2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a vehicle that, despite its luxurious brand, did not quite capture the visual allure expected from a Mercedes SUV. Its exterior design, while featuring an aggressive nose and sloping hood, seemed to lose its distinctiveness past the A-pillar, making it hard to differentiate from its predecessors. The flat taillights and contoured rear attempted to add some flair, but the overall look was overshadowed by competitors like the BMW X5 and Volvo XC90. However, the interior of the GLE was a different story, offering a masterpiece of quality and design. The red and black interior was both bold and opulent, surpassing even some of the most luxurious SUVs from Porsche and Audi. The interior's materials, from wood to leather, were a delight to touch, although some controls like the gear selector felt flimsy.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas maintained a big and boxy appearance that was appealing in its own right. The updates from the previous year carried over, with minor modifications that included a simplified lineup and more standard features. The SEL Premium R-Line trim, in particular, added a touch of upscale flair with its 21-inch wheels and R-Line design elements. Inside, the Atlas offered a simple yet premium design, though some materials felt cheap due to the use of hard, shiny plastics. Despite this, the Atlas excelled in providing a spacious and comfortable interior, with ample room for seven passengers and a low step-in height for easy access. The cargo space was exceptional, offering 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 96.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a powerhouse of engineering, offering a range of engines and advanced suspension systems. The base GLE 350 featured a 255 hp engine with rear-wheel drive, while the GLE 450 offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 362 hp. The AMG GLE 53 took performance further with 429 hp, thanks to an electric supercharger. The GLE 580 and AMG GLE 63 S pushed the limits with 483 hp and 603 hp, respectively. The GLE's air suspension systems, including the E-Active Body Control, provided an exceptional driving experience, allowing the SUV to handle like a smaller vehicle. Despite its size, the GLE could tow up to 7,700 pounds, and its ride quality and steering were praised for their precision.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas, on the other hand, offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 235 hp and a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 276 hp. The V6, while providing more power, was criticized for its lack of refinement and efficiency. The Atlas could tow up to 5,000 pounds, but its acceleration was considered leisurely. The SUV featured various driving modes and an AWD system with Active Control calibrations, but its ground clearance was modest. The Atlas's ride quality was noted for its comfort, though the suspension allowed for some body float and road noise. The handling was sound, but an adaptive-damping suspension option was needed for better control.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior with the option for a third row, accommodating up to seven passengers. The second-row seats were power-adjustable, and the cargo capacity was 34 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 75 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Coupe variant, however, was limited to five passengers and had reduced cargo space due to its sloping roofline. The GLE's usability was enhanced by the MBUX infotainment system, which simplified controls and offered a range of features, though it required some setup before driving.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space, comfortably seating seven adults with a low step-in height. The SUV offered numerous storage areas, though many were unlined, leading to unwanted noise. Cargo space was a highlight, with 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 96.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Atlas's interior featured V-Tex leatherette seating as standard, with genuine leather and additional amenities available on higher trims. The panoramic sunroof and ambient lighting added to the cabin's appeal.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was equipped with a 12-inch touchscreen that supported gesture controls and a range of advanced features. The system included a Track Pace app for AMG models, seat kinetics, and a natural voice assistant. The head-up display and instrument panel were highly customizable, and the ambient lighting offered 64 colors. The GLE's infotainment system was overengineered but well-executed, providing a wealth of electronic features.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came standard with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, featuring an 8-inch display that expanded to 10.25 inches on higher trims. The Atlas SE had a 6.5-inch touchscreen with basic connectivity features, while other trims offered the MIB3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity, and Car-Net services. The system included a range of features, but the user experience was hindered by slow loading times and a cumbersome interface. The navigation system was hit-or-miss, and the voice recognition required additional subscriptions for optimal functionality.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and standard forward emergency braking. The SUV offered a range of optional safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a semi-automated control system. The Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side features added to the GLE's safety credentials.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and emergency assist. However, the Atlas's Lane Assist system had issues with misinterpreting road markings, and the SUV did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. The NHTSA gave the Atlas four-star ratings in frontal-impact tests.