2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2023 Audi Q5

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried forward the significant updates from its 2021 model, with only minor modifications. It was available in four trim levels in Canada: Trendline, Comfortline, Highline, and Execline. The pricing ranged 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. The Atlas's design was big and boxy, with an appealing exterior, though some wheel choices did not complement its bold styling. Inside, the Atlas offered a simple yet premium design, but the use of low-cost materials, such as hard and shiny plastics, detracted from its overall quality.

The 2023 Audi Q5 combined subtle curves with angular accents, resulting in a classy and sporty appearance. It was available in two body styles: the regular Q5 SUV and the Q5 Sportback, which featured a sloping rear roofline. The Sportback's design included a spoiler-like element above the taillights, providing a more defined transition from hatch to tail section. Inside, the Q5's refined layout showed signs of aging since its last redesign five years ago. Standard features included leather seating and heated front seats, with options for a heated steering wheel and rear seats. The Q5's materials were of good quality, but as non-luxury manufacturers improved, the Q5 felt less special. Rear-seat passengers were surrounded by durable plastic elements, suitable for families with children and pets.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine for the Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline trims, producing 235 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque at 1,600 rpm. This engine required premium fuel to achieve these outputs and was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Motion all-wheel drive (AWD). The turbo-four's towing capacity was limited to 907 kilograms, with a fuel consumption rating of 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres. The optional 3.6-litre V6 engine, standard on the Execline trim, delivered 276 hp at 6,200 rpm and 266 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. It could tow up to 2,268 kilograms but had a higher fuel consumption estimate of 12.2 L/100 km. The Atlas featured various driving modes and Active Control calibrations, enhancing its versatility. However, the V6 engine's lack of power, efficiency, and refinement led to dissatisfaction, and the Atlas's ride quality was affected by its suspension tuning.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine choices. The base 40 TFSI quattro was a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The midrange 45 TFSI quattro increased output to 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, available with the Q5 Sportback. The 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid powertrain produced 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an estimated 37 kilometres of electric-only range. All Q5s featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro AWD. The Q5 Sportback with the 45 TFSI engine experienced a delay in power delivery, affecting initial acceleration. However, once underway, power was adequate. The Q5's handling was sporty, with precise steering and a balance between compliance and cornering. The engine and exhaust remained quiet, contributing to a calm cabin environment.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a spacious and comfortable interior, 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 featured numerous storage areas, though many were unlined, causing items to vibrate and create noise. Cargo space was exceptional, 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 2023 Audi Q5's interior design remained largely unchanged since 2018 but was still functional. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned for easy viewing, with traditional dials and buttons for climate controls. Visibility was good, aided by a narrow front roof pillar. The Q5 provided ample space for taller passengers, with minimal headroom reduction in the Sportback model. Storage options were available, though some were oddly sized. The Q5 offered 730 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, slightly reduced to 700 litres in the Sportback.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas featured the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster as standard, with an 8-inch display on lower trims and a 10.25-inch display on 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 more. The user experience was hindered by slow loading times and cumbersome controls. The MyVW smartphone app provided access to Car-Net services, and the Execline trim included a 12-speaker Fender audio system.

The 2023 Audi Q5 came standard with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, along with Bluetooth and SiriusXM satellite radio. Higher trims featured a Bang & Olufsen audio system. The Q5's infotainment system had large on-screen buttons for easy operation, though Apple CarPlay's app buttons were smaller. Audi Connect Care allowed remote monitoring and control via a smartphone app, with a Wi-Fi hotspot included.

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 advanced lighting systems. However, the Lane Assist technology had issues with old construction markings, and crash-test ratings were decent but not class-leading. The Atlas did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and received four-star ratings in frontal-impact tests from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Audi Q5 received five stars from the NHTSA for overall, frontal, and side protection, with four stars in rollover tests. The IIHS awarded the Q5 a Top Safety Pick+ rating. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added lane-keep assist, a surround-view camera system, and advanced lighting. The Technik trim offered additional features like a head-up display and semi-automated park assist.