2022 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was a rugged take on the traditional Outback, offering a higher stance and a more adventurous design. With 9.5 inches of ground clearance, it was equipped with all-terrain tires and restyled bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. The exterior featured a unique grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents, while the interior was dominated by dark gray and black StarTex upholstery. The cabin was designed for durability with waterproof materials and all-weather floor mats, though it lacked ventilated seats, which could be a drawback in warmer climates. The Outback Wilderness was positioned between the Onyx XT and Limited XT in terms of pricing, with a starting price of $36,995 plus destination charges.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried over with minor updates from the previous year, offering a simplified lineup with more standard features. The SEL Premium R-Line trim, priced at $53,790 with destination charges, featured 21-inch wheels and a bold, boxy design. The interior was spacious and comfortable, though some materials felt low-cost, detracting from the overall premium feel. The Atlas was praised for its roomy interior, accommodating up to seven passengers comfortably, and offered numerous storage areas. However, the use of hard, shiny plastics and unlined storage areas led to unwanted noise and a less refined experience.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided ample power for the 3,896-pound vehicle, with a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The EPA estimated fuel efficiency at 24 mpg combined, though real-world testing showed an average of 21.3 mpg on a mountainous route. The Outback's CVT, while offering paddle shifters, was less satisfying due to its droning and soft gear changes. The Wilderness trim featured all-wheel drive, 9.5 inches of ground clearance, and all-terrain tires, making it highly capable off-road. It also boasted improved approach, breakover, and departure angles, along with a dual-function X-Mode traction system.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and a 3.6-liter V6 with 276 horsepower. The V6, standard on higher trims, provided a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds but was criticized for its lack of refinement and power. Fuel economy for the V6 was estimated at 19-20 mpg combined, with a real-world average of 19.6 mpg. The Atlas featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and offered driving modes like Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual. The 4Motion AWD system provided additional traction control options, though ground clearance was modest at 7.5 inches for the V6. The Atlas was noted for its handling, though the ride quality was affected by its large wheels and low-profile tires.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats offered power adjustments, and the rear seat provided ample space for passengers, though it shared the same upholstery issues. The cargo area offered 32.5 cubic feet of space, expanding to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Outback also had a robust roof rack with a 700-pound static load rating, ideal for rooftop camping.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space, comfortably seating seven passengers, including adults in the third row. The Atlas offered V-Tex leatherette seating, with genuine leather and additional features available on higher trims. Cargo space was generous, with 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 96.8 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The Atlas also provided numerous storage areas, though many were unlined, leading to noise from items sliding around.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, though it required learning specific prompts for effective voice control. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, but a premium sound system was not offered. The Outback featured PIN code entry technology, allowing owners to leave the key fob inside the vehicle during outdoor activities.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas included the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit as standard, with an 8-inch display on lower trims and a 10.25-inch display on higher trims. The Atlas SE 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 complex navigation controls, though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were recommended for ease of use.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with EyeSight advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. It also featured steering-responsive headlights and a blind-spot warning system. While crash-test results for the Wilderness were unavailable, the standard Outback earned high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and a surround-view camera system. However, the Lane Assist technology had issues with old construction markings, and the Atlas did not earn top safety ratings from the IIHS or NHTSA.