2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer 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 it a more extroverted appearance compared to the previous model. 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 it shared with other VW models like the Jetta and Golf. The interior followed a minimalist design, with a standard seven-seat configuration and options for simulated or real leather upholstery on higher trims. However, the material quality was criticized for feeling cheap, with plastics and faux wood trim detracting from the overall experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer shared its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer, resulting in a traditional SUV styling with a tall hood and broad shoulders. It distinguished itself with a black roof, unique hood, front fascia, and grille, featuring laser-etched knurling. The Grand Wagoneer boasted a new body-on-frame architecture with independent suspension and weight-saving materials like an aluminum hood and composite tailgate. Inside, it offered high-end features such as 24-way power front seats, Nappa leather upholstery, and American Walnut wood trim. The interior also included seat controls on the doors and a "Grand Wagoneer" badge on the dashboard, emphasizing its premium status.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four producing 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6-litre VR6 engine with 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Motion all-wheel drive. The driving experience with the base engine was underwhelming, with adequate acceleration but rough shifts. Handling was truck-like, and ride quality was poor, with noticeable impacts from road imperfections. The Atlas had a towing capacity of up to 2,267 kilograms with the VR6 engine, but fuel efficiency was unimpressive, with combined ratings of 10.9 L/100 km for the four-cylinder and 12.9 L/100 km for the VR6.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine producing 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in about six seconds, impressive for its size. The Grand Wagoneer came with standard four-wheel drive, including the Quadra-Drive II system with a two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential. The Quadra-Lift air suspension system allowed for adjustable ride height, enhancing off-road capability. With 25.4 centimetres of ground clearance and the ability to ford up to 60 centimetres of water, the Grand Wagoneer was well-equipped for off-road adventures. However, its size and bouncy ride at higher speeds made it less agile on the road.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas was designed as a family hauler, offering average passenger and cargo space for its segment. It provided 2,741 litres of cargo space behind the front seats and 583 litres with all seats up. While it offered more third-row legroom than competitors, second-row legroom was lacking. The second-row bench seat was uncomfortable, with thin cushions. The Atlas featured a user-friendly layout with controls within easy reach, up to five USB ports, and a wireless charging pad. It also had a tall driving position, but forward visibility was limited. Parking sensors and optional active park assist helped with parking.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer seated seven with standard second-row captain’s chairs or eight with an optional bench seat. It offered more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than rivals like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Cargo space was generous, with 775 litres with all rows in place and 2,007 litres with the third row stowed. The Grand Wagoneer had a maximum towing capacity of 4,472 kilograms, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to its extra weight. It featured a standard sunroof, four-zone climate control, and ample storage bins. Forward visibility was limited, but the standard 360-degree camera system helped mitigate this issue.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas came with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The base trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while higher trims featured 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 the 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 Jeep Grand Wagoneer boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a McIntosh audio system. It supported simultaneous pairing for two Bluetooth devices and had a 4G-LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Second-row passengers had a 10.25-inch touchscreen for climate control, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system added two 10.1-inch screens. The Grand Wagoneer featured a second screen below the main one for seat massagers and other functions. It used the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with an Android-based OS and over-the-air updates. While the screen was slow to respond, the head-up display was clear and legible.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received top "good" ratings in all IIHS crash tests, except for a "marginal" rating for child-seat anchors and mixed headlight ratings. The 2020 model received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. 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, including Travel Assist and Emergency Assist.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer had not yet been rated by IIHS or NHTSA. Standard safety features included a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included intersection collision assist, driver-attention monitor, night vision, and traffic-sign recognition. The Active Lane Management System combined adaptive cruise control with lane centring, with a hands-free version planned for future release.