VS
At a Glance
Power
180hp @ 5800
269hp @ 5500
Torque
178lb-ft @ 3700
273lb-ft @ 1600
Fuel
26 mpg est.
23 mpg est.
Towing
3500lbs
2000lbs
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
2.0 L/121ci
Choosing between the Subaru Forester and the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Subaru Forester delivers 180hp @ 5800 while the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport produces 269hp @ 5500. On fuel, the Forester returns 26 mpg est. while the Atlas Cross Sport uses 23 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $38,385 for the Forester and $38,300 for the Atlas Cross Sport. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Subaru ForesterWilderness CVT 2026 - From $38,385
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport2.0T SE FWD 2026 - From $38,300
Performance
Power Output (hp)
180hp @ 5800
269hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
178lb-ft @ 3700
273lb-ft @ 1600
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
2.0 L/121ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic w/OD
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
26 mpg est.
23 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
24mpg
20 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
28mpg
26 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
16.6gal
18.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
182.9in
195.5in
Width (in)
72.4in
78.3in
Height (in)
69.3in
67.8in
Wheelbase (in)
104.9in
117.3in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3675lbs
4165lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
2000lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Subaru Forester
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Atlas Cross Sport
Fuel Economy
Forester
Value
Tied
Practicality
Forester
Pros & Cons
Subaru Forester
Better fuel economy (26 mpg est.)
Higher towing capacity (3500lbs)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Lower starting price ($38,300)
Higher fuel consumption (23 mpg est.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Forester or Atlas Cross Sport?
The Forester gets 26 mpg est. and the Atlas Cross Sport gets 23 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Forester is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Forester or Atlas Cross Sport?
The Forester produces 180hp @ 5800 and 178lb-ft @ 3700 of torque while the Atlas Cross Sport delivers 269hp @ 5500 and 273lb-ft @ 1600 of torque. The Atlas Cross Sport is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Forester and Atlas Cross Sport?
The Forester starts from $38,385 and the Atlas Cross Sport from $38,300, a difference of just $85, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Forester or Atlas Cross Sport?
The Forester has a braked towing capacity of 3500lbs and the Atlas Cross Sport can tow 2000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Forester or the Atlas Cross Sport?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.