Compare Mid-Size Crossovers for Life in Columbus: 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2021 Subaru Outback

June 30, 2021

Volkswagen has taken the bold seven-seat design of the Atlas and modified it into the stylish 5-seater Atlas Cross Sport. With two potent powertrain options, the latest in advanced technology, and award-winning safety, we think that the 2021 Atlas Cross Sport is a better value than most rivals, including the 2021 Subaru Outback. Below, we've put together a head-to-head comparison between the Atlas Cross Sport and Outback so you see just how Volkswagen stacks up against the competition. Feel free to contact us here at Byers Volkswagen with any questions or to set up a test drive.

2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2021 Subaru Outback Design & Utility

The 2021 Atlas Cross Sport is a sporty, more athletic version of it's bigger sibling, the Atlas, and displays it to perfection with a lower roofline and dramatically sloping rear hatch. The 3-bar chrome grille and 18" aluminum-alloy wheels let everyone who sees it know that this is a mid-size crossover that means business. The 2021 Outback comes with standard 17" wheels and is smaller than the Atlas Cross Sport. While both offer standard roof rails for extra cargo space, inside the Atlas Cross Sport wins hands down. The Outback offers 32.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat and 75.7 cubic feet when the rear seat is laid flat. The 2021 Atlas Cross Sport boasts a massive 40.3 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seat and over two cubic feet more with the seat down.

2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2021 Subaru Outback Comfort & Convenience

The 2021 Atlas Cross Sport has a driver-centric cabin with optimal ergonomic positioning for ease of use. It's also larger than the 2021 Outback and offers more rear legroom and shoulder room, not to mention boasting 112 cubic feet of passenger volume versus the Outback's 109 cubic feet. In terms of features, the Atlas Cross Sport and the Outback are somewhat similar, offering available 10-way power-adjustable driver's seats with the option to upgrade trim levels for leather upholstery and heated rear seats. Both vehicles offer a standard infotainment system with Apple CarPlay^® and Android Auto™ capability but only the Atlas Cross Sport delivers a capacitive touch screen for easier access. The 2021 Outback only offers a 4-speaker audio system as standard fare while the 2021 Atlas Cross Sport starts off with a 6-speaker system and upgrading trim levels nets you a Fender^® premium 12-speaker audio system.

2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2021 Subaru Outback Performance

Both the 2021 Atlas Cross Sport and the 2021 Outback offer two engine options and while all of them are potent, the Atlas Cross Sport delivers more power all the way around. Starting out with a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder, the Atlas Cross Sport generates a hefty 235 horsepower and 258 lb/ft of torque while the base engine of the Outback only makes 182 horsepower and 176 lb/ft of torque. The Atlas Cross Sport's available 3.0L VR6 engine delivers a thunderous 276 horsepower, 16 more than the top powertrain of the Outback. The Atlas Cross Sport's engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and 4Motion^® all-wheel drive is an available option so you can be ready for whatever the road throws at you.

2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2021 Subaru Outback Safety

Both the 2021 Atlas Cross Sport and the 2021 Outback received an overall rating of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration so you know the safety of you and your family is important to them. The 2021 Atlas Cross Sport offers exclusive safety features such as the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and VW's Intelligent Crash Response System. Both features assist when a collision has been detected, including activating the brakes to reduce further vehicle damage, shutting off the fuel pump, unlocking doors, and turning on the hazard lights. Both the Atlas Cross Sport and the Outback offer available driver assist features including Blind Spot Detection and Rear Traffic Alert but only the 2021 Atlas Cross Sport delivers available Dynamic Road Sign Display and an overhead view camera for easier parking and maneuvering into and out of tight spots.

2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2021 Subaru Outback Summary

When it comes to finding the best crossover for your family, it's important to know you'll be driving them in a vehicle that's not only safe, but comfortable and able to keep everyone connected with the latest technology. That's why we think the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is the best value for your investment over the 2021 Subaru Outback. The best way to see and feel the difference is to stop by the showroom at Byers Volkswagen and talk to any of our friendly, knowledgeable team members, or contact us to schedule a test drive.

2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport		2021 Subaru Outback
$30,855	Starting MSRP*	$26,795
235	Standard Horsepower	182
258	Standard Torque (lb-ft)	176
77.8 Cubic Feet	Maximum Cargo Volume	75.7 Cubic Feet
112 Cubic Feet	Passenger Volume	109 Cubic Feet
Standard	Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers	Not Available
Standard	18" Alloy Wheels	Available Upgrade
Standard	Blind Spot Monitor	Available Upgrade
Standard	Rear Traffic Alert	Available Upgrade
5,000 lbs	Maximum Towing Capacity	3,500 lbs

*Prices exclude destination, taxes, title, other options, and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.

Related Pages

• Learn More About the 2021 Atlas Cross Sport
• Compare the 2021 Volkswagen Lineup to the Competition
• Discover Why Byers Volkswagen is Right for You