2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Genesis GV70 stood out with its distinctive styling, a hallmark of Korean automotive brands. It diverged from the rest of the Genesis lineup, featuring the brand's signature two-line lighting that created an illusion of a contiguous circle around the vehicle. The GV70's design was unique, with a shoulder line and accent lines that set it apart from other Genesis models. The Sport and Sport Plus grades, equipped with a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6, featured dark chrome finishes and a cross-hatched matrix pattern on the exterior, including the 21-inch alloy wheels. Genesis offered a wide range of colour combinations, with more than 100 options available, allowing customers to personalize their vehicles extensively.

Inside, the GV70's cabin was designed with an elliptical theme, inspired by airplane wings. The Sport trims received special treatment with genuine carbon fibre inserts and a backlit graphic design using multicolour ambient lighting. The interior surfaces were of high quality, with quilted leather seats and door panels in premium grades. While some plastic elements were present, they were mostly in areas not frequently encountered by occupants. Overall, the GV70's interior offered a luxurious and unique experience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried over with minor modifications from the previous year, maintaining its big and boxy design. The Execline trim, the top of the Canadian lineup, featured R-Line design elements, including 21-inch alloy wheels that enhanced its upscale look. The Atlas's interior displayed simplicity with a premium flair, but the use of low-cost materials, including hard and shiny plastics, was a drawback. The storage areas lacked linings, leading to unwanted noise and vibration. Despite these issues, the Atlas offered a spacious and comfortable interior, accommodating seven passengers with ease.

The Atlas's design was practical, with a low step-in height for easy access. The interior was roomy, providing ample head and legroom for adults in the third row. The test vehicle included rear side-window sunshades, enhancing comfort for passengers. The Atlas excelled in cargo space, offering 583 litres behind the third row, expandable to 1,572 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,741 litres with the second row down. However, the unlined storage areas and the use of hard plastics detracted from the overall experience.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options, with the 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 being the highlight. This engine produced 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque, making it competitive with mid-level performance SUVs like the BMW X3 M40i and Audi SQ5. The GV70's power figures were impressive, and its fuel consumption was estimated at 11.6 L/100 km combined. The eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive provided a dynamic driving experience, with the system prioritizing the rear axle for better traction. The Sport Plus grade included an electronic limited-slip differential, enhancing performance further.

The GV70 featured selectable drive modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, along with terrain modes for mud, sand, and snow. Sport+ mode delivered aggressive throttle response and tenaciously held gears, while Sport mode offered a balance of responsiveness and comfort. The electronically controlled suspension system used a forward camera to detect road changes, providing a smooth ride without sacrificing feedback. The GV70's tight turning radius was a bonus in urban environments.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and a 3.6-litre V6. The turbo-four produced 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, but required premium fuel for maximum output. Its towing capacity was limited to 907 kg, and fuel consumption was rated at 10.6 L/100 km combined. The V6, available on higher trims, delivered 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kg. However, the V6's performance was leisurely, and its fuel consumption was higher at 12.2 L/100 km combined.

The Atlas featured Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes, along with Active Control calibrations for different conditions. The 4Motion AWD system decoupled the rear wheels for better fuel economy, but the V6's lack of power and refinement was a drawback. The Atlas's handling was sound, but the ride quality was affected by the 21-inch wheels and short-sidewall tires, leading to a busy ride. The suspension tuning resulted in added body float, impacting the driving experience.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 prioritized the driver with its interior design. The centre console was tall, separating the driver from the front passenger, and featured intuitive button and dial controls. The infotainment system was controlled by a raised dial, making it easy to use while driving. The climate controls were configured under a single pane, providing haptic feedback for inputs. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated front seats and heated rear seats available on higher trims.

The GV70 offered 819 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 1,610 litres with the seats folded. The tonneau cover could be stowed under the rear load floor. The rear space was enhanced by a panoramic sunroof and manual sunshades, but storage was limited. The ergonomics and functionality were above average, with the exception of the steering wheel's functions.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space and comfort. The Trendline trim featured cloth seats, while higher trims offered V-Tex leatherette or genuine leather upholstery. The Atlas accommodated seven passengers comfortably, with ample head and legroom in the third row. The low step-in height made entry and exit easy, and rear side-window sunshades added to passenger comfort.

The Atlas offered exceptional cargo space, with 583 litres behind the third row, expandable to 1,572 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,741 litres with the second row down. However, the unlined storage areas led to unwanted noise. The Atlas's interior was practical, but the use of hard plastics detracted from the overall experience.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 impressed with its technology offerings. A 14.5-inch high-definition LCD infotainment screen was standard, providing high-resolution graphics and a split-screen layout. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though not in wireless form. The premium Sport Plus grade featured a 3D digital instrument cluster, enhancing the driving experience with a unique display. The GV70 also introduced a fingerprint recognition system for keyless start.

A nine-speaker audio system was standard, with an 18-speaker Lexicon surround sound system available on top grades. USB ports were provided for both front and rear passengers, ensuring connectivity for all occupants.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas included the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster as standard, with an 8-inch display on lower trims and a 10.25-inch display on higher trims. The Trendline trim featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while other trims had the MIB3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless charging. The MyVW smartphone app provided access to Car-Net services and more.

The Atlas's user experience was hindered by a slow infotainment system and a cumbersome process for tuning radio stations. Voice recognition was hit-and-miss, making it less reliable than using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The Execline trim featured a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system, delivering excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came equipped with ten standard safety features, including blind spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and forward collision avoidance assist. The Highway Driving Assist system provided lane centring and automatic lane changing functions, though it required the driver's hands on the wheel. A new rear occupant alert system used radar to detect movement in the second row, notifying the driver through graphics and audible alerts.

As of publication, the GV70 had not been rated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, so its safety rating was based on the quality of its onboard systems.

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. The Execline trim featured a surround-view camera system and Park Assist technology.

However, the Atlas's Lane Assist technology had issues with interpreting old construction markings and exit ramps, leading to potential safety concerns. The Atlas did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, and its frontal-impact ratings from the NHTSA were four stars for the driver and front passenger.