2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, a continuation of its second generation, maintained its mature design with minimal changes over the years. Its exterior was characterized by a modestly sized grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight lines, giving it a substantial presence. Despite its age, the Sequoia's interior was built with high-quality materials, though it appeared dated compared to modern SUVs. The Nightshade Special Edition model, with its darkened chrome and black-painted finishes, brought a contemporary touch to the Sequoia's appearance.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas, following updates in 2021, carried over with minor modifications and a simplified lineup. The Atlas featured a bold, boxy design with R-Line elements and 21-inch wheels that enhanced its upscale look. Inside, the Atlas offered a spacious and comfortable cabin, though some materials felt low-cost. Despite its size, the Atlas was easy to maneuver, thanks to its squared-off hood and advanced parking technologies.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, provided a smooth and stable ride, though its fuel economy was a throwback with ratings of 13 mpg city/17 mpg highway. The Sequoia's truck roots contributed to its impressive towing capacity of 7,400 pounds and off-road capabilities, enhanced by its robust construction and ground clearance.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and a 3.6-liter V6 producing 276 horsepower. The V6, though capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds, lacked refinement and power, resulting in a leisurely acceleration. The Atlas featured various driving modes and an AWD system with Active Control calibrations, but its fuel economy was modest at 19 mpg to 20 mpg combined. The Atlas excelled in handling and maneuverability, though its ride quality varied depending on road conditions.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort with spacious seating across all three rows and features like a power moonroof and heated front seats. Its cargo space was versatile, offering up to 120.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Sequoia's interior was practical, with ample storage compartments and power outlets for convenience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas impressed with its roomy interior and comfortable seating for seven adults. The Atlas offered numerous storage areas, though some were unlined, leading to unwanted noise. Its cargo space was exceptional, with 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 96.8 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Atlas also featured a power tailgate and easy access to the cargo area.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology was outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch driver information screen. While it offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, the system felt clunky compared to modern competitors. The Sequoia included standard WiFi connectivity and SiriusXM satellite radio, with optional upgrades for navigation and a premium audio system.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came equipped with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, offering an 8-inch display that expanded to 10.25 inches in higher trims. The Atlas featured the MIB3 infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the user experience was hindered by slow loading times and complex navigation controls. The Atlas also offered Car-Net connected services and a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system in higher trims.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS but was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, including pre-collision systems, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. The Sequoia also featured a comprehensive set of airbags, stability control, and parking-assist sonar.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a robust list of safety features, including Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and a surround-view camera system. However, the Atlas faced challenges with its Lane Assist technology, and its crash-test ratings were not class-leading, with four-star frontal-impact ratings from NHTSA.