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The Greenest Car of 2024 Isn’t an EV2022 Volkswagen Atlas: Simple Pleasures
What do our experts think of the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas? We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels, and more. Find out our thoughts here.
What’s New for the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas?
For 2022, Volkswagen dropped the S trim altogether. The instrument cluster is now an 8.0-inch display on all models.
For the SE with Technology trim, there are new features such as a standard trailer hitch (V6 equipped models only), third-row USB-C ports, and optional 20-inch black wheels.
For the SEL trims, AWD is standard across the board. The new SEL R-Line Black trim offers black 20-inch wheels for those who want a murdered-out look. The SEL Premium R-Line trim now receives standard 20-inch wheels as well.
While some drivers may not jump up and down at some of the new features and options, others will appreciate Volkswagen’s mission to bring an affordable mid-sized SUV to the American market.
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The Breakdown
Spacious and comfortable 3-row seating
Easy to read 8.0-inch digital screen
Comfortable as an everyday driver
Great affordability
Not as powerful as we would like
Poor fuel economy
A perfect daily driver with a spacious interior
2022 Atlas Specs
- 235 horsepower from base engine
- 258 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 8 available trims
- 20.6 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 96.8 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- 8-inch digital cluster & 6.5-inch infotainment
- NHTSA rating of 5 out of 5 stars
- 4-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty
2022 Volkswagen Atlas Powertrain
It’s no secret that the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas was designed specifically for Americans who aren’t looking for a powerhouse under the hood. However, we found that both engines were certainly sufficient when it comes to getting such a large mid-size SUV up to speed.
The standard engine is a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder. Available on both the SE and SEL trims, this engine puts out 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The 3.6L V6 engine throws down 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard for all trims.
It’s important to keep in mind that FWD is standard on the SE models with the 2.0L inline four-cylinder engine, but AWD is optional and comes standard on the higher-tiered SEL trims.
Sadly, there are no hybrid options for the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas lineup.
However, the ride is very comfortable thanks to the front strut suspension and multi-link rear suspension offering 8.0 inches of ground clearance.
Altogether, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas provides a comfortable ride without a lot of thrills. The acceleration of both engines is adequate enough to get it to highway speeds quickly enough for most daily drivers. While it won’t win any awards on the racetrack, it was never meant to be anything more than an affordable SUV.
The interior is as spacious as we’ve ever seen. While it may seem like a beast to handle, it really isn’t bad around curves. Drivers won’t experience any top-heavy feel while making sharp turns in the Atlas. Also, the brakes and transmission are very smooth and silky with a surprising response for a vehicle of this size.
Towing & Payload
A tow hitch is available on all trims for the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas. However, if you plan on towing, we suggest going with the much more capable 3.6L V6 engine with its ability to tow up to 5,000 lbs.
For drivers who prefer the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder, they can expect to only be able to tow up to 2,000 lbs. With a payload capacity of 1,360 lbs., it will be more than capable of carrying a load of passengers to their destination.
2022 Volkswagen Atlas Fuel Economy & MPG
Perhaps the Achilles heel of the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas is the fuel economy. We were not impressed by the base model’s 21 MPG city/ 25 MPG highway efficiency, nor the 3.6L V8’s 18 MPG city/24 MPG highway efficiency.
And that’s just with the standard FWD…
If you decide to go the AWD route, you can expect those to drop to 18 MPG city/24 MPG highway for the 2.0T four-cylinder and 17 MPG city/23 MPG highway.
Compared to its competitors, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas has the lowest fuel economy in its class.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
The interior is the beauty in this beast. It was designed around the spacious interior, and drivers with families will appreciate it greatly compared to the competition.
While the choice of materials is not as luxurious as others in its class, they certainly do not disappoint. They provide subtle styling to the utilitarian nature that the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas possesses and are not cheap feeling at all.
The SEL trim offers some upgraded interior appointments such as heated leatherette seats, ambient lighting, a powered driver’s seat with memory function, three-zone climate control, and five USB-C ports.
Let’s talk about that space! Behind the third row, drivers get a reasonable 20.6 cubic feet of space. Fold down those third-row seats and that space expands to 55.5 cubic feet. For those who really need to haul their goods, flip down the second row for a total of 96.8 cubic feet.
Perhaps one of the greatest things is that the third-row seating offers plenty of room for adult passengers. This is a big help to those with families, and it puts the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas above even the most luxurious competition – such as the Volvo XC90 – in terms of passenger comfort.
The spacious interior is unfussy and easy to access. This is the strong point of the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas – bar none.
Entertainment & Technology
The standard appointments include an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The digital instrument cluster adds a bit of luxury flare to the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas, while the infotainment system is uncluttered, responsive, and easy to use.
All trims offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, and the voice command functions have been improved over previous models of the Atlas.
The stock sound system is very nice, and the optional Fender 12-speaker system available on upper trims is excellent.
There are also several advanced safety features that add to the technology offerings of the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas. Next, we’ll take a look at those.
Safety Features
With an NHTSA overall crash test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, drivers know that the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas is a top pick for safe driving.
One of the top features is the Volkswagen IQ.Drive driver assistance package. It provides convenient safety and technology to the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas. It’s also standard equipment for every trim.
Drivers can expect to get a rear-view camera that is surprisingly vivid and useful. On top of that, drivers get automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alerts, and blind-spot monitoring.
