Hey guys! Thinking about getting a new SUV? Let’s dive deep into the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas and see if it’s the right fit for you. This family-friendly SUV has a lot to offer, but it’s not perfect for everyone. We'll break down everything from its performance and interior to its tech features and overall value. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Overview of the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas is a mid-size SUV that seats up to seven passengers, making it an excellent choice for larger families or those who frequently carpool. It’s known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and user-friendly technology. VW offers the Atlas in several trim levels, each with its own set of features and options. The Atlas aims to strike a balance between practicality, comfort, and a touch of German engineering.

One of the key highlights of the 2022 Atlas is its roomy cabin. Unlike some other SUVs in its class, the Atlas provides ample space in all three rows, making it suitable for adults to sit comfortably in the back. This is a significant advantage for families with teenagers or those who often travel with adult passengers. The cargo area is also generous, offering plenty of room for luggage, groceries, or sports equipment. With the third row folded down, the Atlas provides even more cargo space, making it a versatile option for various needs. Safety is also a priority, with a suite of standard and available driver-assistance features designed to help prevent accidents and keep you and your passengers safe. These features include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control, among others. The Atlas has also performed well in crash tests, earning good safety ratings from reputable organizations.

Another aspect to consider is the Atlas's overall value proposition. While it may not be the cheapest SUV on the market, it offers a compelling combination of features, space, and comfort for the price. When compared to its competitors, the Atlas often stands out for its spaciousness and user-friendly technology. Of course, the best way to determine if the Atlas is right for you is to take it for a test drive and experience it firsthand. Be sure to compare it to other SUVs in its class to see which one best meets your needs and preferences.

Performance and Handling

Now, let’s talk about performance. The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offers two engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a 3.6-liter V6. The four-cylinder produces 235 horsepower, while the V6 cranks out 276 hp. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine you choose will largely depend on your needs and preferences. The four-cylinder is more fuel-efficient and provides adequate power for most daily driving situations. However, if you frequently tow trailers or carry heavy loads, the V6 might be a better choice due to its increased power and towing capacity. The Atlas provides a smooth and comfortable ride, making it well-suited for long road trips and daily commutes. The suspension does a good job of absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road, providing a pleasant driving experience for both the driver and passengers. The steering is also precise and responsive, giving the driver confidence and control.

When it comes to handling, the 2022 Atlas is generally stable and predictable. It’s not a sporty SUV by any means, but it handles corners and curves with composure. The available all-wheel-drive system provides added traction and stability in slippery conditions, such as rain or snow. This can be a valuable feature for those who live in areas with inclement weather. Fuel economy is another important consideration for many buyers. The four-cylinder engine offers decent fuel economy for its class, while the V6 is a bit less fuel-efficient. Real-world fuel economy will vary depending on driving conditions and habits, so it’s essential to keep that in mind when making your decision. Overall, the Atlas offers a balanced and refined driving experience. It’s not the fastest or most exciting SUV on the market, but it provides a comfortable and capable ride for everyday use.

Interior Comfort and Features

Step inside the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas, and you’ll find a spacious and well-designed interior. The cabin is made with high-quality materials, giving it a premium feel. The seats are comfortable and supportive, making long drives more enjoyable. As mentioned earlier, the Atlas stands out for its spaciousness, particularly in the third row. This is a significant advantage over some of its competitors, which can feel cramped in the back. The Atlas also offers a generous amount of cargo space, allowing you to carry plenty of luggage, groceries, or other items.

The Atlas comes standard with a variety of features, including a user-friendly infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a rearview camera. Higher trim levels offer even more luxurious features, such as leather upholstery, heated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium audio system. These features can enhance the overall comfort and convenience of the Atlas, making it an even more appealing option. The infotainment system is intuitive and easy to use, with a responsive touchscreen display and clear graphics. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car's infotainment system, giving you access to your favorite apps, music, and navigation. The rearview camera provides a clear view of what’s behind the car, making it easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces. Overall, the interior of the Atlas is well-appointed and designed with the comfort and convenience of the driver and passengers in mind.

