2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its rugged and aggressive styling, a testament to its long-standing presence in the market. Despite its decade-old body shell, the GX's exterior updates, including the signature spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights, gave it a distinctive look that appealed to SUV enthusiasts. However, the interior did not match the modern luxury standards, with wood trim that felt like plastic and an abundance of actual plastic materials. The semi-aniline leather was a standard feature, but the overall interior quality left much to be desired.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried over with minor modifications from its previous model year, offering a bold and boxy design that was both appealing and upscale. The Execline trim featured R-Line design elements and 21-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the Atlas boasted a simple yet premium design, though the use of low-cost materials and hard plastics detracted from its overall quality. Despite these shortcomings, the Atlas provided a spacious and comfortable interior, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample power for initial acceleration, the GX's hefty weight of 2,349 kilograms made high-speed maneuvers challenging. The body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride quality, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capabilities, featuring a Torsen centre differential, a standard 4WD system with a low range, and various off-road drive modes. It offered a towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms and impressive ground clearance, making it a formidable off-road vehicle.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. The V6, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, provided a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. While the V6 offered adequate performance, it lacked refinement and efficiency. The Atlas featured various driving modes and an Active Control system for different terrains, but its modest ground clearance limited its off-road capabilities. The Atlas's ride quality was generally comfortable, though the 21-inch wheels and low-profile tires transmitted road imperfections to the cabin.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics reflected its age, with an upright dashboard and high centre console that limited legroom. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position contributed to a bus-like driving experience. Despite these drawbacks, the GX offered excellent outward visibility, thanks to its boxy profile and low side glass. The interior storage was limited, with small centre-console bins and cupholders. The GX came standard with three rows of seating, but the third row was best suited for children due to limited space. Cargo capacity was also restricted, with only 1,833 litres available with the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space and comfort, accommodating seven passengers with ample head and legroom, even in the third row. The low step-in height made entry and exit easy, and the Atlas offered numerous storage areas for convenience. Cargo space was exceptional, with 583 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,572 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,741 litres with the second row down. The Atlas's interior was well-suited for families, providing practicality and comfort.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system featured outdated graphics and limited functionality, though analog controls provided a straightforward interface. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was standard, but the overall tech offering was underwhelming for a luxury SUV.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a more advanced tech suite, with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster as a standard feature. The MIB3 infotainment system, available on higher trims, included an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Car-Net connected services. However, the user experience was hindered by slow loading times and a cumbersome interface. Despite these issues, the Atlas provided a comprehensive tech package, including a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system on the Execline trim.

The 2021 Lexus GX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, featuring a pre-collision system, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. However, the GX lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models, and it had not been rated by major safety organizations.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered an extensive list of safety features, including automatic post-collision braking, Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and an adaptive front lighting system. The Execline trim featured a surround-view camera system and Park Assist technology. While the Atlas's safety features were impressive, its crash-test ratings were not class-leading, with four-star frontal-impact ratings from the NHTSA.