2022 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was a rugged take on the traditional Outback, offering a higher stance and a more adventurous design. With 23 centimetres of ground clearance, it was equipped with aggressive all-terrain tires and restyled bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. The exterior featured a unique grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents, while the interior was dominated by dark grey and black tones with StarTex water-repellant upholstery. Despite its rugged enhancements, the Outback Wilderness maintained a station wagon feel, albeit with a more purposeful and distinctive style.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried over with minor updates from the previous year, offering a big and boxy design that was both appealing and upscale. The Execline trim featured R-Line design elements, including 21-inch alloy wheels that complemented its bold styling. Inside, the Atlas boasted a simple yet premium design, though some materials felt low-cost. Despite its size, the Atlas was easy to maneuver, thanks to its squared-off hood and available parking assist technologies. However, the interior's hard plastics and lack of refinement detracted from its overall appeal.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 277 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 and 4,800 rpm. This engine provided ample power for the midsize crossover, which weighed 3,896 pounds and had a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. Fuel efficiency was rated at 10.9 L/100 km in the city and 8.9 on the highway, with an average of 11.0 L/100 km on a mountainous route. The Outback Wilderness featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with eight programmed ratios, though its performance was less satisfying compared to a dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Wilderness trim stood out with its all-wheel drive, 23 cm ground clearance, and all-terrain tires, making it the most capable Outback for off-road adventures.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 3.6-litre V6 engine with 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. The V6, standard on the Execline trim, had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds but was less refined and efficient. Fuel consumption for the V6 was estimated at 12.2 L/100 km in combined driving. The Atlas featured an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, with driving modes including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual. Despite its size, the Atlas was easy to handle, though its ride quality was affected by the 21-inch wheels and low-profile tires. The Atlas's ground clearance was modest, limiting its off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, a water-repellant simulated leather that was practical but not ideal for hot weather. The interior offered heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Rear seat space was generous, with heated seats, air conditioning vents, and USB ports. The cargo area provided 920 litres of space behind the rear seat and 2,144 litres with the seat folded flat. The Outback Wilderness also had a robust roof rack with a 700-pound static load rating, suitable for rooftop camping.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space and comfort, seating seven people with ample head and legroom, even in the third row. The base Trendline trim had cloth seats, while higher trims offered V-Tex leatherette or genuine leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and ventilated front seats. The Atlas featured numerous storage areas, though many were unlined, causing items to rattle. Cargo space was exceptional, with 583 litres behind the third row, 1,572 litres with the third row folded, and 2,741 litres with the second row down. The Atlas's low step-in height made it easy to access, and the power liftgate added convenience.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, integrating climate control and offering physical knobs for volume and tuning. While the voice recognition technology was limited, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided better functionality. The lack of a premium audio system was a notable omission, given the target demographic.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas featured the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, with an 8-inch display standard and a 10.25-inch version on higher trims. The Trendline trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while other trims offered the MIB3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity, and Car-Net connected services. The Execline trim included a 12-speaker Fender audio system. However, the infotainment system's user experience was hindered by slow loading times and cumbersome controls, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with the EyeSight suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The Wilderness also had steering-responsive LED headlights and a blind-spot warning system. While crash-test results for the Wilderness were unavailable, the standard Outback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

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 Lane Assist system had issues with old construction markings and exit ramps. The Atlas received decent crash-test ratings but did not earn a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS.