2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX was available in three versions: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. This comparison focused on the gasoline models, specifically the performance-oriented NX 300 F Sport. The NX carried over Lexus's signature design elements, featuring sharp lines and a sculpted exterior similar to the smaller UX and larger RX models. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels. The F Sport variant added sportier touches like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels.

Inside, the NX F Sport boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats with optional Circuit Red interior, alongside traditional color options. The interior materials were of high quality, with a familiar gauge cluster featuring a 4.2-inch multi-information display. However, the design felt outdated compared to competitors with all-digital displays. The center stack, with its elevated climate-control buttons and rare CD player, also showed its age, though it remained functional. The lack of open small-item storage between the driver and passenger was a notable drawback.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas, following significant updates in 2021, saw minor modifications and a simplified lineup for 2022. The Atlas was available in SE, SE with Technology, SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL R-Line Black, and SEL Premium R-Line trims. The SEL Premium R-Line trim, tested here, featured 21-inch wheels and a bold, boxy design. The interior was simple yet premium, though the use of hard, shiny plastics detracted from the overall quality.

The Atlas's interior was spacious and comfortable, with V-Tex leatherette seating, heated front seats, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat as standard. Higher trims added features like tri-zone automatic climate control, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof. The SEL Premium R-Line included genuine leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats. Despite the roomy and comfortable interior, the unlined storage areas caused unwanted noise from items sliding around.

The 2021 Lexus NX 300 and 300 F Sport were powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but less smooth compared to newer eight-, nine-, and ten-speed transmissions. The NX accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in around seven seconds, with the powertrain becoming noisy under hard acceleration. The F Sport model featured Active Sound Control to enhance the engine note electronically.

Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system could transfer up to 50% of torque to the rear axle but lacked individual-wheel torque vectoring. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the AWD model had similar figures but a combined rating of 24 mpg. The NX 300 had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed of 124 mph. The adaptive-suspension system, based on the LC 500 sport coupe, provided a smooth and comfortable ride, though the steering lacked feedback.

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. The turbo-four had a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds and an EPA fuel economy rating of 22-23 mpg combined, but required premium fuel for optimal performance. The optional 3.6-liter V6 engine, standard on higher trims, produced 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. However, the V6's acceleration was leisurely, and its fuel economy was 19-20 mpg combined.

The Atlas featured Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes, with additional Active Control calibrations for the 4Motion AWD system. The AWD system decoupled the rear wheels for better fuel economy and could transfer up to 50% of power to the rear wheels. The Atlas's ride quality was generally comfortable, though the 21-inch wheels and low-profile tires on the SEL Premium R-Line transmitted road imperfections to the cabin. The handling was sound, but the suspension could benefit from adaptive damping for better control on undulating pavement.

The 2021 Lexus NX's interior was upscale and comfortable, with ample room for front and rear passengers. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats offered a 60/40 split-folding configuration. However, the NX's cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space and comfort, seating seven people with ease, including adults in the third row. The step-in height was low, making entry and exit easy. 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 both the second and third rows folded down.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 10.3-inch screen available as part of the Navigation package. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The Navigation package added features like predictive traffic information and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. The standard audio system had eight speakers, with an optional Mark Levinson 14-speaker system available. The Lexus Enform Remote mobile app allowed remote control of various vehicle functions, and a 10-year subscription to Lexus Enform Services Connect was included.

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 Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims featured the MIB3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The Car-Net connected services offered various plans for remote access, safety, and hotspot functionality. The SEL Premium R-Line included a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional safety features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

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, parking sensors, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and Travel Assist. The SEL Premium R-Line included a surround-view camera system and Park Assist technology. However, the Atlas did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and received four-star ratings for frontal-impact tests from the NHTSA.