The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas is one of the few mid-size SUVs you can find in the market today that truly offers a combination of practicality and athletic driving experience. Don’t mistake this tall and boxy SUV for a lazy one as it packs enough punch inside.
2022 Volkswagen Atlas Dashboard
With a number of trim options and a host of optional features on offer, the 2022 Atlas can be configured as per your choice. The prices start from $35,100 and it competes with the likes of 2022 Kia Telluride, 2022 Hyundai Palisade, and 2022 Honda Pilot.
2022 Volkswagen Atlas Interior Design, Dimensions, and Comfort
On the inside, the 2022 Atlas proves to be a classy SUV with some signature Volkswagen design elements. The dashboard design does resemble the older Touareg but has more finesse and refinement to it. The cabin looks exquisite when configured with the optional perforated Vienna leather upholstery. You can also opt for single or dual tone layout along with brushed aluminum and faux wood trim inserts that extend from the dashboard to the front door panels. The center console does look busy with a host of functional buttons, and a pair of cupholders, but the piano black trim with metal accents give it an aesthetic touch. The driver’s seating position is high and since the glass surfaces are large and wide, visibility around the Atlas isn’t an issue. Many of the amenities inside the Atlas change from trim to trim. The base SE trim comes with only the basics and misses out on some features such as automatic climate control and a panoramic sunroof.
2022 Volkswagen Atlas Seat Details
As standard, the front row comes equipped with heated, 8-way power-adjustable driver seat and manual passenger seat wrapped in V-Tex leatherette upholstery. The SEL Premium R-Line trim offers heated and ventilated, 8-way power-adjustable sports seats wrapped in perforated Vienna leather seating surfaces. In the higher trims, you can also configure the seats with contrast stitching which extends to the door panels as well. The second-row seats are arranged in a 60-40 split bench setup and offer enough space for three occupants. But you can also opt for captain’s chairs from SEL and above trims. The windows are large enough to offer a great view, and the optional panoramic sunroof helps to bring in more light and airiness into the cabin. Unlike its smaller sibling, the Atlas Cross Sport, the 2022 Atlas is preferable for those who feel the need for an extra row of seats with decent space for two adults.
Models
2022 Volkswagen Atlas
2022 Kia Telluride
2022 Hyundai Palisade
2022 Honda Pilot
Seating capacity
7
8
8
8
Interior Passenger Volume (ft³)
154
157.1
155.3
151.7
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)
41.3/61.5/41.7
39.5/61.6/41.4
40.7/61.2/44.1
39.5/62/40.9
Second Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)
40.4/60.8/37.6
40.2/59.9/42.4
40.1/60.8/42.4
39.9/62/38.4
Third Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)
38.3/54.9/33.7
38.1/55.3/31.4
37.8/55.2/31.4
38.9/57.6/31.9
The Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade do offer more space on the inside and have some attractive quirks and design elements. But then, the 2022 Atlas offers slightly better third row room. However, it offers seating for only seven people whereas the rest of the rivals offer seating for 8 people as standard.
2022 Volkswagen Atlas Infotainment
The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas also offers some quirky infotainment features that go quite well with its bold and elegant charm. As standard, you get a 6.5-inch touchscreen display unit powered by the MIB3 Discover Media infotainment system. If you need a larger screen, the higher trims do come with an 8-inch touchscreen display. You also get a VW Digital Cockpit -digital driver’s display as standard.
2022 Volkswagen Atlas Infotainment System
Standard Infotainment features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and two USB ports. Apart from the above, you can also get navigation, HD Radio, satellite radio, wireless device charging, and three additional USB ports. For your music needs, you get a 6-speaker audio system but the optional 12-speaker Fender premium surround sound system is highly recommended.
Key Infotainment Features
6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display
8-inch touchscreen infotainment display
MIB3 Discover Media infotainment system
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
6-speaker audio system
SiriusXM 360L
Voice assistant
Dynamic navigation with voice and destination assistance
Wireless charging
Optional 12-speaker Fender premium surround sound system
4G LTE WiFi hotspot
2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cargo Capacity
2022 Volkswagen Atlas might offer less cabin space than some of its rivals on paper but it offers the best cargo capacity in the segment. The standard cargo capacity stands at 20.6 cu-ft.
2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cargo Space
Moreover, folding the third and second-row seats gets you nearly 96.8 cu-ft. of cargo space and the fact that it has a hands free tailgate makes things quite easier.
Models
2022 Volkswagen Atlas
2022 Kia Telluride
2022 Hyundai Palisade
2022 Honda Pilot
Standard Cargo Capacity (ft³)
20.6
21
18
16.5
Maximum Cargo Capacity (ft³)
96.8
87
86.4
83.8
2022 Kia Telluride offers the highest standard cargo space than any of the SUVs in the segment. However, this changes when you fold down both the second and third seats. 2022 Atlas offers the maximum cargo capacity. 2022 Honda Pilot on the other hand offers the smallest cargo capacity in its class. Overall, Atlas is a perfect option for those who need practicality.
Additional Interior Storage Spaces
Atlas also has a host of small storage spaces around its cabin. The dashboard holds an illuminated glove box and you get door bins on all four doors. Moreover, the center console comprises a couple of cupholders, a small storage space in front of the drive select lever, and a storage bin underneath the armrest. On the second row, you’ll be able to find a pair of cupholders integrated with the foldable armrest and seat back pockets behind the front seats. The Atlas also has a pair of cup holders for the third row as well.
2022 Volkswagen Atlas Creature Comforts
The 2022 Atlas does come with a decent list of creature comforts. The base SE trim comes standard with V-Tex synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, power-adjustable driver’s seat, keyless entry, push-button start, automatic climate control and manual liftgate. Moving up the SE with Technology trim gets you tri-zone automatic climate control, hands-free power liftgate and remote start. You can also opt for second-row captain's chairs.
The SEL trim offers even more features like the heated steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, and ambient interior lighting. The SEL R-Line adds some unique interior styling elements. Upgrading to the SEL Premium R-Line gets you Vienna leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats as well.
Verdict
This bold and boxy SUV from the Volkswagen fleet might look minimal on the outside, but on the inside, its cabin speaks for itself. 2022 VW Atlas exudes quality and refinement like any other Volkswagen product. The design elements look less flamboyant and stylish compared to what its rivals have on offer, but with the Atlas, it is all about quality and convenience. Moreover, it offers plenty of cargo space.