2022 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover underwent a subtle evolution rather than a complete redesign. Its front and side profiles remained largely unchanged from the previous generation, with a broad, rounded face and expansive, unadorned sheet metal. A vertical accent strip under the mirrors distinguished the new model from its predecessor. The rear of the Range Rover saw the most significant update, replacing the square taillights with sleek LED strips integrated into a darker trim. The SUV maintained its imposing presence, emphasizing its size rather than concealing it with sharp creases. Inside, the Range Rover's cabin was simplified with fewer buttons and a larger, tablet-like touchscreen, offering a modern look. Premium leather and rich wood trim adorned the interior, exuding luxury. The Range Rover's solid build and quiet ride on rough roads further enhanced its premium feel, making it a standout in the luxury SUV segment.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was crafted by removing the third row from the standard Atlas, lowering the roofline by 2.3 inches, and shortening the SUV by 5.2 inches. Despite these changes, the wheelbase remained the same, ensuring ample interior space for five passengers. The Cross Sport's design was bold and sporty, especially in the SEL Premium R-Line trim with 21-inch machined-finish wheels. However, other wheel options were less appealing, with the base SE trim's 18-inch wheels appearing too small. The Atlas Cross Sport offered six paint colors, with some requiring an additional cost. The interior featured a Dark Burgundy over Titan Black color scheme, with other options available. While the interior was spacious, the use of hard, glossy plastics detracted from the overall quality. The Atlas Cross Sport's MSRP was $52,495, slightly less than the standard Atlas SEL Premium R-Line, offering a stylish alternative at a lower price.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered two powertrains. The base P400 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The P530 upgrade boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine, delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The P400 powertrain provided effortless acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, impressive for a nearly 6,000-pound SUV. The Range Rover's handling was surprisingly agile, with well-managed body roll and standard rear-wheel steering for easy maneuverability. The Terrain Response system enhanced off-road capability, adjusting suspension and drivetrain settings for optimal traction. The Range Rover's ride quality was smooth, with minimal wind and road noise, making it one of the most comfortable luxury SUVs available.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options. The standard engine was a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, requiring premium fuel. The available 3.6-liter V6 engine delivered 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, with a 5,000-pound towing capacity. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard and 4Motion all-wheel drive available. The V6 engine felt more energetic in the two-row Cross Sport, despite its aging design. The ride quality varied, with the suspension transferring impact harshness at lower speeds and feeling too soft at higher speeds. The Cross Sport excelled on highways, where the ride was agreeable, and the V6 engine was most efficient. However, road noise was more intrusive than expected. The Cross Sport's off-road capability was limited by its ground clearance and tire design, but it included features like hill start assist and hill descent control.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered ample space in the first two rows, enhanced by large windows and a panoramic sunroof. Front seats were cushioned for comfort, with available massage functions. Storage options included two glove boxes, a wireless charging pad, and a large center console bin. The second row provided generous space for taller passengers, with power recline and sliding adjustments. An optional third row was accessible with a button, though headroom was limited for adults. Cargo space behind the third row was 17.1 cubic feet, expanding to 93 cubic feet with the seats folded. The split tailgate facilitated loading, with buttons to lower the air suspension for easier access.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its wheelbase and interior dimensions with the larger seven-passenger model, offering exceptional roominess for five adults. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats, heated rear seats, and a dual-zone climate control system. A panoramic sunroof enhanced the spacious feel, while rear sunshades protected passengers from sunlight. Storage options included roomy door bins, a large glove compartment, and a sizable bin under the front armrest. The cargo area offered ample space, with deep wells for additional storage. Despite the shorter length and lower roofline, the Cross Sport accommodated full-size suitcases and other items with ease.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover featured a new 13-inch touchscreen with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, offering sharper graphics and quicker responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a wireless charging pad. The Meridian audio system provided excellent sound quality, with an optional 35-speaker upgrade. Other tech features included Amazon Alexa integration, remote automated parking, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE came with Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, an 8-inch digital instrumentation panel, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Higher trims featured a 10.25-inch digital cockpit and an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system offered access to Car-Net connected services, including remote start and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The SEL Premium R-Line test vehicle had a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system, delivering impressive audio quality.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover came standard with frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and a surround-view camera system. These features performed well, with the surround-view cameras proving especially useful off-road. However, the Range Rover lacked some advanced safety features found in rival luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a range of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and an automatic post-collision braking system. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and IQ Drive, which included Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. The Atlas Cross Sport received favorable crash-test ratings, though not the highest accolades from safety organizations.