[Kamron]

Hey everyone. The family is growing so I'm currently shopping around for a new 7 seater SUV. I've been looking at both the Atlas and the new Subaru Ascent. I've seen a lot of mixed reviews/opinions on the Atlas, so I'm curious what owners have to say about it so far. Thanks!

 

[Nick1979]

I am a current Subaru owner, switching (again) to a VW. Just like you I was interested in a larger family SUV with a 3rd row seat considering pretty much the Accent, or Atlas. The ascent was way more expensive for a similar trim level. I (think) I was able to get the Atlas at an incredible price , and it would have done the same job for me as the Ascent. Keep in mind, the 3rd row seat is way bigger in the Atlas. In addition, A big selling point was the 6 year full warranty on the Atlas. (I financed the car).

 

[Kamron]

Thanks for the reply Nick! I am having a hard time justifying spending more on the Ascent just for the badge, and I'm a bit skeptical of its four cylinder turbo for such a large SUV and CVT's are ugh.

 

[Robert]

I'd be skeptical as well. Massive vehicle + 4cyl turbo + CVT = higher maintenance costs imo. Just the weight and power load on that poor CVT makes me cringe.. Although I will say around town that CVT behaves well

 

[northstar]

I hope you had a chance to drive what competes with the Ascent because its only in that experience where you can tell for yourself what really suit your needs.

 

[Nick1979]

Absolutely - go drive each of those vehicles. Still, there are some very valid points made here.

 

[NYSUPRAMAN]

New guy here, picking up our Atlas SEL Premium up tomorrow. We also were highly considering the Ascent, before test driving the Atlas and that sealed the deal. I was looking at top trims from both manufacturers, also for 6 passenger seating (captains chairs), and it came down to:

- Getting a better deal on the VW, as it was the last 2018 the dealership had
- The third row is so much larger
- The tilt (car seat friendly) second row for third row entrance was a huge plus for us
- The truck like seating, yet handling was so much better... drives very small
- Plenty of top trim features not available on the Ascent
- Dealership experience was stellar (coming from a Lexus guy), to compare Subaru was terrible

Good luck on those trying to decide which suits them better!

 

[northstar]

New guy here, picking up our Atlas SEL Premium up tomorrow. We also were highly considering the Ascent, before test driving the Atlas and that sealed the deal. I was looking at top trims from both manufacturers, also for 6 passenger seating (captains chairs), and it came down to:

- Getting a better deal on the VW, as it was the last 2018 the dealership had
- The third row is so much larger
- The tilt (car seat friendly) second row for third row entrance was a huge plus for us
- The truck like seating, yet handling was so much better... drives very small
- Plenty of top trim features not available on the Ascent
- Dealership experience was stellar (coming from a Lexus guy), to compare Subaru was terrible

Good luck on those trying to decide which suits them better!

Welcome.

Great insight, its always why I like coming to forums because when making a sound buying decision, perspective is everything. Communities like this bring perspectives and experiences together.