2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe made a statement with its distinctive sound and appearance. It closely resembled a regular Wrangler, with subtle differences like a "4xe" badge and blue accents, along with a power port at the windshield's base. When the battery was charged, the Wrangler 4xe moved silently, except for the pedestrian notification system's whine, which drew attention during a trip to Yosemite National Park. The interior maintained the classic Wrangler look, with blue stitching and PHEV-specific gauges. Despite its rugged simplicity, the Wrangler 4xe offered more soft-touch materials than expected, with functional controls and robust grab handles hinting at its off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas, following updates in 2021, carried over with minor changes and a simplified lineup. The SEL Premium R-Line trim, with its 21-inch wheels and Aurora Red paint, gave the Atlas an upscale appearance. The interior design was simple yet premium, though some materials felt low-cost. The Atlas offered a spacious and comfortable cabin, with ample storage, but the unlined compartments led to unwanted noise. Despite its size, the Atlas was easy to maneuver, thanks to its cameras and sensors, and provided a comfortable ride, though road noise was noticeable.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a 17-kilowatt-hour battery, delivering 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. It offered three powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save, allowing for versatile driving experiences. The Wrangler 4xe could travel an estimated 21 miles on electric power alone, with a total range of 370 miles. During testing, it averaged 19.1 mpg over 757 miles, with 120.9 miles driven on electricity. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its upgraded four-wheel-drive system, making it a versatile choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and a 3.6-liter V6 with 276 horsepower. The V6, though not the most refined, provided a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. The Atlas featured various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual, with additional Active Control settings for the 4Motion AWD system. The Atlas averaged 19.6 mpg during testing, with a comfortable ride and impressive handling, though road noise and ride quality varied depending on the road surface. The Atlas's size and features made it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe's high door sills and lack of side steps made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter passengers. Once inside, the Wrangler offered a classic driving position with clear visibility. Storage was limited due to the center console's design, but rear passengers had access to air vents, USB ports, and a power outlet. Cargo space measured 27.7 cubic feet, with a swing-out tailgate and flip-up rear window adding to its charm. Folding the rear seats expanded the cargo area to 72.4 cubic feet, though storage was limited by the charging cord and sound system components.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space and comfort, seating seven adults comfortably. The low step-in height made access easy, and the Atlas offered numerous storage areas, though unlined compartments caused items to rattle. Cargo space was generous, with 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 96.8 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Atlas's practicality and spaciousness made it a standout choice for families needing ample room for passengers and cargo.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe featured a Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. The system was intuitive but showed signs of aging in terms of responsiveness and graphics. The Wrangler's technological highlights were its PHEV powertrain displays and charging indicators, providing useful information for electric driving.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came equipped with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, offering an 8-inch display that expanded to 10.25 inches in higher trims. The MIB3 infotainment system provided wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with connected services and a Wi-Fi hotspot. However, the user experience was hindered by slow load times and complex navigation controls. The Atlas's technology suite was comprehensive, but the infotainment system's usability could be improved.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered advanced driving assistance systems, including blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Wrangler's safety ratings were mixed, with a four-star frontal-impact rating from NHTSA and a Marginal rating for small-overlap frontal-impact protection from IIHS. The Wrangler's tall center of gravity and narrow side mirrors made the blind-spot warning system a valuable addition.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas boasted an extensive list of safety features, including automatic post-collision braking, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Atlas's IQ Drive safety suite added lane-keeping assistance and emergency assist, among other features. However, the Lane Assist technology occasionally misinterpreted road markings, leading to potential issues. The Atlas received four-star frontal-impact ratings from NHTSA but did not earn a Top Safety Pick from IIHS.