2022 Honda Odyssey vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was a top recommendation for families due to its practical design and features. Its sliding side doors made loading toddlers into rear-facing seats a breeze, and the comfortable third-row seat accommodated additional passengers like grandparents or carpool kids with ease. The Odyssey also boasted significant cargo space, rivaling that of a Chevrolet Suburban when the third-row seat was folded and the second-row seats were removed. Despite its practical advantages, the minivan's image deterred some buyers, though the 2022 model had a stylish touch, especially in the Elite trim with dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, on the other hand, was a sportier, more stylish version of the standard Atlas. By removing the third row, lowering the roofline, and shortening the length, Volkswagen created a bold and upscale SUV. The SEL Premium R-Line trim, with its 21-inch machined-finish wheels, emphasized the vehicle's broad-shouldered stance. However, the interior had some hard, glossy plastics that detracted from the overall quality feel. Despite this, the Atlas Cross Sport offered a spacious and comfortable interior, making it a practical choice for families of four or five.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It was front-wheel drive only, with no all-wheel-drive or hybrid options available. The Odyssey had an EPA fuel economy estimate of 22 mpg in combined driving. During a test drive in Southern California, the Odyssey averaged 22.6 mpg. While the Odyssey was enjoyable to drive, with quick acceleration and responsive handling, its brakes tended to heat up and produce pedal vibration and noise during extended downhill driving.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The V6, which did not require premium fuel, had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds compared to the turbo-four's 2,000 pounds. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive was available. The V6 engine felt more energetic in the two-row Cross Sport, though it averaged just 19.2 mpg during testing. The ride quality varied, with the suspension feeling too firm at low speeds and too soft at higher speeds, leading to a less refined driving experience.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey offered easy access with wide-opening doors and a lower ride height. Inside, the Odyssey Elite featured quality leather seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, and numerous storage spaces. The second-row Magic Slide seats allowed for flexible configurations, making it easier to tend to children or create a pass-through to the third row. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the cargo space behind it was generous at 32.8 cubic feet. Folding the third-row seat increased cargo space to 88.8 cubic feet, and removing the second-row seats provided a massive 144.9 cubic feet of space.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its wheelbase and track width with the larger Atlas, resulting in a spacious interior for five adults. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. The panoramic sunroof added to the sense of space, and rear side-window sunshades helped keep the sun out of passengers' eyes. The cargo area was also generous, with deep wells for additional storage, though the shorter length and lower roofline reduced overall cargo space compared to the seven-passenger Atlas.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite was equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto starting with the EX trim. The Touring trim added navigation and HondaLink connected services, including WiFi hotspot access. The CabinWatch and CabinTalk systems allowed the driver to monitor and communicate with rear-seat passengers. However, the rear-seat entertainment system was outdated, and the overall infotainment system felt behind the times, with a small screen and limited voice recognition capabilities.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE came standard with an 8-inch digital cockpit and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims featured a 10.25-inch digital cockpit, an 8-inch touchscreen with proximity sensing, wireless smartphone integration, and additional USB ports. The Car-Net connected services offered remote start, emergency assistance, and a WiFi hotspot. The SEL Premium R-Line trim included a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system, which provided excellent audio quality. However, the user experience with the infotainment system could be frustrating, and the voice recognition technology was limited without a Car-Net subscription.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey came standard with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Additional features included automatic high-beam headlights and a rear-seat reminder system. However, the safety systems could be overly sensitive and abrupt, leading to an unnatural driving experience. The Odyssey earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and an automatic post-collision braking system as standard. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. The IQ Drive system included Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, which provided semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The SEL Premium R-Line trim featured a semi-autonomous parking system and a 360-degree camera system. The Atlas Cross Sport received favorable crash-test ratings but did not earn the highest accolades from the IIHS or NHTSA.