2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was crafted by removing the third row from the standard Atlas model, lowering the roofline by nearly 6 centimetres for a sleeker, coupe-like silhouette, and shortening the SUV’s length by 13.2 cm. Despite these changes, the wheelbase remained the same, ensuring a spacious interior for five passengers. However, the design adjustments resulted in reduced cargo space, offering 1,141 litres behind the second-row seat and a maximum of 2,203 litres. The Execline trim, with its 21-inch machined-finish wheels, added a bold and upscale appearance, though other wheel options were less appealing. The interior offered various colour combinations, but the presence of hard, glossy plastics detracted from the overall quality impression.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe retained its iconic seven-slot grille, blending traditional design cues with modern enhancements like active shutters for improved aerodynamics. The Grand Cherokee 4xe was available only as a two-row, five-passenger SUV, with a trim lineup distinct from its gas-powered counterparts. The Overland trim, which we tested, featured a silver exterior with a black roof and 20-inch wheels, along with signature blue tow hooks. Inside, the Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a comfortable and upscale feel, with leather seats, wood and metal accents, and heated and ventilated front seats. However, the interior also contained a significant amount of hard plastic materials, raising concerns about durability and noise.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and an available 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine, which did not require premium fuel, provided a more satisfying driving experience and a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and VW’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, offering various driving modes. The V6 engine in the Atlas Cross Sport Execline felt more energetic than in the three-row Atlas, but the suspension tuning was criticized for being too firm at low speeds and too soft at higher speeds. The ride quality was best on highways, though road noise was more noticeable than expected.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.0-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine with a 400-volt, 17-kWh battery pack. This setup delivered an impressive 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, surpassing the output of Jeep’s 5.7-litre V8 engine. The Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a total driving range of 719 kilometres, with a fuel economy rating of 4.2 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres. The vehicle provided 42 kilometres of all-electric driving range, and its electronic front-axle disconnect helped save fuel. The Grand Cherokee 4xe also featured E Select powertrain modes, regenerative braking, and two off-road 4x4 systems, making it a capable off-road vehicle. However, its towing capacity was lower than that of the V6- and V8-powered models, at 2,721 kilograms.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its wheelbase and interior dimensions with the larger seven-passenger model, offering ample space for five adults. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. A panoramic sunroof added to the spacious feel, while various storage compartments provided ample room for personal items. The cargo area, though reduced compared to the seven-passenger model, still offered plenty of space for luggage and other items.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, available only as a two-row model, provided generous space for passengers, with no issues regarding head or legroom. Folding the second row of seats expanded the cargo space from 1,067 litres to 2,004 litres. The vehicle’s air suspension allowed for quick adjustments, making loading and unloading easier. Despite testing the Grand Cherokee 4xe on a hot day, the standard heated steering wheel promised comfort during colder months.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came equipped with Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, featuring a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen with various connectivity options, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system, while comprehensive, was sometimes frustrating to use, making smartphone integration a preferable option. The Execline trim included a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system, which delivered excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe boasted the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, an Android-powered interface with customization options like My Pages. The vehicle featured multiple screens, including a 10.1-inch touchscreen front-passenger display and a 10.25-inch digital driver information display. A wireless charging pad and four USB ports were standard, while optional rear-seat entertainment screens offered additional entertainment options. The 19-speaker McIntosh stereo, available on higher trims, provided exceptional audio quality.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a range of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and an automatic post-collision braking system. Additional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Execline trim added a semi-autonomous Park Assist system and a 360-degree surround-view camera. While the Atlas Cross Sport received favourable crash-test ratings, it did not earn the highest accolades from safety organizations.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe included standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Optional features included blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with a 360-degree surround-view camera available on higher trims. While the IIHS had not published crash-test results for the Grand Cherokee 4xe, the NHTSA awarded the 2022 Grand Cherokee an overall five-star safety rating.