2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's renowned craftsmanship, fitting seamlessly into the brand's SUV lineup. Its design was unmistakably BMW, from the iconic kidney grille to its body shape, ensuring it stood out as a luxury SUV. However, this familiarity also meant it could blend in with other BMW models in a crowded parking lot. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and a choice of matte aluminum or high-gloss black finishes, depending on the trim. The M Sport models added a sporty flair with body-coloured trims and larger wheels, ranging from 20 to 22 inches. Inside, the X5's interior was consistent with BMW's design language, featuring a mix of leather and soft-touch materials, though it was criticized for its abundance of black plastic. The M Sport models offered unique interior styling, including an M sports steering wheel and exclusive trim strips.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried over many updates from the previous year, with minor modifications. It was available in four trim levels in Canada, with pricing ranging from $41,595 to $57,695. The Execline trim, the top of the line, featured R-Line design elements and 21-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its upscale appearance. The Atlas's design was big and boxy, with a simple yet premium interior. However, the use of hard, shiny plastics detracted from its overall quality. The Atlas offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with ample room for seven passengers and numerous storage areas. Its cargo space was exceptional, with up to 2,741 litres of volume when the second and third rows were folded down. Despite its size, the Atlas was easy to maneuver, thanks to its cameras and sensors, though its ride quality was sometimes busy and noisy.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base xDrive40i model featured a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine producing 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque, with all-wheel drive as standard. The X5 M50i boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 engine with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M delivered 600 hp, increasing to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The new xDrive45e plug-in hybrid model combined a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with a 24-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, and offering up to 50 kilometres of all-electric range. The X5's driving dynamics were criticized for being less engaging than other BMW models, with steering issues at higher speeds. However, the cabin was quiet, and the suspension absorbed road imperfections well. The X5's fuel efficiency varied, with the xDrive45e achieving 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres when using both electricity and gas.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The turbo-four's towing capacity was limited to 907 kilograms, with a fuel consumption rating of 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres. The optional 3.6-litre V6 engine, standard on the Execline trim, produced 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The V6's acceleration was leisurely, and its fuel consumption was 12.2 L/100 km. The Atlas offered various driving modes and an Active Control system for different conditions. While the Atlas's handling was sound, its ride quality was sometimes busy, and road noise was noticeable. The V6 engine's lack of refinement and power was a drawback, though the Atlas's spacious interior and ease of maneuverability were positives.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. The centre console featured buttons and dials that were difficult to differentiate at night. The seating was spacious and comfortable for short trips, though the front seats could feel hard after extended periods. Heated seats and armrests provided comfort, and the rear seats accommodated two adults comfortably. The X5 offered an optional third row, though it wasn't tested. The split liftgate was easy to operate, and the vehicle height adjustment button was helpful for loading cargo. The X5's cargo area was spacious, though slightly reduced in the xDrive45e model. However, the rear doors didn't open very wide, making it challenging to move children and cargo in and out.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space and comfort, seating seven people with ample head and legroom, even in the third row. The step-in height was low, making it easy to enter and exit. The Atlas offered various seating options, from cloth seats in the Trendline trim to genuine leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof in the Highline trim. The interior featured numerous storage areas, though many were unlined, causing items to rattle. The cargo space was exceptional, with 583 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,741 litres with the second and third rows folded. The power liftgate was convenient, and the Atlas's large size didn't hinder its maneuverability.

The 2021 BMW X5 came equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The infotainment system included a digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, voice recognition, Bluetooth, five USB ports, navigation, HD Radio, satellite radio, automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and remote start. Optional features included a head-up display, quad-zone climate control, a wireless smartphone charger, ventilated and massaging seats, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and premium audio systems. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas featured the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, with an 8-inch display standard and a 10.25-inch display on higher trims. The Trendline trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims included the MIB3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Car-Net connected services. The Execline trim offered a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system. However, the infotainment system had a slow startup, and the user experience was cumbersome, with issues in tuning stations and using voice commands. The navigation system was unreliable, and using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto was recommended.

The 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with a comprehensive list of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems, particularly in bright sunlight and light rain. The X5 received Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, despite being subject to seven recalls.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a robust suite of safety features, including automatic post-collision braking, Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, LED headlights, and a surround-view camera system. However, the parking sensors were overly sensitive, and the Lane Assist technology struggled with old construction markings. The Atlas's crash-test ratings were decent but not class-leading, with four-star ratings in frontal-impact tests from the NHTSA.