2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried over with minor modifications from the previous year, simplifying its lineup to six trim levels. The SEL Premium R-Line trim, priced at $53,790 with added features, showcased 21-inch wheels that enhanced its upscale look. Despite its bold exterior, the interior materials were somewhat disappointing, with hard, shiny plastics detracting from the overall quality. The Atlas's design was both appealing and practical, but the interior's low-cost materials and lack of refinement were noticeable drawbacks.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Explorer offered a variety of models, including the luxurious King Ranch trim. Priced at $59,880 with additional features, the King Ranch trim included exclusive Del Rio leather seating and a mix of quality materials. The Explorer's design, based on a rear-drive platform, provided a sporty and athletic appearance. However, the interior exhibited a mix of high-quality and questionable materials, reflecting its diverse model lineup. Overall, the Explorer's design was appealing, but the interior quality varied across different trims.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options. The standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produced 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine required premium fuel for maximum output and had a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds. Fuel economy ranged from 22 to 23 mpg in combined driving. The optional 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, was available on higher trims. It had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds but offered a less refined driving experience with fuel economy estimates of 19 to 20 mpg in combined driving.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided three powertrain options. The base turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine generated 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 5,300 pounds and up to 24 mpg in combined driving. The hybrid drivetrain, available on the Limited trim, combined a 3.3-liter V6 engine with an electric motor, producing 318 horsepower and 322 pound-feet of torque. It had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and up to 27 mpg in combined driving. The top-tier twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, standard on the ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims, produced 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 5,600 pounds and up to 21 mpg in combined driving.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space and comfort. With the discontinuation of the base S trim, V-Tex leatherette seating became standard, along with heated front seats and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. Higher trims added features like tri-zone automatic climate control, ambient cabin lighting, and a panoramic sunroof. The Atlas offered exceptional cargo space, 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 rear rows folded. The interior was spacious and comfortable, accommodating seven passengers with ease.

The 2022 Ford Explorer, particularly in the King Ranch trim, provided a comfortable experience for families of four. The King Ranch included features like triple-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. However, the third-row seat was less accommodating for adults. The Explorer offered practical storage solutions, though some areas lacked functionality. Cargo space included 18.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 47.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87.8 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. The Explorer's interior was comfortable but less spacious than the Atlas.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came standard with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, featuring an 8-inch display that expanded to 10.25 inches on higher trims. The SE trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen with last-generation infotainment, while other trims featured the next-generation MIB3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Car-Net connected services. The SEL Premium R-Line included a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system. However, the user experience was hindered by slow loading times and a cumbersome interface.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered two versions of its Sync 3 infotainment system, with either an 8-inch or a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The King Ranch trim included features like FordPass Connect services, wireless smartphone charging, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen premium sound system. However, the Sync 3 system showed its age, with less effective voice recognition and a less intuitive interface compared to newer systems. The Explorer's technology package was comprehensive but in need of an upgrade to Sync 4.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas included a robust list of safety features, such as automatic post-collision braking, Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, and the full collection of IQ Drive safety features, including Lane Assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. However, the Atlas had some issues with the Lane Assist technology and did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. The NHTSA gave it four-star ratings for frontal-impact tests.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for all trims. It came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist. The Explorer's safety features operated smoothly and accurately, though the system occasionally lacked sensitivity to the driver's hands on the steering wheel.