2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, maintaining its traditional styling while introducing a more modern and characterful appearance. The XC90 retained its recognizable boxy profile and blunt front end, but with softer lines and more chrome detailing, it offered a fresh take on Volvo's conservative image. The distinctive LED headlights with "Thor's Hammer" daytime running lights added a unique touch, enhancing the vehicle's overall aesthetic. Inside, the XC90 embraced Swedish minimalism, featuring high-quality materials and a thoughtfully arranged interior. The matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery provided a natural and luxurious feel, while the Orrefors crystal shifter added a touch of elegance to the otherwise restrained cabin.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried over with minor updates from the previous year, simplifying its lineup and adding more standard features. The Atlas boasted a big and boxy design, with R-Line elements and 21-inch wheels giving it an upscale look. However, the interior materials were crafted to a lower cost point, with hard plastics detracting from the premium feel. Despite this, the Atlas offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with a low step-in height and ample room for seven passengers. The cargo space was exceptional, providing 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 96.8 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Atlas excelled in practicality, making it a strong contender for families seeking a roomy and versatile SUV.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all centered around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model featured a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. The T6 variant added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, with AWD standard. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, or Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric motors for a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. Despite the impressive power figures, the XC90's small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors' six-cylinder or V8 options. The plug-in hybrid's Pure mode was limited to low speeds, with the gasoline engine frequently assisting. However, the XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and offered a quiet cabin and a respectable towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas provided two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a 3.6-liter V6. The turbo-four produced 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, requiring premium fuel for maximum output, and offered a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds. The V6, standard on higher trims, delivered 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Despite its power, the V6's acceleration was leisurely, and its fuel economy was modest at 19-20 mpg combined. The Atlas featured multiple driving modes and an AWD system with Active Control calibrations, enhancing its versatility. However, the ride quality was mixed, with the 21-inch wheels providing grip but transmitting road imperfections to the cabin. The Atlas' handling was sound, but an adaptive-damping suspension option would have improved ride control on uneven surfaces.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered six or seven-seat configurations, with average headroom and legroom across its three rows. The third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. A power moonroof and four-zone climate control enhanced the interior's spacious feel. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats with massage, but storage space was limited. Cargo capacity was 11.2 cubic feet with all seats up, expanding to 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded, placing it near the bottom of the segment.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space, comfortably seating seven adults with a low step-in height. The Atlas offered numerous storage areas, though many were unlined, causing items to rattle. Cargo space was exceptional, with 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 96.8 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Atlas' practicality and comfort made it a standout choice for families.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The system was intuitive, with a portrait-oriented touchscreen that was easy to use. However, the wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and the lack of front USB-C ports was a drawback.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came standard with the Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, with an 8-inch display on higher trims. The SE trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while other trims featured the MIB3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity, and Car-Net services. The user experience was hindered by slow loading times and a cumbersome interface. The Atlas offered a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system on higher trims, but the navigation system was hit-or-miss without the optional Hotspot plan and Speech Plus.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings, with a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS for non-hybrid models and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Pilot Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane centering.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a robust list of safety features, including Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and Emergency Assist. However, the Atlas did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, and its NHTSA frontal-impact ratings were four stars for the driver and front passenger.