By Volkswagen’s biggest SUV arrived four years ago, as a model designed especially for the North American market. It was introduced in 2017 and the 2021 model year received an update. For that occasion, we saw styling changes, as well as a completely new, two-row version. On the other side, the standard model continues with three rows. Considering all the novelties that arrived last year, it’s not hard to conclude that the 2022 VW Atlas will be no more than a typical carryover.
All this means that you may count on a more than decent three-row SUV. It offers plenty of space for the passengers and cargo, while it also handles pretty well for a vehicle of this size. Also, we like its infotainment system and a long list of standard and available features. On the other side, we don’t how its engines perform, while the interior quality could be better.
Considering that bigger changes probably won’t happen, we presume that the 2022 VW Atlas will arrive sometime late in the year.
2022 VW Atlas Redesign
When it comes to interior design, one of the first things to mention is that this crossover relies on the MQB platform. This is quite an interesting thing, considering that this architecture is usually used for compact vehicles like Golf or Tiguan. On the other side, the Atlas features 117.3 inches in wheelbase, which makes it one of the biggest models in the segment. Still, you will be surprised once you realized how good this large vehicle handles.
The recent update has brought a lot of novelties. There is a completely new, two-row version called Atlas Cross Sport, which comes with a couple-like layout. On the other side, the standard three-row model came with a completely new face, with a revised grille and headlights, as well as a new bumper. Both models look quite attractive and also feature quite a respectable 8 inches of ground clearance.
Interior
The inside of this SUV is spacious. That’s the first thing everyone notices once it gets inside. The three-row model offers plenty of legroom and even the third row can accommodate adults. The two-row model is equally spacious, though the cargo area is smaller.
Speaking of the cargo area, the standard model offers around 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind its third-row seats, 55.5 cubic feet with these seats folded down, and a vast 96.8 cubic feet with the second-row folded as well. That’s an excellent rating for the class. On the other side, the Cross Sport isn’t that generous, as it offers around 40.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 77.8 cubic feet of the total cargo volume.
The interior quality is a mixed bag. While it looks okay, it also comes with plenty of areas with low-quality plastics, and that isn’t something we usually get from a Volkswagen.
Features
The current model already comes with a pretty decent list of standard equipment. So, we doubt that the 2022 VW Atlas could come with too many novelties. Instead, things will probably remain pretty much the same as in the current model, which comes standard with features like a 6.5-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a USB port, Bluetooth, and a six-speaker stereo system. A lot of options are available, including things like an 8-inch touch screen, navigation, HD Radio, satellite radio, a 12-speaker Fender sound system, up to five USB ports, automatic climate control, and the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit.
The list of safety features is also quite long. All models come standard with things like a rearview camera, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. If you’re willing to pay extra, you can get options like front and rear parking sensors, hands-free parallel park assist, a surround-view parking camera system, lane keep assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and adaptive cruise control.
2022 VW Atlas Engines
In our humble opinion, this is one of the weakest points of this practical SUV. It comes with two engines in the offer but neither of them manages to impress. The base turbo-four delivers around 235 horsepower, which is okay for daily commuting. The optional 3.6-liter V6 is good for about 276 horsepower and it offers slightly better performances.
However, the problem with both units is that they aren’t particularly refined. Also, the fuel economy is below average. The base turbo-four returns around 21 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, while the V6 is even thirstier. That one returns just around 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.
2022 VW Atlas Release Date and Price
We presume that the 2022 VW Atlas will hit the market sometime in the last quarter of the year, though it’s still early for a more precise date. We doubt that a bigger price increase could happen, so the base model should go 32.000 dollars, which makes it notably more affordable compared to rivals like Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander.
Comments