2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from the brand's earlier boxy designs, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while stepping into the luxury class. After Volvo's acquisition by Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the company developed new platforms, leading to the current XC90, which launched in 2016 as the flagship SUV on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform. The XC90's design was sleek and athletic, with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches, complemented by the distinctive "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights. Inside, the XC90 offered a "Scandinavian Modern" aesthetic with natural wood and metal trim, and options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery, providing a luxurious and comfortable environment.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas, following significant updates in 2021, carried over with minor modifications. It was available in four trims in Canada: Trendline, Comfortline, Highline, and Execline. The Execline trim featured R-Line design elements and 21-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its bold, boxy appearance. The interior was simple yet premium, though some materials felt low-cost, with hard plastics detracting from the overall quality. Despite this, the Atlas offered a spacious and comfortable cabin, with ample room for seven passengers and numerous storage areas. The ride quality was generally comfortable, though the large wheels and tires could transmit road imperfections into the cabin.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, and the Recharge plug-in hybrid combining gasoline and electric power for a total of 455 hp and 523 lb-ft. All models featured all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Fuel efficiency varied, with the T5 achieving 10.1 L/100 km combined, the T6 at 10.8 L/100 km, and the Recharge offering 8.8 L/100 km in hybrid mode. The XC90 provided a smooth and controlled driving experience, with minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, particularly in the Recharge model.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came with a standard turbocharged 2.0-litre engine in the Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline trims, producing 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The V6 engine, optional on Comfortline and Highline and standard on Execline, delivered 276 hp and 266 lb-ft, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kg. The V6's performance was adequate but lacked refinement, with a fuel consumption rating of 12.2 L/100 km combined. The Atlas offered various driving modes and an Active Control system for different conditions, though its ride quality could be busy on rough surfaces, and the handling was less refined than some competitors.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was available in six- or seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold of the second row. While the third row was suitable for children, adults would find it cramped. The XC90 offered 357 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,855 litres with the second and third rows folded. Towing capacity reached up to 2,250 kg. The interior was spacious and airy, with ample storage and a standard panoramic moonroof, providing a comfortable environment for family travel.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space, comfortably seating seven adults with ample head and legroom, even in the third row. The low step-in height made entry and exit easy, and the cabin featured numerous storage areas, though many were unlined, leading to noise from items sliding around. Cargo space was generous, with 583 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,741 litres with all rear seats folded. The Atlas's practicality and comfort made it a standout in its class.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen, offering smartphone-like gestures and Bluetooth functionality. However, the system could be slow and glitchy, performing better with Apple CarPlay. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and optional head-up display enhanced driver awareness. The Advanced package added a 360-degree camera and advanced air cleaner. The XC90 included multiple USB ports for device charging.

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 version on higher trims. The Trendline featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while other trims had the MIB3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity, and Car-Net services. The user experience was mixed, with slow loading times and cumbersome controls. The Execline trim included a 12-speaker Fender audio system, though the embedded navigation and voice recognition systems were less reliable than smartphone integration.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety, featuring blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and Pilot Assist, which combined several safety features for highway driving. The XC90 earned top safety ratings, including the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.

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 system could be overly sensitive, and the Atlas did not achieve top safety ratings from IIHS or NHTSA.