2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2022 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 the vehicle's length, giving it a more extroverted appearance compared to the previous year's model. The R-Line trim package further enhanced the sporty look with unique bumpers and side skirts. Despite these cosmetic updates, the Atlas retained its MQB platform, which is shared with other VW models like the Jetta and Golf. The interior maintained a minimalist design, with a standard seven-seat configuration and available second-row captain’s chairs on higher trims. However, the material quality was criticized for feeling cheap, particularly the plastics and faux wood and metal trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried over the previous year's updates with minor modifications. The Execline trim featured standard R-Line design elements, including 21-inch alloy wheels that complemented the SUV's bold styling. The interior was praised for its simplicity and premium flair, although the use of low-cost materials was noted as a drawback. The 2022 model offered a spacious and comfortable cabin, with genuine leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof available on higher trims. Despite its size, the Atlas provided easy entry and exit, and the test vehicle included features like rear side-window sunshades for added comfort. However, the unlined storage areas and hard plastic surfaces detracted from the overall quality.

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 an optional 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 driving experience with the base engine was underwhelming, with adequate acceleration but rough shifts and poor ride quality. The VR6 engine provided a towing capacity of 2,267 kilograms, while the four-cylinder engine was 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.

For the 2022 Atlas, the Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline trims came with a standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing the same power specs as the previous year. The V6 engine was optional for Comfortline and Highline and standard for the Execline trim. The V6 offered a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms but was criticized for its lack of power and refinement. The 4Motion AWD system included Active Control calibrations and Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control systems. The 2022 model's ride quality was noted to be softer and more compliant, although it still transmitted road noise and bumps to the cabin. The steering and brakes were capable, but an adaptive-damping suspension option was suggested to improve ride motions.

The 2021 Atlas provided average passenger and cargo space for its segment, with 2,741 litres of cargo space behind the front seats and 583 litres with all seats up. It offered more third-row legroom than most competitors but sacrificed second-row legroom. The interior featured a driver-focused layout with easy-to-reach controls and up to five USB ports. The Atlas also included standard ultrasonic parking sensors and available active park assist on higher trims.

In 2022, the Atlas continued to impress with its roomy interior and comfortable seating for seven passengers. The step-in height was relatively low, making it easy to enter and exit. The cargo space was exceptional, with 583 litres behind the third row, 1,572 litres with the third row folded, and 2,741 litres with both the second and third rows folded. The interior included numerous storage areas, although many were unlined, leading to unwanted noise. The power liftgate and remote key fob made accessing the cargo area convenient.

The 2021 Atlas featured Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, with a base 6.5-inch touchscreen and an 8-inch screen on higher trims. The Digital Cockpit was available on higher trims, offering a 10.3-inch reconfigurable display. The MIBIII infotainment system was introduced later in the model year, adding 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.

In 2022, the Atlas included the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit as a standard feature, with an 8-inch display on lower trims and a 10.25-inch display on higher trims. The Trendline trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while other trims featured the MIB3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Car-Net connected services. The Execline trim included a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system. However, the user experience was criticized for its slow loading times and cumbersome navigation system.

The 2021 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.

For 2022, the Atlas offered an impressive list of safety features, including automatic post-collision braking, Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. The Comfortline trim added adaptive cruise control and parking sensors, while the Highline trim included brighter LED headlights and an adaptive front lighting system. The Execline trim featured Area View and Park Assist technology. However, the Lane Assist technology was criticized for its inability to ignore pavement scars and old construction markings. The 2022 Atlas did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, and its NHTSA frontal-impact ratings were four stars for the driver and front passenger.