2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a new addition to the Jeep lineup, distinct from the existing Grand Cherokee. It was an extended-length version of the upcoming 2022 Grand Cherokee, featuring a third-row seat and increased cargo volume. Despite the potential confusion of its model year designation, the Grand Cherokee L was expected to sell well due to its appealing styling, reminiscent of the more expensive Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models. The SUV's design was unmistakably Jeep, with its signature seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and familiar lighting arrangements. Available in various trims, from Laredo to Summit Reserve, the Grand Cherokee L offered a range of prices and features, with the Summit trim showcasing luxurious touches like quilted leather and real wood trim, though some interior materials fell short of expectations.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas, following significant updates in 2021, carried over with minor modifications and a simplified lineup. The Atlas was available in several trims, including the new SEL R-Line Black, with prices ranging from $34,355 to $51,505, plus a destination charge. The SEL Premium R-Line trim featured R-Line design elements, including 21-inch wheels that enhanced its upscale appearance. The Atlas's interior was praised for its simplicity and premium flair, though some materials were criticized for their low-cost feel. Despite these shortcomings, the Atlas offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with ample room for passengers and cargo, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered rear-wheel drive or a choice of three 4WD systems, with a maximum tow rating of 6,200 pounds and an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in combined driving. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, available only with certain trims and 4WD, delivered 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds but reducing fuel economy to 17 mpg combined. The V6 engine provided brisk acceleration, though it was loud when revved, and the transmission sometimes resisted downshifts to improve fuel economy. The Grand Cherokee L featured various driving modes, including Sport and Selec-Terrain off-road modes, and its Quadra-Lift suspension offered up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance. The SUV's handling was capable, with a smooth ride and secure on-center steering feel, though it could feel soft over uneven pavement.

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 front-wheel drive or 4Motion all-wheel drive. The turbo-four's maximum towing capacity was 2,000 pounds, with an EPA fuel economy rating of 22 to 23 mpg combined. The optional 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 and fuel economy estimates of 19 to 20 mpg combined. The V6 engine was criticized for its lack of power, efficiency, and refinement, though it got the job done. The Atlas offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual, and its 4Motion AWD system could decouple the rear wheels to maximize fuel economy. The Atlas's handling was sound, with capable steering and brakes, though its ride quality was sometimes busy and noisy.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered comfort with features like heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a four-zone automatic climate control system. However, the dashboard vents were too small, making it difficult to cool the cabin quickly. The Grand Cherokee L's second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and comfort, with manual side window sunshades for added convenience. The third row was surprisingly comfortable for all but the tallest adults, and the SUV offered practical storage solutions, though front-seat storage was limited. Cargo space was competitive, with 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.6 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas boasted a roomy interior with comfortable seats, accommodating up to seven passengers, even in the third row. The Atlas's low step-in height made it easy to enter and exit, and rear side-window sunshades helped keep sunlight out of passengers' eyes. The SUV offered numerous storage areas, though many were unlined, leading to unwanted 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 both rear rows down, surpassing many competitors.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering faster response times and an improved user experience. Available with 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreens, the system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and connected services. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh audio system provided excellent sound quality, though its logo clashed with the interior design. Additional features included a digital instrumentation panel, digital rearview mirror, night vision system, and Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came standard with the Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, with an 8-inch display on lower trims and a 10.25-inch display on higher trims. The Atlas SE featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen with basic infotainment features, while higher trims offered the MIB3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connected services. The MyVW smartphone app provided access to Car-Net services, and the SEL Premium R-Line trim included a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system. However, the infotainment system's user experience was criticized for its slow loading times and cumbersome controls.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, a hands-on driving-assistance system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. While effective, the system's steering assist felt artificial, and lane changes were overly responsive. Intersection Collision Assist, standard on Summit models, detected threats at intersections and applied brakes if necessary. The Grand Cherokee L offered a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and collision avoidance technologies, though crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a robust 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, and the full collection of IQ Drive safety features, including Lane Assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. The Atlas SEL also featured brighter LED headlights and an adaptive front lighting system. However, the Lane Assist technology struggled with old construction markings, and crash-test ratings were decent but not class-leading.