2023 Lexus RX Hybrid 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 length and angled rear window decreased cargo space to 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, although 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.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid presented a redesigned look that was not drastically different from its predecessor. The RX 350h Luxury model, with its Iridium silver paint and 21-inch alloy wheels, maintained a subtle hybrid identity. The RX 500h F Sport Performance stood out with its Copper paint, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling. The interior of the RX adopted a minimalistic design with contemporary textures and ambient lighting. The RX 350h Luxury featured Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance had a sportier all-black interior with artificial suede and dark grey aluminum trim. The RX's design, though not groundbreaking, offered a refined and modern aesthetic.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. The V6 engine, paired with VW’s 4Motion AWD system, provided a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. Despite its power, the V6 engine showed signs of aging, and the ride quality was inconsistent, with a harsh suspension at low speeds and a soft feel at higher speeds. The Atlas Cross Sport excelled on highways, where the V6 was most efficient, but road noise was more noticeable than expected.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a more efficient powertrain with the RX 350h, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a hybrid system producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque. It achieved a combined fuel economy of 6.5 L/100 km. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and a hybrid system, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 100 km/h in about 6 seconds. The RX 500h included an adaptive damping suspension and Dynamic Rear Steering, enhancing its athleticism. However, the RX 500h's fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 11.3 L/100 km during testing.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its wheelbase and interior dimensions with the larger Atlas model, offering ample space for five adults. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats, heated rear seats, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. The panoramic sunroof added to the spacious feel, while the cargo area provided significant load-floor space, albeit with reduced capacity compared to the seven-passenger model.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid prioritized comfort with its Luxury trim, offering ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and a three-zone automatic climate control system. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had eight-way power-adjustable seats with larger bolsters. The RX's battery placement under the rear seat slightly elevated the seat cushion, affecting rear headroom. Cargo space increased to 838 litres behind the rear seat and 1,308 litres with the seat folded, surpassing the previous model but still trailing some competitors.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came equipped with a digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Execline trim included a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system. However, the user experience was marred by frustrating interactions with the touchscreen and voice recognition technology.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring subscription services for full functionality. The system featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cloud-based navigation, and an Intelligent Assistant. While the system generally performed well, it had limitations, such as the inability to view multiple screen menus simultaneously and issues with screen reflections. The available head-up display added convenience, but the dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel were problematic for users wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added adaptive LED headlights and a semi-autonomous Park Assist system. While Travel Assist provided accurate assistance, it occasionally lacked refinement. The Atlas Cross Sport received favourable crash-test ratings but did not achieve top accolades from safety organizations.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included advanced driver assistance systems such as motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist were also available. While the safety systems generally performed well, some features, like the front cross-traffic alert and curve-speed reduction, had limitations. The RX Hybrid's regenerative braking system contributed to battery recharging during driving.