2022 Subaru Forester vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried over with minor modifications from its predecessor, offering a bold and boxy design that was both appealing and upscale, especially in the Execline trim. This top-tier model featured R-Line design elements, including 21-inch alloy wheels that complemented its exaggerated fenders. However, the interior, while simple and premium in appearance, was let down by low-cost materials, with hard, shiny plastics that detracted from the overall quality. Despite these drawbacks, the Atlas provided a spacious and comfortable cabin, though improvements in material quality were needed to match its nearly $60,000 price tag.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester, particularly in the Wilderness trim, emphasized functionality over form. Its rugged exterior, with protective cladding and a matte-black hood decal, gave it a distinctive look, though not necessarily an attractive one. Inside, the Forester focused on practicality, with a cabin that combined hard and soft surfaces to create a sense of quality and purpose. The interior was equipped with an 8-inch Starlink infotainment system, offering intuitive controls despite the presence of three display screens. Overall, the Forester's design prioritized utility and durability, appealing to those seeking a vehicle capable of handling outdoor adventures.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder and a 3.6-litre V6. The turbocharged engine produced 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, requiring premium fuel for optimal performance. 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 However, its performance was considered leisurely, and the engine's design felt outdated. 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, especially with the 21-inch wheels.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a CVT and AWD drivetrain, with the Wilderness model offering a 25% increase in initial torque supply. The Forester's towing capacity was doubled to 1,360 kilograms in the Wilderness trim. Fuel consumption was rated at 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres, with the test vehicle averaging 9.1 L/100 km. The Forester's engine was adequate at sea level but felt sluggish at higher altitudes. The CVT provided a smooth driving experience, and the Wilderness trim's suspension improvements enhanced its off-road capabilities, making it a compelling choice for adventurous drivers.

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 vehicle offered numerous storage areas, though many were unlined, leading to unwanted noise. Cargo space was exceptional, with 583 litres behind the third row, expandable to 2,741 litres with the second and third rows folded. The Atlas's interior was well-suited for families, with features like rear side-window sunshades and a power liftgate for added convenience.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit due to tall seating hip points. The Wilderness trim featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery and all-weather floor mats, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The Forester's interior offered high comfort levels, with excellent visibility and rear air conditioning vents for passenger comfort. Storage space was decent, with various compartments and cupholders, while cargo space measured 818 litres without the sunroof, expandable to 2,101 litres with the rear seats folded. The Forester's practicality and durability made it a strong contender in the compact SUV segment.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came equipped with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, featuring an 8-inch display that expanded to 10.25 inches in 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 smartphone integration, and Car-Net connected services. Despite its impressive features, the user experience was hindered by slow loading times and a cumbersome interface. The voice recognition system was unreliable, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable for navigation.

The 2022 Subaru Forester included a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen with available navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system. The Wilderness trim included a 180-degree forward-view camera for off-roading. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though a breadcrumb function for navigation would have been beneficial. The voice recognition system was inconsistent, but the overall technology package was satisfactory for most users.

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 advanced lighting systems. However, the Lane Assist technology was prone to false readings, 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 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Forester also offered a rear-seat reminder, blind-spot monitoring, and DriverFocus technology on higher trims. The Forester received a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and was expected to retain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.