2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2021 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh that included new front and rear bumpers, standard LED headlights and taillights, and a new grille design shared with the Atlas Cross Sport model. These changes added 6 centimetres to its length, giving the Atlas a more extroverted appearance compared to its predecessor. The R-Line trim package further enhanced its sporty look with unique bumpers and side skirts. Despite these cosmetic updates, the Atlas retained its MQB platform, which was shared with other VW models like the Jetta and Golf. The interior of the Atlas was minimalist, with a focus on functionality, though the material quality was below average, with cheap-feeling plastics and faux wood and metal trim. The seating configuration offered seven seats across three rows, with options for captain’s chairs in higher trims.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse presented itself as a practical choice for those seeking an SUV with a minivan's utility. It featured a light restyle with new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with updated wheel options and colour choices. The RS trim, which was tested, included blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels, adding to its appeal. Inside, the Traverse RS boasted black leather upholstery with contrast stitching, a black headliner, and gloss black trim. The interior layout was simple and logical, with easy-to-use controls. However, the use of hard plastics, especially on the upper door panels, detracted from the overall quality. The Traverse's ride quality was pleasant, with a firm feel on the road, though it required caution over larger road imperfections to avoid scraping the front air dam.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a standard 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-litre VR6 engine with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Motion all-wheel drive. The 4Motion system could switch to front-wheel drive under low load to save fuel. However, the driving experience with the base engine was underwhelming, with adequate acceleration but rough shifts. The Atlas's handling was truck-like, and the ride quality was poor, with every road imperfection felt in the cabin. The VR6 models offered a towing capacity of 2,267 kilograms, while the four-cylinder models were limited to 900 kilograms. Fuel efficiency was not impressive, with the four-cylinder rated at 10.9 litres per 100 kilometres combined and the VR6 at 12.9 litres per 100 kilometres combined.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, on the other hand, came with a single engine option: a 3.6-litre V6 producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse had a tow rating of 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped, with a Tow/Haul mode available for towing tasks. The V6 engine provided adequate power for the Traverse's size, and the SUV returned a fuel economy of 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres during testing. The Traverse offered a firm yet compliant ride, though it required caution over speed humps and drainage dips. On the highway, the Traverse excelled, though road and wind noise were noticeable. In mountainous terrain, the Traverse felt more athletic than some rivals, with good steering and braking performance. However, the RS trim's all-season tires and the SUV's tendency to feel disconnected from the road at higher speeds were drawbacks.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas was designed as a family hauler, offering three rows of seating with a standard seven-seat configuration. It provided 2,741 litres of cargo space behind the front seats and 583 litres with all seats up. While the Atlas offered more third-row legroom than most competitors, it sacrificed second-row legroom, which was the worst among its peers. The second-row bench seat was uncomfortable, with thin cushions. The Atlas featured a sliding second-row bench for easier third-row access, and controls were logically laid out for the driver. It offered up to five USB ports and a wireless charging pad, along with 17 cupholders. However, forward visibility was less than optimal, and parking sensors and active park assist were available on higher trims.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, in contrast, offered a seven-passenger seating configuration with captain’s chairs in the RS, Premier, and High Country trims. The RS trim included power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The second-row featured a Smart Slide function for easier third-row access. The Traverse provided generous legroom and headroom in the second row, though the captain’s chairs lacked leg support. The third-row seat was accessible through a wide pass-through, and the Smart Slide seats allowed for easy entry and exit. The Traverse offered 651 litres of cargo space behind the third row, 1,637 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,781 litres. It also featured hidden storage compartments and well-designed door panels with cupholders and bins.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas came equipped with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The base trim featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while higher trims received an 8-inch screen with satellite radio. The Digital Cockpit was available on higher trims, replacing analog gauges with a 10.3-inch digital display. The Atlas was set to receive VW’s MIBIII infotainment system later in the model year, offering multi-phone pairing and improved voice recognition. The base audio system was decent, with a 12-speaker Fender audio system available on the Execline trim.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the LS model, with an 8-inch high-definition display on other trims. The Premier and High Country trims included an 8-inch digital instrumentation panel. The infotainment systems offered Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and access to connected services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot. The 8-inch touchscreen system was available with navigation and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. A Bose premium sound system was standard on the RS trim. The Traverse’s voice recognition system was responsive and accurate, and the available digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera enhanced visibility.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received top "good" ratings in all IIHS crash tests, with a "marginal" rating for child-seat anchors and mixed headlight ratings. The NHTSA had not published ratings for the 2021 model, but the 2020 model received a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist available on higher trims. The Atlas was set to receive more advanced driver aids later in the model year.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a following-distance indicator. A Safety Package was optional for the LS trim, adding rear parking assist sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims included adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse received "Good" ratings in most IIHS categories but "Acceptable" in the new side impact test and "Poor" for its LED headlights and seatbelt reminders.