Porsche Macan vs Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2022 Porsche Macan continued to embody the brand's commitment to performance and luxury, maintaining its sleek and athletic design that had evolved subtly since its debut in 2015. The Macan S test vehicle, adorned in Volcano Gray with 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels, showcased Porsche's tradition of graceful aging, with its sloping clamshell hood and rakish roofline. Inside, the Macan drew inspiration from other Porsche models, featuring a left-side ignition switch, a large tachometer, and a flat dashboard. The red leather, gloss black trim, and silver metallic accents contributed to an upscale, sporty ambiance.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a bold and sporty appearance, particularly in the SEL Premium R-Line trim with its 21-inch machined-finish wheels. By removing the third row and lowering the roofline, Volkswagen created a more rakish and compact SUV while maintaining a roomy interior for five passengers. The Pure Gray exterior paired with a Dark Burgundy and Titan Black interior exuded an upscale feel, though the presence of hard, glossy plastics detracted from the overall quality impression. Despite this, the Atlas Cross Sport's design and color combinations conveyed a sense of style and sophistication.

The 2022 Porsche Macan offered a range of powerful engines, with the base model featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 261 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The Macan S, equipped with a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6, delivered 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package. All Macans came with a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission and a fully variable all-wheel-drive system. The Macan S test vehicle, with its optional performance upgrades, provided an exhilarating driving experience, offering precise handling and unyielding grip on challenging roads.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 producing 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The V6, paired with VW's 4Motion AWD system, provided a more satisfying driving experience, especially in the two-row Cross Sport. However, the V6's aging design and occasional lack of refinement were noticeable. The Atlas Cross Sport's suspension struggled with ride quality, feeling too firm at low speeds and too soft at higher speeds. Despite these issues, the SUV excelled on highways, where the ride was more agreeable.

The 2022 Porsche Macan offered a comfortable experience for the driver and front-seat passenger, with optional 14-way power-adjustable seats providing heating and ventilation. However, rear-seat space was limited, especially for taller passengers. The redesigned center console with haptic touch controls added a modern touch, though it required looking away from the road to operate. Cargo space was modest, with 17.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport boasted an exceptionally roomy interior, accommodating five adults comfortably. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats, heated rear seats, and a panoramic sunroof, enhancing the sense of space. Storage options were plentiful, though the lack of lining in storage areas could lead to rattling noises. The cargo area offered ample space, with deep wells for additional storage, despite the reduced capacity compared to the seven-passenger model.

The 2022 Porsche Macan came equipped with a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, known as Porsche Communication Management (PCM). It included wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a navigation system. The user experience was generally intuitive, though the voice recognition system lagged behind competitors. Fortunately, frequently used features like stereo volume and climate controls were separate from the touchscreen, reducing the need for interaction while driving.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport featured the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, with an 8-inch display in the base SE trim and a 10.25-inch version in higher trims. The infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM with 360L, and wireless smartphone charging. While the technology offered comprehensive features, the user experience could be frustrating, particularly with the standard voice recognition system. The 12-speaker Fender premium sound system in the SEL Premium R-Line trim provided excellent audio quality.

The 2022 Porsche Macan included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning as standard safety features. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist. The Macan's safety technologies performed as expected, though it lacked more advanced driving assistance features. Parking assistance options, such as a surround-view camera and Park Assist, were available.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring standard across all trims. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and IQ Drive, which included Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. The Atlas Cross Sport's safety technologies generally performed well, though some features, like Lane Assist, occasionally misinterpreted road markings. The SUV received favorable crash-test ratings, though not the highest accolades from safety organizations.