2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was crafted by removing the third row from the standard Atlas, lowering the roofline for a coupe-like silhouette, and shortening the SUV’s length. This resulted in a bold, sporty appearance, particularly in the Execline trim with its 21-inch machined-finish wheels. Despite its stylish exterior, the interior was marred by hard plastics, detracting from the overall quality feel. However, the spacious interior and attractive colour combinations offered an upscale vibe.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, with a design that echoed the larger Range Rover’s proportions in a sportier package. The Velar’s sleek form, flush door handles, and distinctive details like bronze accents and aggressive bumpers in the R-Dynamic trim made it stand out. Inside, the Velar maintained high-quality materials and a sophisticated design, though it sacrificed some practicality for style, such as reduced headroom and visibility.

The Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and a 3.6-litre V6 producing 276 horsepower. The V6, paired with VW’s 4Motion AWD, provided a more satisfying drive, though it was less fuel-efficient. The suspension was a mixed bag, feeling too firm at low speeds and too soft at higher speeds, but it excelled on highways.

The Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a lower centre of gravity and better handling. The base engine was a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower, while the optional 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six with a mild-hybrid system delivered up to 395 horsepower. The Velar’s ride was smoother and more controlled, especially with the optional air suspension, though it lacked serious off-road capabilities.

Inside, the Atlas Cross Sport was exceptionally roomy, accommodating five adults comfortably with generous rear legroom. It featured numerous storage spaces, though some lacked lining, leading to potential rattles. The cargo area was spacious, despite the reduced capacity compared to the seven-passenger model.

The Velar, while stylish, offered less interior space, with limited headroom and visibility. Cargo space was also modest, with 552 litres behind the rear seats. The Velar’s design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were frustrating, though the new Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability.

The Atlas Cross Sport came with a digital cockpit and an 8-inch touchscreen, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Execline trim added a 12-speaker Fender audio system, though the infotainment system could be frustrating to use, making smartphone integration a better option.

The Velar’s Pivi Pro system was surprisingly reliable, with a simplified layout and useful features like voice activation and advanced navigation. Standard features included a 12-speaker Meridian sound system and adaptive cruise control, though the driving assist display was less detailed than competitors.