2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey had a familiar look that was slightly modernized with a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and a new gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching the width of the taillights. New wheel designs debuted for the top three trim levels, reducing brightwork and giving the Odyssey a more contemporary appearance. Buyers could choose from five trim levels, with base prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820, excluding destination charges. The test vehicle, a Lunar Silver Metallic Elite trim, featured perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and handsome new 19-inch wheels with Shark Gray paint and machined surfaces, making it closer than ever to being the Acura of minivans.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried over with minor modifications after numerous updates in 2021. The lineup was simplified to SE, SE with Technology, SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL R-Line Black, and SEL Premium R-Line trim levels, with most models gaining more standard features. Pricing ranged from $34,355 to $51,505, plus a $1,195 destination charge. The test vehicle, an SEL Premium R-Line, featured extra-cost Aurora Red paint and second-row captain’s chairs, bringing the price to $53,790. The SEL Premium had standard R-Line design elements, including 21-inch wheels with a machined finish, enhancing the SUV's upscale look. However, the interior, while displaying simplicity with a premium flair, had many low-cost materials, leading to a less satisfying quality feel.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission, producing 280 horsepower. The drivetrain included Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, along with paddle shifters. The V6 engine featured variable cylinder management for fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving, and the test loop averaged 21.8 mpg. The Odyssey lacked all-wheel drive, putting it at a disadvantage in snowy regions. However, it had a new electronic brake booster for improved brake pedal feel and response, and the adaptive cruise control now included stop-and-go low-speed following capability. The Odyssey's ride and handling were pleasurable, with perfectly weighted steering and firm but comfortable ride quality. However, the brakes did not withstand heavy use well, heating up and fading during a Southern California heatwave.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either FWD or 4Motion AWD. The turbo-four had a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds and an EPA rating of 22-23 mpg in combined driving, but required premium fuel for maximum output. The recommended 3.6-liter V6 engine, standard on higher trims, produced 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The V6's fuel economy was 19-20 mpg in combined driving, with a test result of 19.6 mpg. The Atlas offered Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes, and the 4Motion AWD system had Active Control calibrations. The V6 engine lacked power, efficiency, and refinement, leading to dissatisfaction. The Atlas had impressive grip with its 21-inch wheels but transmitted road noise and bumps to the cabin. The ride quality felt softer and more compliant than previous models, but the handling was fundamentally sound.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat was comfortable, with inboard adjustable armrests and, in Elite trim, a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row Magic Slide seats provided versatile seating configurations, and the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults. Cargo space was generous, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 144.9 cubic feet with the second row removed. However, removing and reinstalling the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas had standard V-Tex leatherette seating, heated front seats, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. Higher trims added tri-zone automatic climate control, ambient cabin lighting, an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger’s seat, and a panoramic sunroof. The SEL Premium R-Line trim included genuine leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated second-row seats. The Atlas's roomy interior and comfortable seats accommodated seven people, including adults in the third row. 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 folded. However, many storage areas were unlined, causing items to vibrate and make noise.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, starting with EX trim, featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, text-messaging support, basic HondaLink connectivity, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. Touring trim added navigation, HondaLink subscription service plans, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system, multi-zone listening options, and wireless smartphone charging. The rear-seat entertainment system had a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray disc player, wireless headphones, and built-in streaming apps. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas included the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster as standard, with an 8-inch display expanding to 10.25 inches on higher trims. The SE trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB ports. Higher trims featured the MIB3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and Car-Net connected services with Amazon Alexa integration. The MyVW smartphone app provided access to Car-Net services, roadside assistance, and maintenance scheduling. The SEL Premium R-Line trim had a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system. However, the infotainment system was slow to load, and tuning the radio was cumbersome. The voice-recognition system required a subscription for natural voice recognition capability.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety with standard Honda Sensing on all trims, including low-speed follow capability for adaptive cruise control, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new Honda Sensing menu button. The Odyssey earned top five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating for rollover resistance. The IIHS ratings were expected to carry over, with improvements for the headlights.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered an impressive list of safety features, including automatic post-collision braking, Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, Travel Assist, Emergency Assist, and adaptive front lighting. The Atlas had decent crash-test ratings but did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. The NHTSA gave it four-star ratings for frontal-impact tests.