2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried over from its predecessor with only minor modifications, maintaining its appeal with a big and boxy design. It was available in four trim levels in Canada: Trendline, Comfortline, Highline, and Execline. The Execline trim, which was the top of the line, featured standard R-Line design elements, including 21-inch alloy wheels that enhanced its upscale look. However, despite its bold exterior, the interior materials were somewhat disappointing, with an abundance of hard, shiny plastics that detracted from the overall quality. The interior design was simple yet premium, but the lack of refinement in materials was noticeable, especially given the vehicle's price point.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a rugged yet upscale appearance, with five trim levels available in Canada, including the Trailhawk, which was our test vehicle. The Trailhawk was distinguished by its sky blue exterior detailing and matte-black hood decal, along with unique wheels and all-terrain tires. Despite its off-road prowess, the interior fell short of luxury expectations, with an overuse of glossy plastics that attracted dust and fingerprints. The leather and artificial suede upholstery were nice touches, but the overall interior quality leaned more towards style than substance. The controls were not always intuitive, with some being difficult to read or reach while driving.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: 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. However, its performance was considered leisurely, and the engine's design felt outdated.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 mixed, with a busy ride on certain surfaces and noticeable body float on undulating roads.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe combined a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with a 17.3-kWh battery pack and an electric motor, producing a total of 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. It had a towing capacity of 2,720 kilograms and offered impressive off-road capabilities with its 4WD system and Selec-Terrain technology. The Trailhawk trim featured a height-adjustable air suspension and a sway bar disconnect system, providing 27.6 cm of ground clearance. However, the Grand Cherokee 4xe's performance in daily driving was less refined, with uneven power delivery and noticeable body lean in curves. The PHEV offered an estimated 42 km of all-electric range and a fuel consumption rating of 11.7 L/100 km, but real-world testing showed lower electric range and higher fuel consumption.

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 it easy to enter and exit. The Atlas offered generous cargo space, with 583 litres behind the third row, expandable to 2,741 litres with the second and third rows folded. However, many storage areas were unlined, leading to unwanted noise from items sliding around.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, while equipped with comfortable artificial suede and leather seats, fell short in terms of interior space and storage. The front seats were firm and flat, and the second-row seats lacked support and legroom. Cargo space was limited, with 1,067 litres behind the rear seats and a maximum of 2,004 litres with the seats folded, which was small for a midsize SUV.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came standard with the Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, with an 8-inch display on lower trims and a 10.25-inch display on higher trims. The MIB3 infotainment system was available on most trims, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Car-Net connected services. However, the user experience was hindered by a slow-loading system and cumbersome navigation controls.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured up to six screens, including a 10.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 5 technology. It offered wireless smartphone integration, a navigation system, and Jeep Connect services. The user interface was simple, but the low-contrast graphics made it difficult to read. The Trailhawk also had a 10.3-inch passenger infotainment screen, which went unused during testing.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas was equipped with 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 a surround-view camera system. However, the Lane Assist system was prone to false alerts, and the Atlas did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe came with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and other advanced safety features. The Advanced ProTech Group II added intersection collision assist, a surround-view camera, and a Night Vision system. The Grand Cherokee 4xe received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though the latter did not specifically test the 4xe model.