2023 Land Rover Defender vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport presented a bold and sporty appearance by eliminating 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. However, the reduced cargo space, with 1,141 litres behind the second-row seat and a maximum of 2,203 litres, was a trade-off for its coupe-like design. 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 various colour combinations, such as Dark Burgundy over Titan Black, which enhanced its upscale feel, though the presence of hard, glossy plastics detracted from the overall quality impression.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Defender was celebrated for its boxy design reminiscent of the old LR4, which appealed to customers more than the Discovery. The Defender's design was characterized by its square-jawed face, rectangular hood and doors, and abruptly chopped tail, creating a classic truck look. Tasteful accents, like the dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood, paid homage to the original 1980s Defender. The vehicle offered various accessory packages, including ladders, roof racks, and skid plates, and was available in three body styles: 90, 110, and 130. The Defender's interior focused on function and durability, with rubbers and plastics designed to resist stains, and exposed screws and plain-looking air vents. Despite its high price, the Defender maintained its hardcore character, though it lacked the opulence of a Range Rover.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 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, which included several driving modes. The V6 engine in the Execline trim felt more energetic than in the three-row Atlas, though it occasionally lacked refinement. The ride quality varied, with the suspension feeling too firm at low speeds and too soft at higher speeds, leading to a floaty and wallowy experience. Highway driving was where the Atlas Cross Sport excelled, offering agreeable ride quality and efficient performance.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled off-road, with its Terrain Response 2 system adapting the vehicle’s powertrain and chassis to various surfaces. The Defender offered three engine options: a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 296 horsepower, a mild-hybrid inline-six with 395 horsepower, and a supercharged V8 with 518 horsepower. The V8 engine provided exhilarating performance, though it was paired with a soft and top-heavy vehicle. The mild-hybrid inline-six offered seamless engine restarts and quick response at low speeds. The Defender’s fuel economy varied, with the V8 returning poor ratings of 16.4/12.7/14.7 litres per 100 kilometres. On-road performance was less impressive, with excessive body roll, slow steering, and noticeable wind noise. However, the Defender’s engines, particularly the V8, provided a thrilling driving experience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its wheelbase and interior dimensions with the larger seven-passenger model, offering exceptional roominess 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 enhanced the sense of space, while various storage compartments provided ample room for personal items. The cargo area, though reduced compared to the seven-passenger model, offered plenty of space for luggage and other items, with additional storage under the load floor.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender stood out for its seating configurations, offering unmatched flexibility. The Defender 90 could seat six with an optional jump seat, while the 110 and 130 models offered additional seating options, including a third row. The Defender 130 provided up to eight seats, with features like a separate moonroof, air vents, and USB ports for rear passengers. Cargo space varied across models, with the Defender 130 offering 2,180 litres with the third row and second row folded. The Defender also offered various features, such as a metal roof rack, console refrigerator, and power-deployable side steps, enhancing its practicality and versatility.

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, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wireless charging. However, the user experience was often frustrating, with issues related to touchscreen interaction and voice recognition. The Execline trim included a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system, which delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender featured two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro software, with a standard 10-inch screen and an optional 11.4-inch screen. Both screens were quick and easy to operate, with the larger screen offering better legibility. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a voice assistant, and connected apps. Higher trims offered additional features like a Meridian sound system, head-up display, and configurable ambient lighting.

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. The Atlas Cross Sport received favourable crash-test ratings, though it did not earn the highest accolades from safety organizations.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender received a five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash testing, praised for its solid structure. Standard safety features included lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included a digital instrument panel with full-screen maps, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system. However, the Defender lacked some advanced safety features, such as a self-steering highway assist.