Volkswagen Atlas vs Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid emerged as a bold departure from its predecessors, showcasing a dramatic new design that was both longer and wider. Its sharp, angular cues and distinctive grille, which seamlessly integrated with the LED headlights, gave it a futuristic appearance. Despite its striking exterior, there were concerns about the longevity of its styling appeal. The interior of the Tucson Hybrid was spacious and airy, featuring standard heated front seats and a range of tech upgrades in higher trims, such as a 10.25-inch digital driver display and wireless device charging. However, the centre console felt bulkier than necessary, and the hoodless driver information display, while sharp, tended to gather dust.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas maintained a more traditional design with minor updates from the previous year. The Execline trim featured R-Line design elements and 21-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its upscale look. The interior was praised for its simplicity and premium flair, though some materials felt low-cost. The Atlas offered a spacious and comfortable cabin, accommodating seven passengers with ease. However, the abundance of hard, shiny plastics detracted from the overall quality, and the storage areas lacked linings, leading to unwanted noise and vibration.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid impressed with its 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This setup provided a noticeably quicker performance compared to the gas-powered version. The Tucson Hybrid's steering was responsive, and its six-speed automatic transmission managed shifts admirably. The suspension excelled at absorbing road imperfections, maintaining balance through corners. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with ratings of 6.3 L/100 km in the city and 6.6 on the highway. The plug-in hybrid variant offered even greater efficiency with a 2.9 Le/100 km rating and 53 km of all-electric range.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder and a 3.6-litre V6. The turbo engine produced 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque but required premium fuel for optimal performance. The V6, standard on the Execline trim, delivered 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, allowing for a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kg. However, the V6's acceleration was leisurely, and its fuel consumption was higher at 12.2 L/100 km combined. The Atlas featured multiple 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 road noise.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid offered impressive cargo space, with 1,097 litres in the trunk and 2,108 litres with the rear seats folded. It surpassed competitors like the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4 in this regard. The Tucson provided ample front and rear legroom, and the rear seats reclined for added comfort. The cargo floor featured a dual-level system, and the interior boasted numerous storage options, including cupholders and bottle holders.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space, comfortably seating seven passengers with generous head and legroom, even in the third row. The step-in height was low, making entry and exit easy. The Atlas offered 583 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,572 litres with the third row folded and 2,741 litres with the second row down. However, the unlined storage areas led to unwanted noise from items sliding around.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen in higher trims, though it required a wired connection for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The interface relied on touch-capacitive buttons, which could be frustrating to use. However, the Tucson offered plenty of USB ports and a Bose premium audio system in the Ultimate trim.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit as standard, with an 8-inch display expanding to 10.25 inches in higher trims. The Trendline trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while other trims featured the MIB3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity, and Car-Net connected services. The user experience was mixed, with slow loading times and cumbersome radio tuning. The Execline trim included a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot view monitor and remote smart park assist. The Tucson received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas included standard safety features like 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 had issues with old construction markings, and the Atlas did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.