2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L 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 of the Atlas was a mix of simplicity and premium flair, though it was let down by the use of low-cost materials and hard plastics, which detracted from the overall quality.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, introduced as an all-new model in 2021, was 29 centimetres longer than the standard two-row Grand Cherokee, accommodating third-row seats. Its design was elegant and unmistakably Jeep, with modernized lighting and improved paint finish and panel fit. The Grand Cherokee L was available in various trims, from the base Laredo to the luxurious Summit Reserve, each offering impressive aesthetics. The interior was a highlight, with high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, and Palermo leather seating, providing a luxurious feel akin to a Mercedes. The spacious cabin, even in the third row, and the attention to detail in the interior design made it a standout in its class.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options in Canada: a standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and an optional 3.6-litre V6. The turbocharged engine produced 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, requiring premium fuel for optimal performance. It had a towing capacity of 907 kilograms and a fuel consumption rating of 10.6 L/100 km. The V6 engine, standard on the Execline trim, delivered 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. Despite its power, the V6's performance was considered leisurely, and its fuel consumption was rated at 12.2 L/100 km. The Atlas featured various driving modes and an AWD system with Active Control calibrations, but its ride quality was criticized for being busy and noisy on certain surfaces.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine choices: a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 and a 5.7-litre V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6 engine produced 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, but it was deemed insufficient for the vehicle's weight, resulting in a noisy and coarse driving experience. The V8 engine, available on higher trims, delivered 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, providing a more satisfying performance. The V6's fuel efficiency was rated at 13.0 L/100 km city, 9.4 highway, and 11.3 combined, while the V8 was less efficient. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was praised for its ride composure and steering feel, with an optional air suspension offering adjustable ride heights and improved handling. The vehicle's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its driving modes and air springs, but it was primarily optimized for on-road comfort.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas was lauded for its spacious interior and comfortable seating, accommodating seven passengers with ample head and legroom, even in the third row. The step-in height was low, making entry and exit easy, and the vehicle offered numerous storage areas, though many were unlined, leading to unwanted noise. The Atlas provided exceptional 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.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its simplicity and sleek interface. Physical switches for climate and stereo controls were easy to use, and the vehicle offered ample storage, including a wireless phone charging bin. The Grand Cherokee L provided generous space in all rows, with captain's chairs standard in the second row and a 60/40 split bench available. The panoramic roof and multiple USB ports enhanced comfort, though the air vents were criticized for insufficient airflow, requiring a noisy fan setting.

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 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. Despite its features, the infotainment system was criticized for slow loading times and a cumbersome user experience.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a range of advanced features on upper trims, including massage modes for front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and an Active Driving Assist system. The navigation system integrated with the instrument panel, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind spot monitoring. The Summit trims offered additional features like automatic parking and a rear-facing camera, while the Summit Reserve included a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system.

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 technology was criticized for its inability to ignore old construction markings, and the vehicle's crash-test ratings were not class-leading, with four-star ratings in frontal-impact tests from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review. Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, trailer sway control, and various driver aids. The vehicle's safety equipment was comprehensive, but specific crash-test ratings were unavailable.