Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was crafted by removing the third row from the standard Atlas model, lowering the roofline by nearly 6 centimetres, and shortening the SUV’s length by 13.2 cm. Despite these changes, the wheelbase remained the same, ensuring a spacious interior for five passengers. However, the design adjustments resulted in reduced cargo space, offering 1,141 litres behind the second-row seat and a maximum of 2,203 litres. The Execline trim, with its 21-inch machined-finish wheels, gave the Atlas Cross Sport a bold and upscale appearance, although the base Comfortline trim's 18-inch wheels seemed undersized. The interior offered various appealing colour combinations, but the presence of hard, glossy plastics detracted from the overall quality impression. The Atlas Cross Sport Execline was priced at $56,595 in Canada, slightly less than the standard Atlas Execline.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L, maintained Jeep's design traditions while offering a sportier appearance. Available in multiple trims, including Laredo, Altitude, and Summit Reserve, the Grand Cherokee's prices ranged from $51,545 to $78,040, excluding a $2,095 destination charge. The SUV's design paid homage to the classic 1963 Wagoneer, with a forward-leaning grille and tapered rear roof pillars. Inside, the Grand Cherokee mirrored the Grand Cherokee L, with the Summit Reserve trim offering luxurious features like quilted leather seats and a McIntosh audio system. The gloss black finish on some controls in higher trims was noted for causing reflections, but overall, the Grand Cherokee provided a satisfying blend of style, comfort, and purpose.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and an available 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine, which did not require premium fuel, had a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms, compared to the turbo-four's 907 kilograms. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and VW’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. The V6 engine provided a more energetic feel in the two-row version, although it was noted for its aging design and occasional lack of refinement. The Atlas Cross Sport's suspension was criticized for being too firm at low speeds and too soft at higher speeds, with road noise being more intrusive than expected.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine with 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and a 5.7-litre V8 engine with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The V6 had a towing capacity of 2,812 kilograms, while the V8 could tow up to 3,265 kilograms. Three different 4WD systems were available, with Quadra-Drive II being the most capable for off-roading. The Grand Cherokee's 8-speed automatic transmission was noted for its fiddly dial-style shifter. Fuel consumption estimates ranged from 14.1 L/100 km with the V8 to 11.3 L/100 km with the V6. The Trailhawk trim excelled in off-road conditions, with features like an electronic locking rear differential and Quadra-Lift air suspension. The Grand Cherokee was praised for its nimble and athletic feel, with the V6 being the preferred engine for its efficiency and good acceleration.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its wheelbase and interior dimensions with the larger seven-passenger model, providing ample space for five adults. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated seats, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. A panoramic sunroof added to the spacious feel, while various storage compartments offered practicality, albeit with some rattling due to the lack of lining. The cargo area, though reduced compared to the seven-passenger model, was still accommodating, with deep wells for additional storage.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a comfortable interior for the driver and front passenger, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada. Higher trims added features like ventilated front seats and front seat massagers. Visibility was improved, enhancing driver confidence, especially during off-roading. Rear-seat room was tight for taller passengers, and the Grand Cherokee L was recommended for those needing more legroom. The two-row Grand Cherokee provided 1,067 litres of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 2,004 litres with the seats folded down.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came standard with a digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wireless charging. However, the user experience was sometimes frustrating, with the touchscreen and voice recognition technology being sources of aggravation. The Execline trim included a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system, which was highly praised.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was equipped with the next-generation Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering a significant improvement in responsiveness and over-the-air updates. Most trims featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch screen available as an upgrade. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The Grand Cherokee also offered a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system and a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system. The optional front passenger interactive display allowed the passenger to assist the driver and enjoy their own entertainment options.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included a range of safety features, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and an automatic post-collision braking system. Adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. The Execline trim added a semi-autonomous Park Assist system and a 360-degree camera system. While the Atlas Cross Sport received decent crash-test ratings, it did not earn the highest accolades from safety organizations.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was fortified with advanced driver assistance systems and a structure composed of aluminum and high-strength steel. Standard safety features included blind spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and full-speed forward collision warning. Active Driving Assist provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance, with a hands-free version expected in 2022. The Grand Cherokee's crash-test performance was anticipated to improve over the previous generation.