2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2022 Toyota Venza

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried over with minor modifications from its predecessor, offering 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 appearance. Despite its bold styling, the Atlas's interior was a mix of simplicity and premium flair, though it was let down by low-cost materials and an abundance of hard, shiny plastics. The interior's design was excellent, but the quality of materials was disappointing for an SUV nearing the $60,000 mark.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, reintroduced for the 2021 model year, was built on the TGNA-K platform, shared with several other Toyota and Lexus models. It had a modern exterior design with excellent proportions, featuring a deeply scalloped body side and a prominent tailgate with LED lighting. The Venza's interior was Lexus-like, with an elegant layout and high-quality materials. The layered dash and well-placed touchscreen display added to its appeal. The Venza's design was more suited for urban environments, with its sleek appearance and standard 18-inch alloy wheels.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 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 optional 3.6-litre V6 engine, standard on the Execline trim, produced 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The V6's fuel consumption was 12.2 L/100 km, and while it provided adequate power, it lacked refinement. The Atlas featured various driving modes and an AWD system with Active Control calibrations, but its ride quality was mixed, with a busy ride on certain surfaces.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower. The hybrid system balanced electric and gas drive for efficiency and performance, with AWD provided by the rear electric motors. The Venza offered EV operation for short distances and various drive modes, including Normal, Eco, and Sport. Regenerative braking helped recharge the battery, and the Venza delivered sprightly performance with agile handling. Its hybrid setup was transparent and required no special attention, making it a practical choice for those without access to charging infrastructure.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas boasted a spacious interior with seating for seven, providing ample head and legroom even in the third row. The step-in height was low, making it easy to access, and the test vehicle included rear side-window sunshades. The Atlas offered 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. However, many storage areas were unlined, leading to unwanted noise from items sliding around.

The 2022 Toyota Venza seated five in two rows, with good headroom and legroom in both. The second row had 114.8 cm of hip room, accommodating three adults comfortably. The cabin felt roomy, especially with the available Star Gaze panoramic sunroof. The Venza featured numerous convenience features, including an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, electric parking brake, and ample storage options. The lithium-ion battery pack under the second-row seats had minimal impact on cargo capacity, offering 816 litres behind the second row and 1,560 litres with it folded. The Venza's cabin was designed for quiet travel, with sound-blocking and absorbing materials throughout.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came standard with the 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 more. The Execline trim included a 12-speaker Fender audio system. However, the infotainment system had usability issues, with slow loading times and cumbersome navigation controls.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a hybrid powertrain that required no charging infrastructure, making it convenient for those without access to home charging. The Venza's infotainment system included an eight-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, and multiple USB ports. Higher trims added features like a 12.3-inch touchscreen, JBL audio system, and head-up display. The Venza also included Toyota Connected Services, offering various safety and convenience features. The hybrid system's Predicted Efficient Drive program optimized battery charging based on driving habits, enhancing fuel efficiency.

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 had issues with old construction markings, and the Atlas's crash-test ratings were decent but not class-leading, lacking a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 Toyota Venza came with the Toyota Star Safety System, featuring stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more. It also included eight airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, offering forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and more. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, highlighting its strong safety credentials.