2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

The 2022 Subaru Ascent embraced the trend of blacking out exterior trim with its new Onyx Edition trim level, which sat in the middle of the Ascent lineup. Buyers could choose from Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring trims, with prices ranging from $32,295 to $45,445, plus a $1,125 destination fee. The Onyx Edition featured blacked-out trim, badges, 20-inch aluminum wheels, a unique grille, and special interior trim, priced at $37,995. An optional package added a panoramic moonroof, navigation system, and cargo cover for an additional $2,000.

Inside, the Onyx Edition's StarTex upholstery came in a gray two-tone scheme with light gray stitching, avoiding the all-black interiors common with blacked-out exteriors. Metallic trim on the dashboard and door panels added to the aesthetic. However, the StarTex material tended to trap sweat, making it uncomfortable on hot days. Ventilated seats, available only on the Touring trim, would have been a welcome addition.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried over with minor modifications after significant updates in 2021. The lineup was simplified to SE, SE with Technology, SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL R-Line Black, and SEL Premium R-Line trims. Prices ranged from $34,355 to $51,505, plus a $1,195 destination charge. Our test vehicle, the SEL Premium R-Line, featured extra-cost Aurora Red paint and second-row captain’s chairs, totaling $53,790.

The SEL Premium had standard R-Line design elements, including 21-inch wheels that enhanced the Atlas's bold, boxy look. The interior displayed simplicity with a premium flair, but the use of hard, shiny plastics detracted from the overall quality. Storage areas needed linings to reduce noise and vibration, and low-gloss coatings on hard surfaces would have improved the perceived quality.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent came with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard. Models with 20-inch wheels had an EPA fuel economy rating of 22 mpg combined, though our testing averaged 20.5 mpg. The engine's flat-four layout contributed to a lower center of gravity, enhancing handling.

The CVT was impressive, with eight programmed ratios and manual shift control via steering wheel paddles. It allowed the Ascent to tow up to 5,000 pounds and provided brisk acceleration and commendable passing power. Subaru’s X-Mode off-road traction control system, hill descent control, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance added to its off-roading capabilities. However, the advanced adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technologies sometimes felt unstable, detracting from the driving experience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either front-wheel drive (FWD) or 4Motion AWD. The turbo-four had a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds and an EPA fuel economy rating of 22-23 mpg combined, but required premium fuel for optimal performance.

The optional 3.6-liter V6 engine, standard on higher trims, produced 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. However, acceleration was leisurely, and the engine felt outdated and unrefined. Fuel economy estimates were 19-20 mpg combined, aligning with our 19.6 mpg test result. The Atlas offered various driving modes and Active Control calibrations for different conditions, but the V6's lack of power and efficiency was disappointing.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent could seat up to eight people with a second-row bench seat, though the third row was best suited for children. The driver's seat offered a comfortable and commanding position, and the Onyx Edition was equipped for winter weather with water-resistant seats, triple-zone climate control, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and a wiper de-icer. Loading the second row was easy, thanks to wide rear doors and available captain’s chairs.

Cargo space was ample, with 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 47.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 86.5 cubic feet with both rows folded down. A shallow storage area under the floor provided additional space, and the available panoramic sunroof slightly reduced cargo capacity.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered V-Tex leatherette seating as standard, with heated front seats and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. Higher trims added tri-zone automatic climate control, ambient cabin lighting, an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger’s seat, and a panoramic sunroof. Genuine leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated second-row seats were available on the SEL Premium R-Line trim.

The Atlas excelled in interior space and comfort, seating seven adults comfortably, even in the third row. The low step-in height made entry and exit easy, and numerous storage areas were provided, though many were unlined, causing items to slide and create noise. Cargo space was exceptional, with 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 55.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 96.8 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent featured a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, satellite radio, and a CD player. Premium trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services, including a WiFi hotspot and remote engine starting. The system was user-friendly, with volume and tuning knobs and buttons for shortcuts, but voice recognition needed improvement.

The Onyx Edition used standard stereo speakers, which lacked sonic quality. The optional Harman Kardon premium sound system was not available for this trim. Additional technology features for the Touring trim included a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front camera.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster as standard, with an 8-inch display on lower trims and a 10.25-inch display on higher trims. The SE trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB ports. Higher trims featured the MIB3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and Car-Net connected services.

Car-Net offered three plans: Remote Access, Safe & Secure, and Hotspot. The MyVW smartphone app provided access to Car-Net services, roadside assistance, and maintenance scheduling. Higher trims included a navigation system and a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system. However, the infotainment system was slow to load, and tuning the radio was cumbersome. Voice recognition required a subscription for natural voice capability, and the system was hit-or-miss in understanding commands.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent earned a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance. Standard safety features included Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance tech, with adaptive cruise control, lane-centering technology, and collision avoidance aids. However, EyeSight struggled in direct sunlight, and the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering lacked refinement. Additional safety features included steering responsive LED headlights, automatic high-beam assist, and available blind-spot monitoring and reverse automatic braking.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a comprehensive list of safety features, including automatic post-collision braking, Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and Travel Assist. The SEL trim included brighter LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation and an adaptive front lighting system. The SEL Premium R-Line had a surround-view camera system and Park Assist technology. However, the parking sensors were overly sensitive, and Lane Assist struggled with old construction markings. The Atlas received four-star frontal-impact ratings from the NHTSA and did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.