2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2021 Volvo XC60

The 2021 Volvo XC60, positioned between the compact XC40 and the larger XC90, was a testament to Volvo's rebirth under Geely Holding Group. Built on the Scalable Product Architecture platform, the XC60 shared its elegant, tailored design with other Volvo models, featuring short overhangs and an agile form. The front grille proudly displayed Volvo's iron mark logo, complemented by Thor's hammer-shaped LED headlights. Inside, the XC60's cabin exuded Scandinavian style with clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene atmosphere. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was a nod to Volvo's early adoption of such technology, and the attention to detail in the interior, from the HVAC vents to the harmonious textures and colours, elevated the XC60 to near-luxury status.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried over with minor modifications from its previous model year, offering four trim levels in Canada. The Execline trim, the top of the line, featured R-Line design elements and 21-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its upscale look. The Atlas's interior was spacious and comfortable, accommodating seven passengers with ease. However, the use of hard, shiny plastics detracted from its premium appeal. The Atlas excelled in providing ample storage and cargo space, with a power liftgate revealing 583 litres of space behind the third row, expandable to 2,741 litres with the second and third rows folded. Despite its size, the Atlas's low step-in height made it accessible, and its semi-autonomous parking assist technology simplified parking.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all featuring a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the T6 model increased output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 models, including the Polestar Engineered variant, added an 87-hp electric motor, resulting in a combined 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, with the Polestar version reaching 415 hp. The XC60's plug-in hybrid capability allowed for up to 31 kilometres of electric-only driving. The AWD system and torque vectoring contributed to its agile handling, and the cabin remained quiet and comfortable. Fuel consumption ranged from 11.1 L/100 km city to 9.3 L/100 km combined for the T8 PHEV.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, requiring premium fuel for optimal performance. The V6 engine, optional on Comfortline and Highline trims and standard on Execline, delivered 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. The V6's towing capacity reached 2,268 kilograms, but its acceleration was leisurely, and the drivetrain lacked refinement. Fuel consumption for the V6 was 12.2 L/100 km combined. The Atlas featured multiple driving modes and an AWD system with Active Control calibrations. However, the ride quality was affected by the 21-inch wheels, and road noise was noticeable. The Atlas's handling was sound, but an adaptive-damping suspension option was needed for better control.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and style, with highly adjustable front seats and a heating system capable of handling sub-freezing temperatures. The XC60 excelled in winter conditions, with effective defrosters and wipers. The cabin offered smart storage solutions, and the controls were intuitive and glove-friendly. Cargo space was generous, with 613 litres behind the rear seats and up to 1,410 litres with the rear seats folded. The XC60 could tow up to 1,587 kilograms.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas boasted a roomy interior with comfortable seating for seven passengers. The base Trendline trim featured cloth seats, while higher trims offered V-Tex leatherette or genuine leather upholstery. The Atlas's low step-in height made it accessible, and rear side-window sunshades added comfort. Storage areas were abundant but unlined, leading to unwanted noise. Cargo space was exceptional, with 583 litres behind the third row, expandable to 2,741 litres with the second and third rows folded.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which used a tablet-style touchpad interface. The system's portrait orientation and gesture controls were familiar to iPad users, but there was a learning curve. Smartphone integration included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system was exceptional.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, with an 8-inch display standard 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 connectivity, and Car-Net connected services. The user experience was hindered by slow loading times and a cumbersome tuning process. Voice recognition was hit-and-miss, and the embedded navigation system was less reliable than smartphone integration.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 benefited from Volvo's safety heritage, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, collision avoidance, and more. Volvo's semi-autonomous Pilot Assist system was available, and the XC60's top speed was limited to 180 km/h for safety.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a comprehensive 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 a surround-view camera system. However, the Lane Assist system had issues with old construction markings, and crash-test ratings were decent but not class-leading.