2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried over with minor modifications from its 2021 model, simplifying its lineup to six configurations: SE, SE with Technology, SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL R-Line Black, and SEL Premium R-Line. Most models came with more standard features than the previous year. Pricing ranged from $34,355 to $51,505, plus a $1,195 destination charge. The SEL Premium R-Line trim, with additional features like 21-inch wheels and Aurora Red paint, brought the price to $53,790. The interior design was simple yet premium, but the use of low-cost materials and hard plastics was disappointing for a vehicle in this price range.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, priced from $33,700 to $53,400 plus a $1,195 destination charge, received a light restyle with new headlights, taillights, and grille designs. The RS trim, positioned above LS and LT but below Premier and High Country, featured blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels. The Traverse's design was appealing, with crisp lines and tasteful details. The interior of the RS trim included black leather upholstery with contrast stitching and gloss black trim, but the extensive use of hard plastics, especially on the upper door panels, was a drawback. The layout was simple and logical, with easy-to-use controls.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The turbo-four engine had a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds and an EPA fuel economy rating of 22-23 mpg combined, but required premium fuel. The V6 engine, standard on higher trims, could tow up to 5,000 pounds but had a lower fuel economy rating of 19-20 mpg combined. The Atlas featured various driving modes and an Active Control system for different conditions. However, the V6 engine lacked power and refinement, and the ride quality was affected by the 21-inch wheels and low-profile tires.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came with a single engine option: a 3.6-liter V6 producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse had a tow rating of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped and offered driving modes for different conditions, including Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road. The V6 engine provided adequate power for the Traverse's size, and the official EPA fuel economy rating for the AWD model was 20 mpg combined. The Traverse offered a firm yet compliant ride in town and performed well on the highway, though road and wind noise were noticeable. In the mountains, the Traverse felt athletic, with good steering and braking performance, but the all-season tires and soft suspension limited its handling on undulating pavement.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas featured V-Tex leatherette seating, heated front seats, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat as standard. Higher trims added tri-zone automatic climate control, ambient cabin lighting, a panoramic sunroof, genuine leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats. The Atlas offered a roomy interior with comfortable seats for up to seven passengers, including adults in the third row. Cargo space was exceptional, with 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 55.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 96.8 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, in RS, Premier, and High Country trims, featured captain’s chairs in the second row, reducing seating capacity to seven. The RS trim included power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The second-row Smart Slide function and long rear doors made accessing the third row easier. The Traverse offered generous legroom and headroom in the second row, but the captain’s chairs lacked leg support. The third row was less comfortable than the Atlas but better than many rivals. Cargo space was ample, with 23 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 98.2 cubic feet with both rows folded.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came standard with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, featuring an 8-inch display on lower trims and a 10.25-inch display on higher trims. The SE trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB ports. Higher trims featured the MIB3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, SiriusXM 360L, and Car-Net connected services. The SEL Premium R-Line trim included a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system. However, the infotainment system was slow to load, and the user experience was not as intuitive as it should be.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system on LS and LT Cloth models, while higher trims had an 8-inch high-definition display. The Premier and High Country trims included an 8-inch digital instrumentation panel. The infotainment system offered Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and access to connected services, including a WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch system was available with navigation, SiriusXM 360L, and Alexa Built-in. The RS trim included a Bose premium sound system, but it was not particularly impressive. The voice recognition system was responsive and accurate, making it easy to use.

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, front and rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and Travel Assist. The SEL Premium R-Line trim included a surround-view camera system and Park Assist technology. However, the Lane Assist system had issues with old construction markings and exit ramps, and disabling it while driving was cumbersome. The Atlas received decent crash-test ratings but did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a following-distance indicator. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, high-speed automatic emergency braking, and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Premier and High Country trims featured a vibrating Safety Alert Seat. The Traverse's driving aids were generally accurate and refined, and most could be turned off through the infotainment system. The Traverse received top "Good" ratings in most IIHS collision tests but was rated "Acceptable" in the new side-impact test.