiency. However, the Volkswagen Atlas outperforms the Toyota Highlander when it comes to fuel economy. It offers 20/60 mpg city/highway to the Toyota's 20/24 mpg.
  • Both models can tow a maximum of 5,000 pounds, so you can handle large shopping trips or camping supplies for a weekend adventure.
  • The Volkswagen Atlas comes equipped with 4MOTION® all-wheel drive, which automatically distributes power between the front and back wheels to optimize traction and provide stability. The Highlander comes equipped with a dynamic torque-control all-wheel drive system.
  • The base model for the Atlas lineup offers 153.7 cubic feet of passenger space, which provides you and your passengers with enough room to stretch out comfortably. The Toyota Highlander's base model only offers 144.9 cubic feet.
Atlas Inventory
Contact Us

  • Likewise, if you prefer to maximize your cargo space, the Atlas will provide a bit more with the seats folded down at 96.8 cubic feet. The Highlander only offers 83.7 cubic feet, so you won't be able to bring as much along.
  • Inside, both models provide plenty of convenient and comfy technology to help you make short work of your daily commute. Both offer available heated seating, automatic climate control systems, power-adjustable seats, and seating for up to seven passengers. One thing to note is that the Volkswagen Atlas offers 17 cupholders while the Toyota Highlander only gives you 12 cup holders total.
  • The Atlas is standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen for intuitive access to your music and apps. The Highlander only comes standard with a 6.1-inch touchscreen.
  • Driver assistance features are important for drivers, especially when the winter months hit. Both SUVs offer a plethora of features like adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and many more. However, the Atlas is standard with Blind Spot Monitor; this feature isn't standard on the Highlander but requires an expensive upgrade to unlock.

Atlas vs. Subaru Ascent


Volkswagen Atlas


Subaru Ascent

Volkswagen Atlas vs Subaru Ascent

    Both models are standard with a turbocharged engine - a 2.0-liter on the Volkswagen and a 2.4-liter on the Subaru. The Atlas delivers 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque while the Ascent outputs 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque.
  • The Subaru Ascent only offers one engine option, but the Volkswagen Atlas provides more options with a turbocharged base engine and a 3.6-liter V6. The Subaru doesn't offer any V6 powertrain at all. The V6 on the Volkswagen outputs more horsepower than the standard engine on the Subaru Ascent, so you can hit higher speeds when you're cruising the highway.
  • Both options can tow a maximum of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. This allows you to bring along some recreational vehicles when you take your adventures off-road.
  • The Volkswagen Atlas can be equipped with 4MOTION® all-wheel drive, which is ideal for handling conditions like rain, snow, and even rough terrain. Subaru Ascent models can also be equipped with their version, a symmetrical all-wheel drive alongside the X-MODE® feature.
  • The Ascent is spacious, offering a maximum of 153.5 cubic feet of space, but it still doesn't offer as much as the Volkswagen Atlas, which maxes out at 153.7 cubic feet. The Volkswagen Atlas also keeps this number standard throughout its lineup, while the Subaru Ascent loses more space when you upgrade to the Touring model.
Atlas Inventory
Contact Us

  • With the Volkswagen Atlas, you can expect plenty of room for your luggage and items by offering 96.8 cubic feet of storage space. The Subaru Ascent can't match this amount, and it only offers 86.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo area.
  • When it starts raining, all vehicles will provide windshield wipers to keep things clear for you. However, only the Volkswagen Atlas equips its lineup with rain-sensing windshield wipers, so you don't have to worry about turning them on. Subaru doesn't offer this feature.
  • Amenities can be found easily with either SUV model, and each one will keep you comfortable and cozy with heated and ventilated seating options, automatic climate control systems, intuitive touchscreens, and smartphone integrations. Convenience is the name of the game with each model, and the Volkswagen Atlas does it equally well or better than most.
  • Both models offer plenty of driver assistance features to help keep a pair of eyes on the roads around you at all times. However, only the Volkswagen Atlas comes standard with a Blind Spot Monitor system - the Subaru Ascent requires you to upgrade to a more expensive model to unlock a similar feature.

New Inventory

Shop Today

Pre-Owned Inventory

Shop Today

CPO Inventory

Shop Today
Fill out the form below to get in touch with our Sales staff today or give us a call 303-209-1680

How can we help?