Technology and Connectivity

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas is packed with technology features designed to keep you connected and entertained on the road. The infotainment system is easy to use and comes with a variety of features, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The standard touchscreen display is responsive and has clear graphics, making it easy to navigate the various menus and options. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car’s infotainment system, giving you access to your favorite apps, music, and navigation. The Wi-Fi hotspot allows you to connect your devices to the internet while on the go, which can be especially useful for long road trips.

In addition to the infotainment system, the Atlas also offers a range of driver-assistance features designed to enhance safety and convenience. These features include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control automatically adjusts the car’s speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, while lane departure warning alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane. Blind-spot monitoring alerts you if there’s a vehicle in your blind spot, making it safer to change lanes. These features can help to reduce the risk of accidents and make driving more relaxing and enjoyable. Higher trim levels of the Atlas offer even more advanced technology features, such as a digital cockpit display and a surround-view camera system. The digital cockpit display replaces the traditional analog gauges with a customizable digital display, providing you with a wealth of information about the car’s performance and systems. The surround-view camera system provides a 360-degree view of the car’s surroundings, making it easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces.

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for Volkswagen, and the 2022 Atlas comes with a comprehensive suite of safety features. Standard features include automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. These features can help prevent accidents and protect you and your passengers in the event of a collision. Automatic emergency braking automatically applies the brakes if it detects an imminent collision, while forward collision warning alerts you if you’re approaching a vehicle too quickly. Blind-spot monitoring alerts you if there’s a vehicle in your blind spot, making it safer to change lanes.

The 2022 Atlas has also performed well in crash tests, earning good safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These ratings indicate that the Atlas is a safe and reliable vehicle that can protect its occupants in the event of a crash. Higher trim levels of the Atlas offer even more advanced safety features, such as lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control. Lane keep assist helps to keep the car centered in its lane, while adaptive cruise control automatically adjusts the car’s speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. These features can help to reduce driver fatigue and make long drives more relaxing and enjoyable. Overall, the Atlas offers a high level of safety and is a great choice for families or anyone who values safety.

Trim Levels and Pricing

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas is available in several trim levels, each with its own set of features and options. The base trim is the SE, which comes standard with a variety of features, including a user-friendly infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a rearview camera. Higher trim levels, such as the SEL and SEL Premium, offer even more luxurious features, such as leather upholstery, heated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium audio system.

The pricing for the 2022 Atlas varies depending on the trim level and options you choose. The base SE trim starts at around $34,000, while the top-of-the-line SEL Premium trim can cost upwards of $50,000. Keep in mind that these prices are estimates and may vary depending on your location and the dealer you’re working with. When considering the price of the Atlas, it’s important to factor in the value you’re getting for your money. The Atlas offers a compelling combination of features, space, and comfort for the price, making it a competitive option in the mid-size SUV segment. Be sure to compare the Atlas to other SUVs in its class to see which one best meets your needs and budget.

Pros and Cons of the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas

To summarize, let's break down the pros and cons of the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas:

Pros:

• Spacious interior with comfortable seating for up to seven passengers.
• User-friendly technology features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Available all-wheel drive for added traction and stability.
• Good safety ratings and a comprehensive suite of safety features.
• Smooth and comfortable ride.

Cons:

• Fuel economy could be better, especially with the V6 engine.
• Some competitors offer more agile handling.
• Base trim level lacks some desirable features.

Final Verdict

So, is the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas the right SUV for you? It really depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a spacious and comfortable SUV with plenty of room for passengers and cargo, the Atlas is definitely worth considering. It offers a smooth ride, user-friendly technology, and a comprehensive suite of safety features. However, if you prioritize fuel economy or agile handling, you might want to explore other options. Ultimately, the best way to decide if the Atlas is right for you is to take it for a test drive and see how it fits your lifestyle.

I hope this review has been helpful in your car-buying journey! Happy driving, folks!