2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 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.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 had a more subtle and less flashy look compared to its competitors. The AMG GLS 63 performance model and the Maybach version offered more visual drama with features like flared wheel arches, a muscular grille, and chrome accents. The interior of the GLS 450 felt luxurious with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were housed together under one piece of glass, providing a sleek and modern look. Overall, the GLS 450’s interior felt appropriate for a luxury SUV, with high-quality materials and a well-thought-out design.

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 paired with 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 5,000 pounds with the VR6 engine and 2,000 pounds with the four-cylinder engine. Fuel economy for the four-cylinder models was rated at 22 mpg combined with FWD and 21 mpg combined with AWD, while the VR6 models were rated at 19 mpg combined with FWD and 18 mpg combined with AWD.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, assisted by Mercedes’ EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. The electric motor could add 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque in short bursts. The GLS 450 had a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic all-wheel drive. The six-cylinder engine provided ample power, and the electric assist was well-integrated. The GLS 450 had a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. However, the air suspension exhibited poor body control, making the ride less comfortable than expected.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas was designed as a family hauler with three rows of seats. It offered 96.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats and 20.6 cubic feet with all seats up. The Atlas 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 and an optional wireless charging pad. The Atlas also had up to 17 cupholders and standard ultrasonic parking sensors.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, with an optional six-seat version featuring second-row captain’s chairs. The second-row seats could slide forward and fold for access to the third row. The GLS offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The GLS had one-touch power-folding second-row and third-row seats and a power tailgate. The air suspension could lower the vehicle for easier loading and unloading. However, the touchscreen was difficult to reach, and the center console had grab handles with no obvious purpose.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas came with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The base S trim level had a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, while other models had an 8-inch screen. Higher trim levels featured Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit with a 10.3-inch reconfigurable digital display. The Atlas was set to receive VW’s new MIBIII infotainment system later in the 2021 model year. The SE with Technology trim had an 8-inch screen, but the displays were plain and text-heavy. A 12-speaker Fender audio system was available on SEL and higher trim levels. The Atlas also had a built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and natural-language voice recognition. A 13-speaker Burmester audio system was standard, and a head-up display was optional. The MBUX system offered multiple input methods, including voice recognition, a touchpad controller, and the touchscreen. The voice recognition system was the easiest to use, while the touchpad controller was too sensitive. The touchscreen and instrument cluster had good-looking graphics, but the navigation system had some issues.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received top ratings in all Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash tests, except for a “marginal” rating for child-seat anchors and mixed headlight ratings. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2020 model a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trim levels offered adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and traffic-jam assist. Later in the model year, the Atlas was set to receive Travel Assist and Emergency Assist on SEL and SEL Premium trim levels.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came with standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view camera system, Crosswind Assist, parking assist, and Pre Safe. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, second-row side airbags, and advanced driver-assistance features like Active Steering Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Trailer Stability Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.