2022 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried over with minor modifications from its 2021 model, simplifying its lineup to six trim levels: SE, SE with Technology, SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL R-Line Black, and SEL Premium R-Line. Most models came with more standard features than the previous year. Pricing ranged from $34,355 to $51,505, plus a $1,195 destination charge. The SEL Premium R-Line trim, with its 21-inch wheels and R-Line design elements, gave the Atlas a more upscale look. However, the interior, while displaying simplicity with a premium flair, had many low-cost materials, including hard, shiny plastics that detracted from the overall quality.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban, redesigned in 2021, shared its exterior styling with the Tahoe SUV and Silverado 1500 pickup, giving it a supersized appearance. Available in six trims—LS, LT, RST, Z71, Premiere, and High Country—the Suburban offered a fair degree of customization. Our RST test vehicle featured a Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior and 22-inch bright-machined black-painted wheels, giving it a sporty look. Inside, the Suburban provided a spacious cabin with varying levels of luxury depending on the trim. The RST trim included 10-way power seats, Jet Black perforated leather seats with Victory Red stitching, and an optional Luxury package, though the predominantly black interior felt a bit dark.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a 3.6-liter V6. The turbocharged engine produced 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, requiring premium fuel for maximum output. It had a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds and an EPA fuel economy rating of 22-23 mpg combined. The V6 engine, standard on higher trims, produced 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and a fuel economy rating of 19-20 mpg combined. The Atlas featured various driving modes and an optional 4Motion AWD system with Active Control calibrations. However, the V6 engine lacked power, efficiency, and refinement, leading to dissatisfaction. The Atlas' handling was sound, but the ride quality was busy and noisy on certain road surfaces.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine options: a 5.3-liter V8, a 6.2-liter V8, and a new 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six. The 5.3-liter V8 produced 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, while the 6.2-liter V8 produced 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The turbodiesel engine produced 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, offering excellent fuel economy and a five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Suburban's maximum towing capacity was 8,300 pounds. Our RST test vehicle, equipped with the 6.2-liter V8, provided effortless power and acceleration, making it a stress-free experience during an 80-mile tow test.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a roomy interior with comfortable seats for up to seven passengers. The SE trim included V-Tex leatherette seating, heated front seats, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. Higher trims added features like tri-zone automatic climate control, ambient cabin lighting, and a panoramic sunroof. The SEL Premium R-Line trim included genuine leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats. The Atlas provided 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 96.8 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded flat.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in interior space, accommodating up to nine occupants with the optional front-row bench seat. Most trims offered seven- or eight-passenger seating. The third row was spacious enough for adults, and access was excellent. The Suburban provided 41.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 144.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded flat. The second-row seats slid forward or backward up to 5.5 inches, and both rows folded flat with ease. The Suburban also featured an optional power-sliding center console and numerous storage cubbies.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came standard with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, featuring an 8-inch display on lower trims and a 10.25-inch display on higher trims. The SE trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims featured the MIB3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The SEL Premium R-Line trim included a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system. However, the user experience was hindered by slow loading times and a cumbersome tuning process.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered a surprising level of technology. The LS trim included the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and voice recognition. Higher trims featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen with Google built-in, satellite radio, and wireless device charging. The Suburban also offered a WiFi hotspot and a range of camera views, including a "transparent trailer" view. The LT trim and above included a nine-speaker Bose audio system, while the Premier and High Country trims featured a 10-speaker Bose Surround with CenterPoint audio system.

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, front and rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and a surround-view camera system. However, the Lane Assist technology had trouble with old construction markings, and the system could not be easily disabled while driving. The Atlas received four-star ratings for frontal-impact tests from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban included the Chevy Safety Assist suite, featuring automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, front pedestrian braking, rear park assist, following distance indicator, automatic high-beam headlights, and an HD rear-vision camera. Additional safety features included adaptive cruise control, HD surround vision, rear pedestrian alert, reverse automatic braking, lane-changing assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and a head-up display. The Suburban received an overall rating of four out of five stars from the NHTSA.