2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had become more palatable over time. Initially, the short grille opening and swept-back headlights were points of contention, but after seven years, the Cherokee's proportions seemed more balanced. The exterior appearance varied significantly depending on the trim level. The entry-level Latitude with 17-inch wheels and FWD looked quite basic, while the 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels and painted lower body cladding offered a more refined look. Jeep's knack for maximizing roof utility was evident with the Cherokee's optional panoramic sunroof, which covered the entire top surface. The Cherokee's distinctive design ensured it stood out in a crowded SUV market, bearing a resemblance to the larger Jeep Grand Cherokee, especially from the front.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried over with minor modifications from the previous year, simplifying its lineup to SE, SE with Technology, SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL R-Line Black, and SEL Premium R-Line trims. Pricing ranged from $34,355 to $51,505, plus a $1,195 destination charge. The SEL Premium R-Line trim, with its 21-inch wheels and Aurora Red paint, gave the Atlas an upscale look. The interior design was simple yet premium, though some materials felt cheap for a nearly $54,000 vehicle. The Atlas offered excellent interior space and comfort, but the abundance of hard, shiny plastics detracted from the overall quality. Storage areas needed linings to prevent noise and vibration, and low-gloss coatings on hard surfaces would have improved the perceived quality.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options. The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine produced 180 horsepower, while the 3.2-liter V-6 delivered a more robust 271 hp. The top-tier 2.0-liter GMET4 turbocharged four-cylinder engine generated 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, making it a strong performer. Despite these options, none of the engines provided outstanding acceleration, with 0-60 mph times around 7.2 to 7.4 seconds. All models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, which had proven to be a capable and fuel-efficient choice. The Cherokee's off-road capabilities were notable, especially in the Trailhawk model, which featured Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. However, the availability of FWD versions aimed at keeping prices competitive for rental fleets.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine required premium fuel for optimal performance and had a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds. Fuel economy was rated at 22-23 mpg combined. The 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. However, the V6's performance was lackluster, and fuel economy was lower at 19-20 mpg combined. The Atlas offered various driving modes and an AWD system with Active Control calibrations. Despite its size, the Atlas was easy to maneuver, thanks to its cameras and sensors. The ride quality varied, with the 21-inch wheels providing good grip but transmitting road imperfections to the cabin.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee positioned itself between the smaller Renegade and larger Grand Cherokee, competing with compact crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. However, it fell short in terms of utility, offering only 26 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with them folded, which was less than competitors like the Mazda CX-5 and Ford Escape. The Cherokee provided about 102 cubic feet of passenger volume, making it competitive in that metric. The interior design was simple and businesslike, with trim levels significantly affecting the overall feel. Higher trims like the Trailhawk and Latitude Lux offered more upscale materials and features.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space and comfort, seating seven people comfortably, even in the third row. The step-in height was low, making it easy to enter and exit. Higher trims added features like tri-zone automatic climate control, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof. Genuine leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats were available on the SEL Premium R-Line trim. The Atlas offered numerous storage areas, though many were unlined, causing items to slide around and create noise. 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, surpassing even full-size SUVs like the Nissan Armada.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee featured the Uconnect infotainment system, available with 7-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreens, depending on the trim. The system was user-friendly, with easy access to heated seat controls and climate settings. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were supported, though only via wired connections. The Cherokee also offered a 4G WiFi hotspot and Amazon Alexa integration. Remote start was available, adding convenience in extreme weather conditions. The Uconnect system's consistency across Stellantis brands was a significant advantage for Cherokee buyers.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came standard with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, featuring an 8-inch display on lower trims and a 10.25-inch display on higher trims. The SE trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen with basic infotainment features, while higher trims included the MIB3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and multiple USB ports. Car-Net connected services offered various plans for remote access, safety, and hotspot capabilities. However, the user experience was marred by slow system startup, cumbersome radio tuning, and inconsistent voice recognition. The navigation system was hit-or-miss, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto a better choice for navigation.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee did not earn top safety awards from the IIHS but received "Good" scores in crashworthiness and a G+ score for LATCH ease of use. The headlights received mixed ratings, with upper trims rated "Acceptable" and lower trims "Marginal." The NHTSA gave the Cherokee a four-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included lane departure warning, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was only available on higher trims.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a comprehensive list of safety features, including automatic post-collision braking, Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and Travel Assist. The SEL trim featured brighter LED headlights and an adaptive front lighting system. The Atlas also had a surround-view camera system and Park Assist technology. However, some features, like Lane Assist, had issues with old construction markings and exit ramps. The Atlas received decent crash-test ratings but did not earn a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. The NHTSA gave it four-star ratings for frontal-impact tests.