2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried over from its predecessor with only minor modifications, maintaining its appeal with a big and boxy design. It was available in four trim levels in Canada: Trendline, Comfortline, Highline, and Execline. 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 look. However, despite its bold exterior styling, the interior materials were crafted to a low-cost point, with an abundance of hard, shiny plastics that detracted from the overall quality. The interior design was simple yet premium, but the lack of linings in storage areas led to unwanted noise and vibrations.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered a more athletic appearance, thanks to its rear-drive platform, long hood, and rakish roofline. The addition of the ST-Line trim brought a sporty look to the lineup, complementing the existing Timberline trim. The Explorer's cabin, especially in higher trims, displayed a mix of quality and questionable materials, but mostly felt worthy of its price. The floating roof effect, achieved by blacked-out roof pillars, added to its visual appeal. However, the third-row seat was only suitable for children due to the low roofline and limited legroom, making it less accommodating for adults.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and a 3.6-litre V6 engine. The turbocharged engine produced 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, but required premium fuel to achieve these outputs. 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 drivetrain lacked refinement. The Atlas featured various driving modes and an AWD system with Active Control calibrations, but its ride quality was affected by the 21-inch wheels and low-profile tires, leading to a busy ride and road noise.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains, including a turbocharged 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, a hybrid drivetrain, and a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine. The EcoBoost engine produced 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,400 kilograms. The hybrid drivetrain, available on the Limited trim, combined a 3.3-litre V6 engine with an electric motor, delivering 318 horsepower and 322 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The twin-turbo V6 engine, standard on the ST and Platinum trims, generated 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,540 kilograms. The Explorer's ride was robust and capable, with the Timberline trim offering enhanced off-road capabilities. The Explorer felt more engaging to drive than typical midsize SUVs, especially with the sport-tuned ST trim.

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 it easy to enter and exit. The Atlas offered generous cargo space, with 583 litres behind the third row, 1,572 litres with the third row folded, and 2,741 litres with both rear rows folded. However, the unlined storage areas led to unwanted noise. The Atlas featured cloth seats in the Trendline trim, with leatherette and genuine leather upholstery available in higher trims, along with a panoramic sunroof and heated seats.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five people with a second-row bench seat. The third-row seat was best suited for children due to limited legroom and accessibility. Higher trims offered features like triple-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and massaging front seats. The Explorer's cabin lacked practical storage solutions, with limited pockets and cubbies. Cargo space was 528 litres behind the third row, 1,264 litres with the third row folded, and 2,132 litres with both rear rows folded. The hands-free power liftgate added convenience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came standard with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, featuring an 8-inch display that expanded to 10.25 inches in higher trims. The Trendline trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen with last-generation infotainment, while other trims featured the MIB3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Fender audio system. However, the user experience was hindered by slow loading times and a cumbersome interface. Voice recognition was hit-and-miss, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable for navigation.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The larger screen appeared as an afterthought, lacking integration with the dashboard. The Explorer featured FordPass Connect services, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. However, the Sync 3 system lagged behind Ford's newer Sync 4 technology, with limited voice recognition capabilities. The Platinum trim included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0 for autonomous parking.

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 a surround-view camera system. However, the Lane Assist system had issues with old construction markings and exit ramps, and disabling it required navigating through the digital instrumentation menu. The Atlas received decent crash-test ratings but did not earn a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with standard Ford Co-Pilot360 features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The Explorer's safety systems operated smoothly, but the steering wheel sensitivity to the driver's hands was a minor annoyance. The Explorer's semi-autonomous driving tech handled highway conditions well, with no issues on ramps or lane changes.