2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2021 Cadillac Escalade

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade showcased a design heavily influenced by the Escala concept, particularly evident in its front fascia. However, from the side and rear, it retained a familiar look, featuring crisp creases and tall OLED taillights. The Escalade sat on standard 22-inch wheels for the first time, offering a commanding presence. Pricing started at just over $90,000 Canadian for the base Luxury trim, with higher trims like Premium Luxury and Sport priced at $99,898. The test vehicle, a Premium Luxury trim, included features like a 36-speaker AKG sound system and a Driver Assist Tech Package, bringing its total to $119,988 Canadian. The interior, while luxurious, had some hard plastic elements that seemed out of place given the price.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried over with minor updates from the previous year. It was available in four trims in Canada, with pricing ranging from $41,595 to $57,695, plus a $1,950 destination charge. The Execline trim, tested here, featured R-Line design elements and 21-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its upscale appearance. The interior was simple yet premium, though some materials felt low-cost. The Atlas offered a spacious cabin with ample head and legroom, even in the third row, and a low step-in height for easy access. However, the use of hard, shiny plastics detracted from the overall quality feel.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade offered a choice between a standard 6.2-litre V8 engine and a no-cost 3.0-litre turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder engine. The V8, producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivering robust acceleration. It featured Dynamic Fuel Management technology, allowing it to operate on as few as two cylinders to improve fuel efficiency. The test vehicle averaged 14.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The turbo-diesel, with 277 horsepower and the same torque as the V8, promised a more fuel-efficient option with a combined average of 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres. The Escalade's ride and handling were significantly improved, thanks to a new independent rear suspension, Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 adaptive dampers, and 4-Corner Air Ride suspension, providing a smooth and controlled ride.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, requiring premium fuel for maximum output. An eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Motion AWD distributed power to the wheels. 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 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The V6's fuel consumption was 12.2 litres per 100 kilometres, aligning with the test result of 12.0 litres per 100 kilometres. The Atlas offered various driving modes and Active Control calibrations, but its ride quality was affected by the 21-inch wheels, leading to a busy ride on uneven surfaces.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade boasted a larger and more useful cabin, thanks to its new independent rear suspension design, longer wheelbase, and overall vehicle length. Front-seat occupants enjoyed standard heated seats, with ventilated and massaging seats available on higher trims. The second-row captain's chairs were heated and offered improved leg support, while the third-row seat provided ample legroom and comfort for adults. Cargo capacity was impressive, with 722 litres behind the third row, expanding to 3,426 litres with all seats folded. The extended-length Escalade ESV offered even more cargo space.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space and comfort, seating seven people with sufficient head and legroom, even in the third row. The step-in height was low, making entry and exit easy. The Atlas featured numerous storage areas, though many were unlined, leading to unwanted noise. Cargo space was exceptional, with 583 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,741 litres with all seats folded. The Atlas's interior was practical and accommodating, making it a standout in its class.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade was equipped with a 38-inch curved OLED display, offering greater pixel density than a 4K television. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though some user experience improvements were needed. The AR navigation system was impressive, superimposing directional arrows onto the camera view. A 19-speaker AKG sound system was standard, with an optional 36-speaker AKG Reference system available. The Escalade also featured a full-colour head-up display and microphones to amplify conversation.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas included the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster as standard, with an 8-inch display on lower trims and a 10.25-inch display on higher trims. The MIB3 infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and Car-Net connected services. However, the user experience was hindered by slow loading times and a cumbersome process for tuning the radio. The Execline trim featured a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system, though the embedded navigation and voice recognition systems were hit-and-miss.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade featured a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. The Safety Alert Seat buzzed the driver when a potential hazard was detected. Premium Luxury and Sport trims added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The optional Driver Assist Tech Package included adaptive cruise control and higher-speed forward emergency braking. The Escalade's size and weight contributed to its safety, though there were a couple of false alarms during testing.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a robust list of safety features, including Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. The Comfortline trim added adaptive cruise control and parking sensors, while the Highline trim featured brighter LED headlights and an adaptive front lighting system. The Execline trim included a surround-view camera system and Park Assist technology. However, the Lane Assist system had trouble with old construction markings, and the parking sensors occasionally detected false obstacles. The Atlas received decent crash-test ratings but did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.