Adaptive cruise control is available on all trims, and it helps maintain gaps in traffic effectively.
For the SEL trims, drivers can get automatic high beams, traffic jam assist, and lane keeping assist. The lane-keeping assist is particularly useful, yet subtle. No jerky movements here!
2022 Volkswagen Atlas Trims and Pricing
The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas was designed with affordability in mind, and the prices reflect this. Lets’ take a deeper look:
SE – $34,335
This is the base model of the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas. It is an FWD SUV with Volkswagen’s 2.0T inline four-cylinder engine.
Standard features include four-wheel ABS braking, 6.5-inch touchscreen including AM/FM w/USB input, capability for in-vehicle 4G LTE enabled Wi-Fi capability for VW Car-Net services, 6-speaker sound system, Bluetooth connectivity, and App-Connect smartphone integration (w/Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink) via USB.
Standard safety features include Collision Mitigation, Car-Net Emergency SOS, Dual Stage Driver and Passenger Front Airbags, Electronic Stability Control, Airbag Occupancy Sensor, Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning, Power Rear Child Safety Locks, Front Assist Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking, Side Impact Beams, Driveline Traction Control, Side Assist Blind Spot Monitoring, and Dual Stage Driver and Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags.
Not a bad list for a base model!
SE with Technology – $40,405
The SE with Technology trim boasts all of the same standard features and safety as the base model, plus an 8.0-inch infotainment display. It comes with SiriusXM radio. There are also third-row USB ports for those who plan on hauling around a load of passengers.
The engine is the same 2.0T inline four-cylinder as the SE, but this version is AWD.
3.6L V6 SE with Technology – $42,155
This trim offers the same standard safety and technology features as the SE with Technology. The biggest difference here is the 3.6L V6 engine. For those who tow, this may be your next ride.
SEL – $44,105
Stepping up to the SEL trim offers drivers the same standard safety and technology features as the SE with Technology with the 2.0L inline four-cylinder engine. AWD is standard on this version.
One of the biggest differences is the interior. Drivers get heated front seats, optional leatherette upholstery, leatherette door inserts, covered storage, and optional goodies such as automatic windshield wipers.
This trim definitely adds more class to the spacious interior.
3.6L V6 SEL – $45,855
This trim offers the same standard and optional features as the SEL with the addition of the 3.6L V6 engine.
Once again, if you’re going to be towing, this feature is an absolute necessity.
3.6L V6 SEL R-Line – $47,255
The R-Line trims allow drivers to add a racing-themed look to the Atlas. This includes leather-trimmed seats and interior accents. The SEL R-Line includes AWD and the 3.6L V6 engine.
It comes with all standard features of the SEL. The biggest difference is the racing-inspired visual appointments.
3.6L V6 SEL R-Line Black – $47,805
This trim is nearly identical to the 3.6L V6 SEL R-Line with the optional blacked-out wheels and exterior accents. All standard safety and technology features are in there as well.
This trim is for those who are looking for a darker visual vibe from their 2022 Volkswagen Atlas. It will really stand apart from the crowd.
3.6L V6 SEL Premium R-Line – $51,505
Jumping to the Premium R-Line gives drivers the feel of luxury from the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas.
Drivers get all of the standard safety and technology features of the SEL with the addition of 1st and 2nd-row exterior express open/close sliding and tilting glass sunroof, 21″ machined w/painted accents aluminum wheels, Front air conditioning, dual-zone climate control, Rear air conditioning, with separate controls, SiriusXM with 360L AM/FM/HD/Satellite, seek-scan Radio, Vienna leather Seat trim, Navigation system, Park Distance Control w/Park Assist Parking assist functionality. Drivers also get a 12-speaker sound system by Fender.
Automatic windshield wipers are also included standard. If you’re looking to add a more luxurious feel to your commutes, this trim is the way to go. It is the pinnacle of the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas lineup.
Warranties
Volkswagen could have done better in the warranty department. They offer a 4-year/50,000-mile full warranty. The powertrain is covered for 4 years/50,000 miles as well.
The maintenance warranty is two years/20,000 miles with a roadside warranty of three years/36,000 miles.
Volkswagen has a corrosion warranty of 7 years/100,000 miles.
While it is not industry-leading, drivers can at least have some confidence that they are buying a quality-made vehicle.
What we think
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The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas doesn’t try to be anything more than what it is: a roomy SUV with a reasonably affordable price.
For that reason, we have to recommend it to drivers who have families or who like to go on long trips regularly. The space is just too much to waste, and it doesn’t offer enough power to keep red liners satisfied.
We would have liked to have seen more of a power difference between the two engine choices. The numbers simply do not justify the switch unless you are planning on towing.
We would also like to see hybrid or mild-hybrid powertrains to help the poor fuel economy. This would, of course, add to the bottom-line price, but it would certainly be an investment that paid off eventually.
Finally, we would have liked to have seen a better warranty offered on this family-friendly vehicle. Volkswagen is known for quality, but they should at least offer a better powertrain warranty just in case.
Overall, we appreciate the conveniences that are offered in this spacious SUV. The space alone is worth the investment. It doesn’t try to be a luxury vehicle because that is not what its design is all about. It is about getting the driver and a load of cargo or passengers to their destination safely with some added technological goodies to boot. If you’re interested in a 2022 Volkswagen Atlas, be sure to check out some new car incentives.
Happy driving from all of us at carsforsale.com!
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