The 2022 VW Atlas is a feature-rich SUV from the base trim onwards with more focus on practicality and creature comfort. To get a perfect synchronization of features and price, the SE with the Technology package upgrade is the best fit. The features standard on the trim makes it lucrative, and the scope of adding features like a panoramic sunroof and hands-free tailgate along with bigger 20-inch wheels, all for an MSRP of $37,645, makes the deal sweeter.

The 2022 Atlas will be offered in six trim levels - SE, SE w/ Technology, SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL R-Line Black, and SEL Premium R-Line - with three optional packages on offer including the Tech Package, the Premium Package, and the R-Line Package, all of which add various features and styling elements. The price range of the SUV starts from $33,475 and goes up to $50,645 for the top-end SEL Premium R-Line trim. The price will increase once you opt for optional packages.

The SE trim can be bought with the Technology package for $2,000 more, which adds a lot more features. The more powerful 3.6L V6 engine is available as an option on the SE trim with Technology package, SEL, and SEL with Premium package for around $3,500 more. The R-Line packages available with the SE, SEL, and SEL Premium trims add several visual upgrades like special badging, blackened trims, and large 21-inch dual-tone alloy wheels. All trims can be upgraded with the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system for $1,900 more.

The Atlas' driving dynamics fell to the wayside. It's down on power compared to its competitors, and its transmission tuning leaves a lot to be desired - Motortrend

The Volkswagen Atlas will continue to get two engine options, a 2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 engine producing 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque and a 3.6L V6 engine producing slightly more power at 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, which is available as an option. Both engine options are paired to a slick-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission, sending power to the front wheels. The optional 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is available on all trim levels.

The 2.0L turbocharged engine propels from 0-60 MPH in 7.8 seconds and passes the quarter-mile in 16 seconds. The optional V6 engine cuts that time by 0.5 seconds and reaches the quarter-mile in 15.5 seconds. The Volkswagen Atlas offers a balanced and comfortable ride without compromising on handling dynamics. The steering is communicative, and the midsize SUV handles gracefully around corners.

Unsurprisingly, with the most powerful engine, the Ford Explorer is one of the fastest of the bunch, reaching 60 MPH in just 6.8 seconds, followed by the Kia Telluride which takes 7.2 seconds. Both the Volkswagen Atlas and Kia Telluride are comparatively slower, taking more than 7 seconds to reach 60 MPH. When comparing the price, the Kia Telluride turns out to be the most expensive, albeit with a slight difference from the Volkswagen Atlas.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas model will continue to get the 2.0L TFSI engine as standard, which offers a decent economy with 20 MPG in the city, 24 MPG on the highways, and 22 MPG combined. The more powerful V6 engine is rated at 18 MPG in the city, 24 MPG on the highway, and 18 MPG combined, which is significantly lower than the base engine. Unfortunately, the Atlas doesn’t come with a hybrid powertrain, but we can expect one in the coming years. With an 18.6-gallon tank capacity, the Atlas offers an impressive range of 446 miles on the highway.

The Ford Explorer continues to impress with a combined rating of 24 MPG, which is best in class, despite producing 300 hp. Even with larger capacity V6 engines, both the Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot are more efficient than the Atlas with a combined rating of 23 MPG compared to 22 MPG on the Atlas. When comparing the overall range, Honda offers the most at 526 miles on highways.

The Tennessee-built Atlas offers plenty of space, a nice balance of ride and comfort and road feel, and easy-to-use tech features - Edmunds

With minimal changes expected, the 2022 Atlas model will continue to get the same interiors and features, but with improvements of course. Like most Volkswagens, the interiors are well built and have an elegant design. All the controls are ergonomically placed and easy to reach and get used to. The Atlas gets one of the most practical cabins in its class, with plenty of cup holders to hold drinks and comfortable seating for adults, even in the third row.

The ergonomics are spot-on, and finding a comfortable driving position is an easy affair. Adding to the practicality are plenty of well-placed storage spaces around the cabin. With both rows folded, the Atlas offers enough cargo space to move a house. Moreover, for 2022, the Volkswagen Atlas now gets an updated 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster. Whereas, the SE w/ Technology trim now gets an added USB-C ports even in the third row.

Some notable infotainment features are:

• 6.5 or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Volkswagen digital cockpit
• Apple Carplay and Android Auto
• SiriusXM satellite radio
• Wi-Fi hotspot
• 6 or 8 speaker sound system
• 3-zone climate control
• Ambient lighting

The 2022 Atlas model will continue to get the same handsome design as the previous model year. With the 2021 refresh, the Atlas received a refreshed design at the front and rear. With an attractive three-bar grille, revised LED headlights, and a body kit on the R-Line models, the Atlas continues to be a looker. The updates have also made the Atlas 3 inches longer, which is taken up by the redesigned front and rear end.

The Volkswagen Atlas gets a rigged and boxy design with a prominent body line connecting the headlights and taillights. The bigger alloys on the R-Line and SEL trims improve the look significantly. For 2022, the Volkswagen Atlas R-Line Black package now brings about black 20-inch wheels, along with the latest R-Line styling elements. When comparing the curb weight, Kia Telluride turns out to be the heaviest option in the competition.

Some notable exterior features are:

• LED headlights and taillights
• New three-bar grille
• Panoramic sunroof
• Silver roof-rails
• 21-inch two-tone alloy wheels
• Automatic headlights
• Rain sensing wipers
• Power-folding heated mirrors

The Volkswagen Atlas continues to be one of the safest SUVs in its segment with a full 5-star rating in the NHTSA tests and a “Good” overall rating in the IIHS tests. Unfortunately, the Volkswagen Atlas misses out on the “Top Safety Pick'' award which was bagged by some of its rivals. Because the 2022 Atlas is a carryover model, we can expect similar safety ratings. The frontal crash prevention system received a superior rating, while the headlights received a good rating on the higher trim levels. Many standard active and passive safety features are part of the SUV. Along with the standard 6 airbags in place, the 2022 Atlas also gets Volkswagen's Intelligent Crash Response system to keep the occupants inside safe in any off-chance of a collision.

Standard advanced safety features available with the SUV are:

• Forward collision warning
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Pedestrian monitoring
• Blind-spot monitor
• Rear traffic alert
• Rearview camera
• Tire pressure monitoring

2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2022 Kia Telluride

Both the Atlas and Telluride get similar cabin and cargo space dimensions. The Telluride gets a more powerful and more efficient V6 engine compared to the VW’s Inline-4 engine. But when comparing apples to apples, the V6 on the Atlas is quick on its feet and delivers its output smoother than the Telluride. Also, the driving experience on the German contemporary is better due to a well-insulated cabin and perfectly tuned suspension settings. The cabin quality of both SUVs is similar. The Kia Telluride can also seat one extra occupant, thanks to the second-row bench seat. 

2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2022 Honda Pilot

Like the Telluride, the Honda Pilot also gets a more powerful V6 engine, which is more fuel-efficient than the Atlas’s. The 2022 Pilot is expected to receive some major updates which will make it triumphant over the Atlas, but for now, both the SUVs are very similar in terms of performance and overall build quality inside. The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas also gets a bigger trunk to fit in more cargo.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas will continue to be one of the most practical and comfortable SUVs in its segment. It’ll come with plenty of unique driver-assistance features like traffic jam assist and road sign detection and make them available at a comparatively affordable price point. Plus, Volkswagen has made the SUV even more worthy of the price-tag, by equipping it with the latest features, and by introducing a new trim on board. If you’re looking for a practical and feature-rich SUV for hauling the family, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas will be an excellent choice.