2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport presented a bold and sporty appearance by removing the third row from the standard Atlas model, lowering the roofline by nearly 6 centimetres, 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. The Execline trim, with its 21-inch machined-finish wheels, emphasized the vehicle's broad-shouldered stance, although the base Comfortline trim's 18-inch wheels appeared undersized. The interior offered a choice of stylish colour combinations, but the presence of hard, glossy plastics detracted from the overall quality impression.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler maintained its rugged, no-nonsense design with a boxy shape and iconic features like the seven-slot grille and round headlights. Available in two-door and four-door configurations, the Wrangler allowed for door removal and offered various top options for open-air driving. The limited-edition "Reign" purple paint added a unique flair to the otherwise functional design. Inside, the Wrangler focused on practicality with easy-to-clean materials and straightforward controls, though it lacked some luxury features like ambient lighting or massaging seats.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-litre V6 producing 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The V6, 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. However, the V6's aging design and occasional lack of refinement were noted, along with a ride quality that could feel harsh on imperfect roads.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler excelled in off-road performance with its solid axles and optional differential lockers. It offered a range of engine options, including a Pentastar V6 with 285 horsepower, a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 horsepower, and a 3.0-litre Ecodiesel V6 with 260 horsepower. The Wrangler Rubicon 392 featured a 6.4-litre V8 with 470 horsepower, providing exhilarating performance but with some on-road handling drawbacks. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid offered a more eco-friendly option with 35 kilometres of all-electric range. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities were enhanced by various transfer case options and the Xtreme Recon package, which improved its crawl ratio.

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 and ventilated seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The cargo area, though reduced compared to the standard Atlas, still provided significant storage space with additional compartments for smaller items. However, the lack of lining in storage areas could lead to rattling noises during drives.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's front seats were comfortable, but rear seating was tight, especially in the four-door models. Storage for small items was limited, with a flat dash and small glove box and centre console. The Wrangler's cargo space measured 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded, slightly less than its competitor, the Bronco. The Wrangler offered various top configurations, including a removable hard top, a Sunrider option, and the Sky One-Touch power soft top for quick open-air access. The vehicle also provided multiple charging points throughout the cabin.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came equipped with a digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth pairing, and wireless charging. However, the user experience was sometimes frustrating, with issues related to touchscreen interaction and voice recognition. The Execline trim included a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system, which was highly praised.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler featured a 7-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect infotainment system, with an optional 8.4-inch screen in the test vehicle. The system initially appeared complex but was intuitive once familiarized. It included off-road pages with detailed vehicle information and connectivity options like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Wrangler focused on practical tech features, such as a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches, without overloading on unnecessary technology.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added features like adaptive LED headlights and a semi-autonomous Park Assist system. While the Travel Assist system was generally accurate, it occasionally lacked refinement. The Atlas Cross Sport received favourable crash-test ratings, though not the highest accolades.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's standard safety features were limited to a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Additional features like blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning were available only on higher trims or as part of an option package. The Wrangler received mixed ratings from the IIHS and a four-star frontal crash test rating from the NHTSA, with a three-star rollover rating.