2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried over with minor modifications from its predecessor, following significant updates in 2021. Available in four trim levels in Canada—Trendline, Comfortline, Highline, and Execline—the Atlas offered a range of features and pricing from $41,595 to $57,695, plus a $1,950 destination charge. The Execline trim, which was the top of the Canadian lineup, featured standard R-Line design elements, including 21-inch alloy wheels that enhanced its upscale appearance. Despite its bold styling, the interior design was a mix of simplicity and premium flair, though the use of low-cost materials and hard plastics was a drawback, especially for an SUV nearing $60,000. The Atlas was spacious and comfortable, but the quality of materials left room for improvement.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, priced from $39,498 plus a $1,900 destination charge, was a practical choice for those seeking a crossover SUV with the utility of a minivan. It featured a light restyle with new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with various appearance packages like the Redline Edition. The RS trim, positioned above the LS, LT, and True North models, offered blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels. The Traverse was praised for its appealing design, with crisp lines and tasteful details. Inside, the RS trim featured black leather upholstery with contrast stitching and gloss black trim, though the use of hard plastics on upper door panels was a downside. The interior layout was logical, with user-friendly controls, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine for the Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline trims, producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine required premium fuel to achieve its power output and had a towing capacity of 907 kilograms. The optional 3.6-litre V6 engine, standard on the Execline trim, delivered 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The Atlas featured an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Motion AWD, with various driving modes and Active Control calibrations. Despite its size, the Atlas's handling was sound, but the V6 engine lacked refinement and power, impacting overall satisfaction. The ride quality was generally comfortable, though the 21-inch wheels transmitted road imperfections to the cabin.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came with a single engine option, a 3.6-litre V6 producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. It had a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms and offered driving modes like Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road. The V6 engine provided adequate power for the Traverse's size, and the official fuel economy rating was 11.8 litres per 100 kilometres, with a test result of 11.3 L/100 km. The Traverse offered a firm yet compliant ride, absorbing smaller road imperfections well. On highways, it provided a comfortable ride, though road and wind noise were noticeable. In mountainous terrain, the Traverse felt athletic, with good steering and braking performance, though the tires and suspension could feel disconnected at higher speeds.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space and comfort, seating seven people with ample head and legroom, even in the third row. The step-in height was low, making entry and exit easy, and the rear side-window sunshades were a thoughtful touch. The Atlas offered generous cargo space, with 583 litres behind the third row, expandable to 1,572 litres with the third row folded, and 2,741 litres with the second row down. However, unlined storage areas caused items to rattle and slide, creating unwanted noise.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, particularly in RS trim, featured power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The second-row captain's chairs reduced seating capacity to seven but offered a wide pass-through for easy third-row access. The Smart Slide function allowed second-row seats to tilt and slide forward, even with a child safety seat installed. The Traverse provided generous legroom and headroom, though the third-row seats were less comfortable than those in the Atlas. Cargo space was ample, with 651 litres behind the third row, 1,637 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,781 litres. The Traverse also featured hidden storage compartments for added convenience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came standard with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, featuring an 8-inch display, expandable to 10.25 inches on higher trims. The Trendline trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen with basic connectivity features, while other trims offered 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 user experience was hindered by slow loading times and cumbersome navigation controls, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable for navigation.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the LS model, with an 8-inch display on higher trims. The system offered Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Premier and High Country trims included an 8-inch digital instrumentation panel. The Traverse's voice recognition system was responsive and accurate, enhancing the user experience. The RS trim's surround-view camera and rear cross-traffic alert system were valuable for parking and maneuvering.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a comprehensive suite 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 a surround-view camera 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 Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse's safety features generally operated with accuracy and refinement, and the ability to deactivate certain features was a plus. The IIHS rated the Traverse Good in most categories, though it received lower ratings for side impact and headlights. NHTSA ratings were not available at the time of review.