2022 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried over with minor modifications from its predecessor, offering a bold and boxy design that was both appealing and upscale, especially in the Execline trim. This top-tier model featured R-Line design elements, including 21-inch alloy wheels that complemented its exaggerated fenders. However, the interior, while simple and premium in appearance, was let down by low-cost materials, with hard, shiny plastics that detracted from the overall quality. Despite its almost $60,000 price tag, the Atlas's interior needed improvements, such as lined storage areas and low-gloss coatings, to enhance its perceived quality.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Suburban embraced Chevrolet's full-size truck design language, resulting in a supersized appearance with a tall hood and long proportions. The RST trim, with its Cherry Red Tintcoat and 22-inch wheels, offered a sporty look that was particularly striking. Inside, the Suburban provided a spacious cabin with a range of comfort levels, from the economically comfortable LS trim to the plush High Country. The RST model featured Jet Black perforated leather seats with Victory Red stitching, but the predominantly black interior made it feel somewhat dark. Despite this, the Suburban's cabin was a pleasant place to be, with thoughtful touches like chrome sill plates and red seat stitching.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and an optional 3.6-litre V6. The turbocharged engine produced 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, requiring premium fuel for optimal performance. It had a towing capacity of 907 kilograms and a fuel consumption rating of 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres. The V6 engine, standard on the Execline trim, delivered 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. However, its acceleration was leisurely, and the engine's design felt outdated. The Atlas featured various driving modes and an AWD system with Active Control calibrations, but its ride quality was mixed, with a busy ride on rough surfaces and noticeable road noise.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine choices: a 5.3-litre V8, a 6.2-litre V8, and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel inline-six. The 5.3-litre V8 produced 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, while the 6.2-litre V8 delivered 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The turbodiesel engine offered 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, providing excellent fuel efficiency. The Suburban's 6.2-litre V8, paired with Magnetic Ride Control, offered effortless power and acceleration, making it well-suited for towing. The Suburban's maximum towing capacity was 3,765 kilograms. The independent rear suspension improved ride and handling, while the 10-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space and comfort, seating seven people with ample head and legroom, even in the third row. The low step-in height made entry and exit easy, and the rear side-window sunshades added convenience. The Atlas offered generous cargo space, with 583 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,741 litres with the second and third rows folded. However, unlined storage areas caused items to rattle and slide around, creating unwanted noise.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban boasted impressive space for passengers and cargo, accommodating up to nine occupants with the optional front-row bench seat. The third row was spacious and accessible, and the Suburban offered 1,175 litres of cargo space behind it, expanding to 4,097 litres with the rear seats folded. The power-sliding centre console and hidden storage drawer added practicality. However, the Suburban's size made it challenging to maneuver and park in tight spaces, and its height could be an issue for some garages. The switch to electronic push-button transmission controls required adjustment for those used to a column-mounted shifter.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came equipped with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, featuring an 8-inch display that expanded to 10.25 inches on higher trims. The Trendline trim had a basic 6.5-inch touchscreen, while other trims featured the MIB3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Car-Net connected services. The Execline trim included a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system. However, the infotainment system's user experience was lacking, with slow loading times and cumbersome navigation controls.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered a wealth of technology features, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster standard on LT and above. Google built-in, including Google Maps and Google Assistant, was also standard on these trims. The Infotainment 3 System with an 8-inch touchscreen was standard on the LS, while the LT and above featured a 10.2-inch system with Google built-in. Wireless device charging and a WiFi hotspot were standard on LT and above. The Suburban's audio system ranged from a basic six-speaker setup to a premium Bose 10-speaker system on higher trims.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a comprehensive list of safety features, including automatic post-collision braking, Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and an adaptive front lighting system. However, the Lane Assist system had issues with old construction markings, and the inability to easily disable it was a drawback. The Atlas received decent crash-test ratings but did not earn a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban came with the Chevy Safety Assist suite, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and pedestrian braking. Additional features included lane-keeping assistance, lane-departure warning, and a head-up display. The Safety Alert Seat provided tactile feedback for potential hazards. The Suburban received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for front crash protection and five stars for side crash protection.