2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave was a testament to Buick's journey back to its roots of producing big, shiny, and impressive vehicles. After a period of decline, Buick found its footing by offering globally-sourced and rebadged GM vehicles, but it was the American-made Enclave that truly connected the brand to its past glory. As the largest SUV in Buick's lineup, the Enclave stood out with its elegant design, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille, extra brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir boasted a luxurious interior with soft leather, polished accents, and a minimalist approach to controls, although the wood trim was not genuine. Despite a somewhat fussy electronic transmission shifter, the Enclave's interior was simple and user-friendly.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried over with minor updates from the previous year, offering a simplified lineup with more standard features. The Atlas was big and boxy, with a design that was both appealing and bold, although some wheel choices did not complement its styling. Inside, the Atlas impressed with its spacious and comfortable interior, accommodating seven adults with ease. The materials, however, were crafted to a low-cost point, with hard plastics that detracted from the overall quality. Despite this, the Atlas provided numerous storage areas and a low step-in height, making it practical for families. The ride quality was generally comfortable, though the 21-inch wheels on the SEL Premium R-Line trim transmitted road imperfections to the cabin.

Under the hood, the 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque at 2,800 rpm. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, offered a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The Enclave's acceleration was strong, and it handled like a smaller SUV despite its size. The premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping provided a smooth ride across various driving conditions. The Enclave's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg in combined driving, with a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offered front-wheel drive or 4Motion all-wheel drive. The V6 engine, while capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds, lacked refinement and power compared to competitors. The Atlas offered various driving modes and an Active Control system for different conditions. Fuel economy for the V6 was rated at 19 to 20 mpg in combined driving, with a test result of 19.6 mpg. The Atlas excelled in interior space and maneuverability, but its ride quality was affected by the large wheels and low-profile tires.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering a spacious and quiet cabin for up to seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured luxurious seating with massaging functions, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's third-row seat was comfortable, though not as roomy as the Atlas. Cargo space was generous, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 58 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 97.6 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space, offering comfortable seating for seven adults and a low step-in height. The Atlas SE with Technology added tri-zone climate control, while the SEL trim included ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof. The SEL Premium R-Line trim featured genuine leather upholstery and heated second-row seats. Cargo space was exceptional, with 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 55.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 96.8 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations with quick response times and a user-friendly interface. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, the 8-inch touchscreen was the largest available, and the sound system was not as advanced as competitors. The Enclave offered a rear camera mirror for enhanced visibility.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas featured the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit as standard, with an 8-inch display on most trims and a 10.25-inch display on the SEL trim. The Atlas SE had a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while other trims included the MIB3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Car-Net connected services. The SEL Premium R-Line trim offered a 12-speaker Fender sound system. However, the infotainment system was slow to load, and voice recognition required a subscription for optimal performance.

The 2021 Buick Enclave offered a range of safety features, but many were restricted to higher trims. The Driver Confidence Plus Package included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. Adaptive cruise control was available only on the Avenir trim with an additional package. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, but its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came with a comprehensive list of safety features, including Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. The SEL trim added IQ Drive features like lane-keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control with lane-centering. The Atlas received four-star ratings for frontal-impact tests from the NHTSA and did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.