2023 Lexus RX 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, but the presence of hard, glossy plastics detracted from the overall quality impression.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX, built in Canada, continued into its fifth generation with a design that was shorter in height, broader in width, and longer in wheelbase than its predecessor. The RX maintained the same overall length but appeared smaller due to reduced rear overhang and softer design lines. The front featured a spindle-style grille integrated into the design, while the rear showcased a light-blade taillight design and sporty bumper. The RX's interior was modern, with fewer buttons and knobs, digital instrumentation, and a choice of 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen displays. The quality levels were high, with options for NuLuxe artificial leather or genuine leather, and the RX offered a range of powertrains, including hybrid options.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and an available 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft 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. The V6 engine felt more energetic in the two-row version, but the suspension tuning was criticized for being too firm at low speeds and too soft at higher speeds. The Atlas Cross Sport excelled in highway driving, though road noise was more intrusive than expected.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX 350 AWD was estimated to average 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with test results showing slightly higher consumption. The RX 350 Executive trim displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion, while the F Sport 3 trim, with its adaptive damping suspension, offered a more secure and comfortable ride. The RX 350 AWD accelerated to 100 kilometres per hour in approximately 7.3 seconds, providing a satisfying driving experience despite the engine's less refined sound.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its wheelbase and track width with the larger seven-passenger model, offering an exceptionally roomy interior 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 ample load-floor real estate, though the shorter length and lower roofline reduced cargo space compared to the seven-passenger model.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 models provided comfort, with the F Sport 3 package offering sport seat bolsters for better support during spirited driving. The RX 350 Executive trim featured semi-aniline premium leather upholstery, ten-way power-adjustable front seats, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. The RX 350 F Sport 3 had black NuLuxe simulated leather seats and Dark Graphite trim. Both models offered exceptional comfort, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. The cargo area measured 838 litres with the second row in position and 1,308 litres with the rear seat folded down, an improvement over the previous generation but still not generous for the segment.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came standard with Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, featuring a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system included Bluetooth pairing for two devices, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wireless charging for smartphones. However, the user experience was often frustrating, and pairing a smartphone was recommended for a smoother experience. The Execline trim added a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system, which was highly praised.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the new Lexus Interface multimedia infotainment system with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and various connected services plans. The Drive Connect plan offered Intelligent Assistant natural voice recognition, which generally performed well. The system allowed user profiles for different drivers and streaming of Apple Music or Amazon Music. The 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system was available, providing excellent sound quality. However, the inability to view multiple data panels simultaneously was a drawback.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included a range of safety features, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and an automatic post-collision braking system. Adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist were standard in Canada. The Execline trim added a semi-autonomous Park Assist system and an Area View 360-degree camera system. While Travel Assist was generally accurate, it occasionally lacked refinement, and Lane Assist sometimes misinterpreted road markings.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included lane departure warning, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. New features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist were newly available. LSS+ 3.0 was impressive but not flawless, with issues such as unmarked adaptive cruise controls and non-predictive curve-speed reduction technology.