2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved significantly from its rugged origins, transforming into a symbol of luxury and sophistication. Initially designed as a utilitarian vehicle, it had become a status symbol, offering a range of high-end features such as heated, ventilated, and massaging seats wrapped in premium leather. The Range Rover's design, despite nearing a decade in age, maintained a timeless appeal with its sleek lines and hallmark design cues. Inside, the cabin exuded luxury with its high-contrast, mid-century modern ambiance, although the infotainment system was not as advanced as newer models.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas, while maintaining its boxy and bold exterior, offered a more simplified lineup with increased standard features. The SEL Premium R-Line trim, with its 21-inch wheels and upscale design elements, gave the Atlas a more premium look. Inside, the Atlas boasted a spacious and comfortable interior, accommodating up to seven adults with ease. However, the use of hard plastics detracted from the overall quality feel. The Atlas provided a practical and family-friendly environment, with ample storage and cargo space, making it a versatile choice for larger families.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrain options, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine that delivered 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, provided smooth and rapid acceleration. The Range Rover's 4WD system, with a two-speed transfer case and Terrain Response 2 traction control, ensured its legendary off-road capability. Despite its weight and tall center of gravity, the Range Rover offered a comfortable ride with its adaptive air suspension, although it required a more measured approach on winding roads. The EPA rated its fuel economy at 20 mpg combined, but real-world testing showed an average of 18.5 mpg.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came with a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower, or an optional 3.6-liter V6 engine with 276 horsepower. The V6, while offering a higher towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, lacked refinement and power compared to competitors. The Atlas provided various driving modes and an AWD system with Active Control calibrations, but its ground clearance was modest. The V6's fuel economy was rated at 19-20 mpg combined, aligning with the test result of 19.6 mpg. The Atlas' handling was sound, but its ride quality was affected by the large wheels and low-profile tires, leading to a busy ride on uneven surfaces.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier access, though shorter passengers still found entry challenging. The front seats were luxurious and comfortable, but the second row lacked support and adjustability. Storage space was limited, with a small refrigerated center console and minimal luggage capacity of 25 cubic feet, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet. The Range Rover's cargo area included a suspension kneel function for easier loading.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space and comfort, seating seven adults comfortably with a low step-in height. The Atlas offered numerous storage areas, though many were unlined, leading to noise from items sliding around. Cargo space was exceptional, with 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 96.8 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Atlas provided a practical and spacious environment for families, with easy access to the cargo area via a power tailgate.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system, while functional, was not entirely intuitive and could be distracting while driving. The Range Rover included a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for added convenience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came standard with the Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, with an 8-inch display expanding to 10.25 inches on higher trims. The Atlas SE had a basic 6.5-inch touchscreen, while other trims featured the MIB3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity, and Car-Net connected services. The user experience was hindered by slow system loading and complex navigation controls, but the Atlas offered a comprehensive suite of connected services and a premium sound system on higher trims.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included several of these features, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond.

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, lane-keeping assistance, and a surround-view camera. The Atlas' safety features were generally effective, though Lane Assist occasionally misinterpreted road markings. The Atlas received decent crash-test ratings but did not earn a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS.