2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe maintained the classic Wrangler aesthetic, with its rugged exterior features like the exterior-mounted spare tire, removable doors, rounded headlights, and the iconic seven-slot grille. The only noticeable differences indicating its plug-in hybrid nature were the blue decals, specific badging, and the charger port on the driver’s side front quarter panel. Inside, the Wrangler 4xe offered a mix of Dark Saddle brown leather seats with black leather inserts and contrast stitching, complemented by a dramatic front passenger grab handle. However, the interior was dominated by black plastic, a typical feature for a Wrangler, and the lack of standard heated seats in Canada was surprising.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport presented a bold, sporty, and upscale appearance, especially in the Execline trim with its standard 21-inch machined-finish wheels. The removal of the third row and a lowered roofline gave it a coupe-like silhouette, while the interior remained spacious for five passengers. The test vehicle's Pure Grey exterior paired with a Dark Burgundy over Titan Black interior exuded sophistication. Despite the upscale look, the interior was marred by hard, glossy plastics that detracted from the overall quality feel. The Atlas Cross Sport's design changes resulted in reduced cargo space compared to the standard Atlas, but it still offered ample room for luggage and gear.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering a total system output of 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing a trail-rated experience with features like a Selec-trac or Rock-trac transfer case, solid axles, and up to 76 cm of water fording capability. The plug-in hybrid system offered an electric-only range of 35 kilometres, with modes to optimize battery usage. The Wrangler 4xe delivered a burst of energy from a stop, but its handling and noise levels were typical of a Wrangler, not the quietest or smoothest for everyday driving.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and an available 3.6-litre V6 producing 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The V6, paired with VW’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, provided a more satisfying driving experience, especially in the two-row Cross Sport. However, the V6's fuel economy was less efficient, averaging 12.3 L/100 km during testing. The suspension tuning was a mixed bag, with a harsh ride at low speeds and too much softness at higher speeds. The Atlas Cross Sport excelled on highways, where the ride quality improved, but road noise was more noticeable than expected.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe was designed to accommodate its battery pack under the rear seats, resulting in minimal loss of second-row space. Headroom and legroom were slightly compromised compared to gas-only models, but the difference was negligible. Cargo space was reduced, with 784 litres available with the seats up and 1,908 litres with them folded. The Wrangler's width made it manageable in urban settings, and the optional power-retracting roof added convenience for open-air driving. However, quirks like the centre stack window controls remained.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its wheelbase and track width with the larger Atlas, offering a spacious interior for five adults. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated, with heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel. A panoramic sunroof enhanced the sense of space, while ample storage options were available, though many lacked lining to prevent rattling. The cargo area was generous, with deep wells for additional storage, despite the reduced space compared to the seven-passenger model.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe featured the Uconnect 4C system with navigation on an 8.4-inch touchscreen, offering Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard. The system was intuitive, with hard buttons and dials for essential functions. Off-road and Hybrid Electric Pages provided useful information, but the lack of a wireless charging pad was a notable omission for a vehicle in this price range.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system included three Car-Net remote connectivity options, but user experience issues with the touchscreen and voice recognition were noted. The Execline trim featured a 12-speaker Fender audio system, delivering impressive sound quality.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe shared its structure with other Wranglers, receiving a Good rating in most IIHS crash tests, but a Marginal rating in the driver’s side small overlap front test due to a tip-over. Safety features were limited, with blind spot monitoring and rear park assist standard only on the Unlimited Sahara High Altitude. The Advanced Safety Group offered additional features like adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included a comprehensive suite of safety features across all trims, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added adaptive LED headlights, Park Assist, and a 360-degree camera system. Travel Assist and Emergency Assist provided advanced driver assistance, though some features like Lane Assist occasionally misinterpreted road markings.