2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its rugged and aggressive exterior styling, a testament to its decade-long presence in the market. Despite its age, the GX's design remained coherent, with the massive spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights adding a distinctive touch. However, the interior did not match the modern luxury standards, with wood trim that felt like plastic and an abundance of actual plastic materials. While leather upholstery was standard, the overall interior ambiance felt outdated compared to contemporary luxury SUVs.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a more modern and upscale appearance, especially with the SEL Premium R-Line trim's 21-inch wheels and R-Line design elements. The Atlas's interior was praised for its simplicity and premium flair, although some materials were crafted to a low-cost point, resulting in an abundance of hard, shiny plastics. Despite this, the Atlas provided a spacious and comfortable cabin, with ample room for passengers and a variety of storage options, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample power for initial acceleration, the GX's hefty 5,130-pound weight made higher-speed maneuvers and braking more challenging. The body-on-frame construction contributed to a less refined ride quality, but the GX excelled in off-road capabilities with its Torsen center differential, low-range 4WD, and various driver aids. It boasted a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds, making it a solid choice for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and a 3.6-liter V6 producing 276 horsepower. The V6, while not the most powerful in its class, provided a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The Atlas featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and offered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. While the V6 engine lacked refinement, the Atlas provided a range of driving modes and an adaptive 4Motion AWD system for improved handling. The Atlas's ride quality was generally comfortable, though larger wheels and low-profile tires could transmit road imperfections to the cabin.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics reflected its age, with limited legroom and an awkward steering wheel position. The dashboard design, however, offered excellent outward visibility, and the GX came standard with three rows of seating. While the third row was best suited for children, the GX's cargo space was limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded. The GX's interior was functional but lacked the spaciousness and versatility of more modern SUVs.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space and comfort, accommodating seven passengers with ease. The Atlas offered a low step-in height, making it accessible for all passengers, and provided ample cargo space with up to 96.8 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded. The Atlas's interior was well-equipped with numerous storage areas, though some lacked linings, leading to potential noise from items sliding around. Overall, the Atlas provided a more spacious and practical interior compared to the GX.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on technology, with a basic infotainment system lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. While it offered Bluetooth and Amazon Alexa connectivity, the system's graphics felt outdated. The GX did include analog controls for ease of use, but the overall tech experience was lacking for a luxury SUV.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came equipped with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit and the MIB3 infotainment system, offering features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and a range of connected services. While the user experience had some quirks, such as slow loading times and complex radio tuning, the Atlas provided a more comprehensive and modern tech package compared to the GX.

The 2021 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist. The GX had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered an extensive list of safety features, including Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and a surround-view camera system. While the Atlas had some issues with its Lane Assist technology, it provided a comprehensive suite of safety features. However, it did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, and its frontal-impact ratings from the NHTSA were not class-leading.