2022 Honda Odyssey vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was a minivan that offered practicality and style, appealing to families who valued convenience. Its design featured kinked sliding doors and dramatic character lines, giving it a unique look. The Touring trim level, with its dark grey 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, added a touch of sophistication. Inside, the Odyssey provided a classic open-concept minivan design with quality leather upholstery and a well-organized centre stack. The expansive windshield and small front quarter windows enhanced visibility, making it a comfortable and functional choice for families.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport presented a bold and sporty appearance, especially in the Execline trim with its 21-inch machined-finish wheels. The removal of the third row and a lowered roofline gave it a coupe-like silhouette, while the interior remained spacious for five passengers. The Pure Grey exterior combined with the Dark Burgundy and Titan Black interior exuded an upscale vibe. However, the use of hard, glossy plastics in the interior detracted from the overall quality impression. Despite this, the Atlas Cross Sport offered a stylish alternative for those seeking a more dynamic SUV.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It featured a front-wheel-drive system paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. While it lacked all-wheel drive and hybrid options, the Odyssey offered a Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption estimate of 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. During testing, it averaged 10.4 L/100 km. The Odyssey's driving character was enjoyable, with quick acceleration and responsive handling, but its brakes tended to heat up on downhill grades, leading to pedal vibration and audible grumbling.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-litre V6 producing 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and VW's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, provided a more satisfying driving experience. It had a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms and a fuel economy rating of 12.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. However, the V6 engine felt more energetic in the two-row Cross Sport compared to the larger Atlas. The suspension tuning was a mixed bag, with a harsh ride at lower speeds and a soft, floaty feel at higher speeds.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey offered easy access with wide-opening doors and a lower ride height. Inside, it featured quality leather upholstery, supportive front seats with power adjustment, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system. The Magic Slide second-row seats provided flexibility for families, allowing for easy access to the third row. The Odyssey's cargo space was impressive, with 929 litres behind the third row and up to 3,984 litres with the second-row seats removed. However, the seats were heavy and challenging to reinstall.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its interior dimensions with the larger Atlas, providing ample space for five adults. It featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats, heated rear seats, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. The panoramic sunroof added to the sense of space, while the cargo area offered plenty of room with deep wells for storage. However, the lack of rubber or fabric lining in storage areas led to potential rattling and scraping noises.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Touring was equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, satellite radio, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. It also featured CabinWatch and CabinTalk technology, allowing the driver to monitor and communicate with rear-seat passengers. The rear entertainment system included a 10.2-inch display, but it was considered outdated compared to rivals. The Odyssey's infotainment system lacked a tuning knob and required specific voice commands for navigation, making it less user-friendly.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Comfortline came with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Execline trim added a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system, which was highly regarded. However, the user experience with the infotainment system was often frustrating, with issues related to touchscreen interaction and voice recognition. Pairing a smartphone and using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto was recommended for a smoother experience.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey came standard with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. However, the system lacked refinement, occasionally issuing invalid warnings or taking unnecessary actions. The Odyssey earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Execline trim added a semi-autonomous Park Assist system and a 360-degree camera system. While Travel Assist was generally accurate, it occasionally made obvious steering inputs. The Atlas Cross Sport received favourable crash-test ratings but did not earn the highest accolades from the IIHS or NHTSA.