2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport 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, 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 offered 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, gave the Atlas Cross Sport a bold and upscale appearance, though the base Comfortline trim's 18-inch wheels seemed undersized. The interior offered various colour combinations, but the presence of hard, glossy plastics detracted from the overall quality impression. The MSRP for the Execline trim was $56,595 in Canada, excluding destination charges.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport embraced a "modernist" and "reductive" design, focusing on clean and simple aesthetics. While not flashy, the test vehicle in Eiger Grey with silver 23-inch wheels and a Black Exterior Pack exuded understated luxury. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme with aluminum and shiny black trim added to the luxurious feel. The Range Rover Sport was available in various trims, with the Dynamic SE test vehicle priced over $120,000, including delivery charges and luxury tax. Notable design features included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and surface LED technology taillights, contributing to its aerodynamic efficiency.

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 hp and 266 lb-ft 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. The V6 engine, though aging, felt more energetic in the two-row version, but the ride quality was harsh at lower speeds and too soft at higher speeds. The Atlas Cross Sport excelled on highways, but road noise was more intrusive than expected.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain was available in the Autobiography trim, offering 434 hp and 406 lb-ft. The Range Rover Sport could accelerate to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and tow up to 3,500 kilograms. The SUV averaged 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres on the evaluation route. The Range Rover Sport's adaptive damping air suspension and Dynamic driving mode enhanced ride comfort and handling, but it struggled to match the driving dynamics of sport-tuned SUVs from other luxury brands. Off-road, the Range Rover Sport excelled with its advanced suspension and impressive ground clearance.

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. The panoramic sunroof added to the spacious feel, and the cargo area provided plenty of storage space, though the shorter length and lower roofline reduced cargo capacity compared to the seven-passenger model.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport maintained the Range Rover Command Driving Position, offering a tall and airy feel. The air suspension could kneel for easier entry and exit, and the front seats were comfortable with 20-way power adjustments and heating and ventilation. The rear seat, however, was less accommodating, with limited legroom and hard front seatback panels. The cargo area offered 903 litres of space, expandable to 1,500 litres with the rear seats folded. The power liftgate and air suspension controls facilitated loading, and the cargo area included practical storage solutions.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Execline trim added a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system. While the technology checked the right boxes, the user experience was often frustrating, with issues related to touchscreen interaction and voice recognition.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility were standard. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment platform was often confusing and frustrating to use, with difficulties in accessing features and using the digital assistant. The Range Rover Sport offered impressive Meridian audio systems and a next-generation Active Noise Cancellation system.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included 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 a semi-autonomous Park Assist system. The Atlas Cross Sport received favourable crash-test ratings but did not earn the highest accolades from safety organizations.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was equipped with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, and a surround-view camera system. The adaptive cruise control and steering assist were less responsive than expected, and the steering assist struggled with maintaining lane position on curves.