2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX presented a modern and sporty design, continuing the aesthetic updates from its 2020 facelift. Available in the base 350 trim with both standard and long-wheelbase options, it also offered a hybrid model, the RX 450h. The RX 350 accommodated five passengers, while the L variant provided a three-row, 7-passenger configuration, with the 450h seating six. The RX stood out in the midsize luxury crossover segment with its aggressive exterior styling, characterized by razor-sharp character lines and angular features. The F Sport models added a performance-oriented look with 20-inch wheels, unique front fascia, and sporty design elements, enhancing the vehicle's athletic appeal. Inside, the RX maintained a luxurious cabin with F Sport models adding sporty touches like Scored Aluminum trim and NuLuxe synthetic leather. However, the centre stack felt dated, and the comfort of the NuLuxe seats was less than ideal, with limited lumbar support and challenging driving position adjustments.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried over with minor modifications after significant updates in 2021. Available in four trims in Canada, the Atlas offered a spacious and comfortable interior, seating seven adults with ease. The Execline trim, our test vehicle, featured R-Line design elements and 21-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its upscale look. Despite its bold styling, the Atlas's interior materials were crafted to a low cost point, with hard, shiny plastics detracting from its premium feel. The Atlas excelled in interior space, providing ample room for passengers and cargo, with a low step-in height for easy access. However, the unlined storage areas led to unwanted noise, and the ride quality, while improved, still transmitted road noise and bumps into the cabin. The Atlas's handling was sound, but the lack of an adaptive-damping suspension option affected its ride motions on uneven surfaces.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the hybrid RX 450h combined a V6 with electric motors for 308 hp. All models featured an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lack of sporty dynamics even in the F Sport variant. The engine note was more akin to a turbocharged four-cylinder, and acceleration was unimpressive. The RX offered various drive modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, but the differences in driving dynamics were minimal. The RX excelled in driving comfort and cabin quietness, absorbing rough patches and providing a serene ride. Fuel consumption for the RX 350 was 12.2 L/100 km in the city and 9.0 on the highway, with the hybrid RX 450h offering better efficiency at 7.9 L/100 km combined.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, requiring premium fuel for maximum output. An optional 3.6-litre V6 engine, standard on the Execline trim, produced 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. Both engines paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The V6 provided a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms but lacked refinement and power, resulting in leisurely acceleration. The Atlas offered Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes, with the 4Motion AWD system providing additional calibrations for various conditions. The Atlas's ride quality was improved, but the lack of an adaptive-damping suspension option affected its handling on undulating surfaces. Fuel consumption for the V6 was 12.2 L/100 km combined, with our test averaging 12.0 L/100 km.

The 2022 Lexus RX offered 2,826 litres of passenger volume in its standard two-row configuration, comfortably seating four adults. The three-row L models shared the same wheelbase, resulting in limited space for the third row. Cargo space in the standard RX was 453 litres behind the second row, expanding to 923 litres with the seats folded. The three-row variant offered 210 litres with all seats upright, increasing to 1,657 litres with both back rows down. The RX featured thoughtful interior elements like a smartphone slot, adjustable-height cup holder, and a flat-bottomed cargo net, but the rear seats did not fold completely flat, and the cargo area's load-in height was high.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space, seating seven people comfortably with ample head and legroom, even in the third row. The step-in height was low, facilitating easy access, and the test vehicle included rear side-window sunshades. The Atlas offered numerous storage areas, though many were unlined, leading to unwanted noise. Cargo space was exceptional, with 583 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,572 litres with the third row folded, and 2,741 litres with the second row down. These figures surpassed those of the full-size Nissan Armada, making the Atlas a standout in its class.

The 2022 Lexus RX featured an 8-inch touchscreen display, with a 12.3-inch version available for the 450h L and as an option for other trims. Despite being moved closer to the driver, the touchscreens' positioning was ergonomically unfriendly, with a lip obstructing access to icons. The infotainment system was quick and responsive, but the touchpad was hypersensitive and unintuitive. The RX offered a range of tech features, including six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, Bluetooth, wireless charging, a WiFi hotspot, and premium audio systems. The Lexus App provided additional connectivity and personalization options.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas included the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster as standard, with an 8-inch display expanding to 10.25 inches on higher trims. The Trendline trim featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen with last-generation infotainment, while other trims had the MIB3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Car-Net connected services. The Atlas offered a navigation system, a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system, and five additional USB ports. However, the user experience was hindered by slow loading times, a cumbersome tuning process, and unreliable voice commands.

The 2022 Lexus RX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, lane-keeping assist, a pre-collision system, and intelligent high beams. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display. The RX was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS with optional triple-beam LED headlights but missed the top-tier "plus" designation. The NHTSA awarded the RX four stars overall, with five stars in side crash tests and four in frontal crashes and rollover resistance.

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, LED headlights, and a surround-view camera system. The Atlas's driver assistance features had some issues, such as parking sensors detecting false obstacles and Lane Assist misinterpreting road markings. The Atlas did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, and the NHTSA awarded it four stars in frontal-impact tests.