2022 Hyundai Palisade vs 2021 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received a styling refresh that included new front and rear bumpers, standard LED headlights and taillights, and a new grille. These changes added 2.4 inches to its length, giving it a more extroverted look compared to the 2020 model. The R-Line trim package added sportier-looking front and rear bumpers and side skirts. Despite these updates, the Atlas still rode on the same MQB platform as before, which is used by most current VW models. The interior of the Atlas took a minimalist approach, with a standard seating configuration of seven seats across three rows. However, the material quality in the mid-level SE with Technology trim was below average, with cheap-feeling plastics and simulated wood and metal trim.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade, which replaced the Santa Fe XL as Hyundai's flagship SUV, presented an elegant and striking exterior design. It featured distinctive lines and shapes, a prominent grille, and a mix of planes and curves highlighted by sculpted wheel arches. The interior was similarly elegant, with high-quality materials and finishes. The second row offered either a roomy bench or captain's chairs, and the third row was spacious enough for two adults for short rides. The fit and finish inside and out were near-luxury levels, making the Palisade a worthy flagship in design and execution.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter VR6 engine rated at 276 hp and 266 lb-ft. Both engines were coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional 4Motion all-wheel drive (AWD). The driving experience with the base 2.0-liter engine and AWD was underwhelming, with adequate acceleration but rough shifts and poor ride quality. The Atlas had a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds with the VR6 engine and 2,000 pounds with the four-cylinder engine. Fuel economy was not impressive, with the four-cylinder engine rated at 22 mpg combined with FWD and the VR6 engine at 19 mpg combined with FWD.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade featured a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine had gasoline direct injection, dual variable valve timing, and was Atkinson-cycle-capable. The Palisade achieved EPA estimates of 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway/22 mpg combined for FWD models and 19 mpg city/24 mpg highway/21 mpg combined for AWD models. The Palisade handled nicely, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension and stabilizer bars. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds with trailer brakes. The V6 engine provided a baritone rumble and quick acceleration, making it suitable for family use.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered 96.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats and 20.6 cubic feet with all seats up. It provided more third-row legroom than most competitors but had the worst second-row legroom in its class. The second-row bench seat was uncomfortable with thin, flat cushions. The Atlas had a tall driving position, but forward visibility was less than optimal. It featured up to five USB ports, an optional wireless charging pad, and up to 17 cupholders. Ultrasonic parking sensors were standard, with low-speed automatic braking and active park assist available on higher trim levels.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade offered comfortable seating and easy access throughout the cabin. It had 18.0 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, 45.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 86.4 cubic feet with both second and third rows folded flat. An underfloor storage compartment added extra space. The Palisade featured a compact shift-by-wire setup for its gear selector, intuitive controls, and a dual-panel sunroof on higher trim levels. The Limited and Calligraphy trims included luxury features like rain-sensing windshield wipers, heated and ventilated front seats, premium Nappa leather upholstery, and a hands-free liftgate.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas came with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone compatibility. The base S trim had a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, while other models had an 8-inch screen. Higher trim levels offered Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, a 10.3-inch reconfigurable digital display. The Atlas was set to receive VW’s new MIBIII infotainment system later in the model year, which included multi-phone pairing capability and improved voice recognition. A 12-speaker Fender audio system was available on SEL and higher trims. The Atlas also featured a built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade showcased Hyundai's technological leadership. The standard display audio system on S and SEL models had an 800 x 480 resolution screen, while the Limited and Calligraphy models had a 1920 x 720 color touchscreen and a 630-watt Harman Kardon premium audio system with 12 speakers. The infotainment system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, HD Radio, and satellite radio. The Palisade had multiple USB ports, a Qi wireless charging pad, and a 115-volt power outlet. Higher trims featured a head-up display, Hyundai's Blue Link connected car system, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received top ratings in all IIHS crash tests, except for a "marginal" rating for child-seat anchors and mixed headlight ratings. The 2020 model received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist available on higher trims. The Atlas was set to receive more sophisticated driver aids later in the model year, including Travel Assist and Emergency Assist.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA. It featured seven airbags, three-point seat belts, LATCH anchors, active head restraints, and a comprehensive list of standard active safety and advanced driver assistance features. These included anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, blind-spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. Higher trims offered additional features like ultrasonic rear occupant alert and Highway Driving Assist.