2023 Lexus GX vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Volkswagen designed the 2022 Atlas Cross Sport by eliminating the third row from the standard seven-passenger Atlas model, lowering the roofline by 2.3 inches for a sportier look, and shortening the SUV’s length by 5.2 inches. Despite these changes, the wheelbase remained the same, ensuring a spacious interior for five people. However, the reduced length and angled rear window decreased cargo space to 40.3 cubic feet behind the second-row seat and a maximum of 77.8 cubic feet. The SEL Premium R-Line trim, with its 21-inch machined-finish wheels, gave the Atlas Cross Sport a bold and upscale appearance, although other wheel options were less appealing. The interior featured various color combinations, but the presence of hard, glossy plastic detracted from the overall quality impression.

The 2023 Lexus GX, with its massive spindle grille, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and 74.2-inch overall height, had a commanding visual presence. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned for 2023, limited to 3,000 units and available in three paint colors. Despite its luxury badge, the GX’s short 109.8-inch wheelbase and minimal overhangs made it look ready for off-road adventures. The interior, however, was marred by an excessive amount of plastic, which undermined its luxury status. Nevertheless, the GX offered heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery, adding some luxury touches to the otherwise dated design.

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 engine, which did not require premium fuel, provided a more satisfying driving experience and a 5,000-pound towing capacity. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard and VW’s 4Motion all-wheel drive available. The V6 engine felt more energetic in the two-row Cross Sport, although the suspension tuning was criticized for being too firm at low speeds and too soft at higher speeds. The Atlas Cross Sport excelled in highway driving but struggled with ride quality on imperfect roads.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 offered a satisfying linear power delivery, it lagged behind more modern engines in terms of performance and fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX’s 6,500-pound towing capacity was respectable but not class-leading. The GX’s weight contributed to noticeable body roll in corners, although it remained predictable and controllable. The Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential and standard four-wheel drive system enhanced its off-road capabilities, making it a solid choice for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its wheelbase and track width with the larger seven-passenger model, resulting in a spacious interior for five adults. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, heated rear outboard seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The panoramic sunroof added to the sense of space, while the cargo area offered ample load-floor real estate, despite being smaller than the seven-passenger model. However, the lack of rubber or fabric lining in storage areas led to potential rattling and scraping noises.

The 2023 Lexus GX provided plenty of cubby space for small items, with a deep center console bin, a handy space for a phone, and conveniently placed cupholders. The decision to stick with hard buttons for controls was a blessing for those who prefer physical interfaces. The second row was comfortable, with captain’s chairs or a three-across bench seat option. However, the third row was too tight for regular use, and the side-hinged, non-power-operated trunk door was cumbersome. The GX offered 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE came standard with Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, featuring an 8-inch display and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB-C ports. Higher trims upgraded to a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit, an 8-inch touchscreen with proximity sensing, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM with 360L, wireless smartphone charging, and additional USB ports. The Car-Net connected service subscription plans offered remote start, emergency assistance, a WiFi hotspot, and more. However, the user experience was often frustrating, and the standard voice recognition technology was subpar. The 12-speaker Fender premium sound system in the SEL Premium R-Line trim was a standout feature.

The 2023 Lexus GX received a 10.3-inch touchscreen in 2022, which was a significant improvement over the previous system. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integrations. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was still present but unnecessary due to the improved touchscreen. The GX came with three years of Lexus Enform Remote and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo. However, the infotainment system already felt dated compared to other Lexus models, with lagging performance and less crisp graphics. The GX’s off-road capabilities were more impressive, with a real four-wheel drive system, downhill assist, hill-start assist, traction control, stability control, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System.

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, front and rear parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, automatic high-beam LED headlights, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and IQ Drive. The IQ Drive system featured Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. The SEL Premium R-Line trim included a semi-autonomous Parking Steering Assistant and an Area View 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.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Despite its older engineering, it included advanced driver assistance systems such as automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams. While it lacked some top-end features like lane-tracing assist and road-sign recognition, the GX’s safety features were commendable for a vehicle originally designed for the 2010 model year.