2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2022 Acura MDX was a standout in the three-row luxury crossover SUV category, offering a compact exterior that belied its spacious interior. Built on a new dedicated platform, the MDX featured a longer wheelbase, wider body, and an increased dash-to-axle distance, enhancing its elegant appearance. The Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels contributed to a sportier, modern design. Inside, the MDX boasted a refined cabin with authentic materials like natural wood and real leather, complemented by high-quality plastics. The dashboard's layered design emphasized cabin width, while the unique gear selection and touchpad controls added a touch of sophistication. The MDX's interior was available in various themes, and the exterior came in a range of colours, reflecting its luxury status.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas maintained its bold, boxy design with minor updates from the previous year. The Execline trim featured R-Line design elements and 21-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its upscale look. The interior was simple yet premium, though some materials felt low-cost, with hard plastics detracting from the overall quality. Despite this, the Atlas offered a spacious and comfortable cabin, accommodating seven passengers with ease. The low step-in height and rear side-window sunshades added to its family-friendly appeal. However, the unlined storage areas resulted in unwanted noise, and the cargo space was generous, with the ability to expand significantly by folding down the rear seats.

The 2022 Acura MDX was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. It featured a new 10-speed automatic transmission and Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), which enhanced cornering feel and control through torque vectoring. The MDX's suspension upgrades, including a double-wishbone front setup, improved sporty handling and ride quality. The vehicle's overall stiffness and rigidity were significantly enhanced, providing a solid ride feel. The MDX offered five drive modes, allowing drivers to tailor performance to their preferences. During test drives, the MDX impressed with its handling and performance, standing out among competitors like the Lexus RX L and Volvo XC90.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and a 3.6-litre V6 engine. The turbo-four produced 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the V6 delivered 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The V6 provided better towing capacity but lacked refinement and power compared to rivals. The Atlas featured multiple driving modes and an Active Control system for different conditions. However, the V6's performance was underwhelming, and the ride quality was affected by the 21-inch wheels and low-profile tires. The Atlas's handling was sound, but an adaptive-damping suspension option was needed for better control.

The 2022 Acura MDX excelled as a versatile three-row SUV, offering comfortable seating for the first two rows and a flexible second row with a removable centre section. The third row was best suited for smaller passengers, but the MDX's seating capacity and USB connections in all rows were appreciated. The sliding rows allowed for flexible cargo capacity, with up to 2,690 litres of space available. The power tailgate featured convenient functions like "Walk Away Close" and Hands-Free Access, enhancing utility. The interior lighting was customizable, with 27 themes to choose from, adding to the cabin's ambiance.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas was praised for its roomy interior and comfortable seats, accommodating seven passengers with ample head and legroom. The low step-in height made entry and exit easy, and the rear side-window sunshades were a thoughtful touch. The Atlas offered numerous storage areas, though unlined compartments resulted in noise. Cargo space was exceptional, with up to 2,741 litres available when the rear seats were folded. The power liftgate was convenient, and the Atlas's cargo capacity surpassed that of some full-size SUVs.

The 2022 Acura MDX was equipped with advanced technology, including the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System with 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification. The 12.3-inch infotainment system and Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument panel were standard, offering a customizable and user-friendly experience. Amazon Alexa integration, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot were included. The MDX also featured a head-up display, CabinTalk interior PA system, and over-the-air software updates, enhancing convenience and connectivity.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, with an 8-inch display standard and a 10.25-inch version available on higher trims. The MIB3 infotainment system offered an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity, and Car-Net connected services. However, the user experience was hindered by slow loading times and a cumbersome interface. The voice recognition system struggled with accuracy, and the embedded navigation was less reliable than smartphone integration. Despite these issues, the Atlas offered a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system on the Execline trim, providing excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Acura MDX received a "Top Safety Pick +" rating from the IIHS, with top marks in every category. It featured a higher percentage of high-strength steel and an advanced safety structure for collision protection. The front end was redesigned for pedestrian safety, and a low-speed braking control system enhanced safety in urban environments. The AcuraWatch suite of safety features was standard, including collision mitigation emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more.

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 an adaptive front lighting system. However, the Lane Assist technology had issues with pavement scars and construction markings, leading to potential safety concerns. The Atlas's crash-test ratings were decent but not class-leading, with four-star ratings in frontal-impact tests from the NHTSA.